Deputy Branch Chief (Litigation Branch)

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years of post-J.D. experience. Preferred qualification: Prior experience in correctional law, constitutional law, or administrative law is preferred, but not required. Prior supervisory experience also is preferred, but not required.

The mission of the Litigation Branch is to provide support to attorneys in the Department of Justice (DOJ) components and in the U.S. Attorney's Offices on cases filed in the District of Columbia and cases having a national impact on Bureau programs and policies. The litigation covers a wide variety of issues, such as constitutional challenges, tort claims, and injunctive relief.

The Litigation Branch also works with and advises the Assistant Director/General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel, Assistant Directors, Regional Directors, and Wardens, and their management staff on issues related to Bureau litigation. The Litigation Branch is responsible for analyzing all adverse decisions against the Bureau to determine if appeal is warranted; this entails working closely with DOJ appellate attorneys and attorneys in the Solicitor General's Office.

The Litigation Branch reviews cases before the Supreme Court and advises attorneys in the Solicitor General's Office of the Bureau's position. Nationwide, the branch reviews and obtains settlement authority for cases and claims above a certain dollar amount. The Litigation Branch also oversees claims filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act and recovers funds owed to the agency pursuant to the Federal Claims Collection Act and the Medical Care Recovery Act.

The Deputy Associate General Counsel of the Litigation Branch assists the Associate General Counsel in the management of the Branch. Based on the needs of the Branch, the Deputy Associate General Counsel of the Litigation Branch could, for example, be responsible for supervising other Litigation Branch attorneys and staff, managing the Branch's workflow, and standing in for the Associate General Counsel upon request.

The incumbent also would likely develop the incumbent's own areas of subject-matter expertise and perform other functions as needed, including, but not limited to, providing direct litigation support to Assistant U.S. Attorney's and DOJ attorneys and handling a caseload.

Like the Associate General Counsel and other Litigation Branch attorneys, the Deputy Associate General Counsel would be responsive to internal and external stakeholders and might be expected to provide training in a variety of subject areas and settings. The Practice areas related to this position are: Correctional Law, Constitutional Law and Administrative Law.