The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President's clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of Attorney General in exercising the clemency power.
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction, and have a minimum of 5 years of post J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen. The work of the General Counsel requires significant attention to detail and the ability to conduct complex legal research and analyses involving regulatory mandates, special initiatives of the Administration, Office of the Attorney General and Office of the Deputy Attorney General. Individuals must perform research on assigned questions of law or policy and prepare reports and memoranda for the use of senior officials of the Department. This position also requires the interpretation of Rules Governing Petitions for Executive Clemency (28 CFR 1.1 et seq.,) and other mission-critical programs of PARDON. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage a significant caseload and work both independently and collaboratively. The Office places a premium on the commitment and ability to prioritize assignments and efficiently produce high-quality work, including substantial, appropriately focused, and well-written work products. Preferred Qualifications: Practice experience in federal regulatory, privacy, FOIA, and criminal law, prior federal or administrative litigation experience, - and excellent legal research and writing skills are strongly preferred qualifications.
PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney to serve in the role of General Counsel for PARDON, to perform duties, including litigation preparation, , coordination with litigating components of the Department, including General Counsel, Federal Programs, the Civil and Criminal Divisions, and U.S. Attorneys' Offices, to oversee the component's FOIA work, and to provide counsel and guidance to senior component managers on areas of general law and federal requirements. Among other responsibilities, the General Counsel provides high-level counsel and assistance to the Pardon Attorney, Senior Deputy Pardon Attorney and Deputy Pardon Attorney regarding the preparation and dissemination of policy-related guidance on matters of importance and sensitivity. The position will also serve as a first-line supervisor of a team of attorneys and legal support staff, rating overall performance, and assigning special projects to address assessed office needs.