Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Attorney

Required Qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction). Preferred qualification: Prior experience in correctional law and/or federal or civil litigation is preferred, but not required.

The legal practice of Consolidated Legal Center (CLC) Devens covers a wide variety of issues focusing on correctional and constitutional law, either through administrative or litigation channels and includes such matters as inmates' reasonable access to the courts (through access to legal materials, legal correspondence, and attorney-client visits), conditions of confinement (e.g., medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation) and post sentencing processes (e.g., sentence computation and inmate discipline).

The practice also addresses claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act and the Freedom of Information Act, and provides assistance to federal and state courts and law enforcement agencies on issues concerning the CLC and the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

In addition, due to the unique issues posed by medical centers with forensic mental health components, the practice involves various hearings and motions practices related to hospitalizations of incarcerated individuals with mental diseases or defects and or Court-ordered medication therefor. As a member of the Devens Consolidated Legal Center (CLC), the incumbent is expected to provide advice and guidance to all levels of staff at FMC Devens, including members of their Executive Staff.

The incumbent may also be required to handle other BOP legal matters as assigned, which pertain to other BOP facilities. The incumbent will also be expected to communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials. The incumbent will need to develop a thorough knowledge of all aspects of BOP policy and practice as he/she may be required to appear in District Court on short notice to explain and advocate the agency's rationale for its correctional management decisions.

The incumbent is expected to perform legal research and writing independently with minimal oversight. The incumbent is also expected to learn and adapt to BOP protocols in order to achieve optimal levels of advocacy and persuasion. This is a primary law enforcement position. The duties of this position may at times require frequent and direct contact with individuals in confinement who are suspected or convicted of serious criminal offenses.

It has also been determined that the duties of this position require experience and knowledge of the on-the-job responsibilities of a primary law enforcement officer working in a detention facility. Because of the nature and mission of this position, it requires "hands-on" understanding of the issues encompassed in working within an institution.

The incumbent may be called on to perform as a law enforcement officer in a correctional environment during training, emergency situations, times of staff shortages, and under any other type of correctional operating crisis. Specific correctional responsibilities may include custody and supervision of inmates, responding to emergencies and institution disturbances, participating in fog and escape patrols, and assuming correctional officer posts when necessary.

The incumbent may be required to shakedown inmates and conduct visual searches in their work or living area for contraband. The incumbent must be prepared to use physical control in situations where necessary, such as in fights among inmates, assaults on staff, and riots or escape attempts. The Practice areas related to this position are: Correctional Law, Constitutional Law, and Civil Litigation.