Trial Attorney

General Job Information

Job Summary

Located in the nation's capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. OAG enforces the District's laws, works to protect and defend D.C. residents, and provides the highest level of independent legal advice and guidance to District of Columbia government agencies. This position is located in the Family Services Division within the Child Protection Section Office.

The Family Services Division works on behalf of the District's most vulnerable citizens-abused and neglected children. The Division has five Child Protection Sections.

The attorneys in these sections handle all child abuse and neglect litigation on behalf of the District's Child and Family Services Agency, from the initiation of a case through finding a child a permanent placement. Division attorneys also advise Child and Family Services social workers and staff members on compliance with local and federal law. Family Services Division attorneys and staff also advise and assist a variety of family focused agencies and services in the D.C. area.

Duties and Responsibilities

Attorneys in the Child Protection Sections represent the District of Columbia on behalf of the Child and Family Services Agency ("CFSA") in an attorney-client relationship in child abuse and neglect cases in the Family Court of the D.C. Superior Court.

There are five Child Protection Sections and attorneys in these sections handle all aspects of child neglect litigation on behalf of the District and CFSA, from petitioning through the achievement of permanency. Attorneys are responsible for petitioning new cases alleging child abuse or neglect, propounding and/or responding to discovery, filing and/or responding to pre-trial motions, participating in mediation, preparing witnesses to testify at trial, and presenting evidence at trial.

The attorneys also represent CFSA post-adjudication with the goal of ultimately securing a safe and permanent home for children through reunification, adoption, or guardianship. In the post-adjudication phase of a neglect case, attorneys are responsible for representing CFSA at review of disposition, status, and permanency hearings, participating in evidentiary hearings, filing motions and responsive pleadings.

In addition, the attorneys provide advice and counsel to social workers and other professionals from CFSA regarding compliance with local and federal law, participate in team meetings as necessary, and work with various multi-disciplinary team members. Attorneys simultaneously maintain a trial caseload and post-adjudication caseload.

Qualifications and Education

A demonstrated commitment to work in the area of child welfare is required. The successful candidate must have a law degree and be a member of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for waiver into bar.

Grade 13: The successful candidate for a Grade 13 will have a minimum of three years of litigation and/or child-welfare experience and possess strong negotiation, litigation, and analytical skills.

PAY PLAN, SERIES, AND GRADE: LA-905-13

SALARY: $109,019 - $119,924

TYPE OF APPOINTMENT:  Legal Service - Regular Appointment

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT:  This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Local 2401. If you opt to join the union, and consent, a service fee will be paid through direct payroll deduction.

REMOTE WORK STATUS: A hybrid remote telework/in-office schedule option is available.

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENT: Pursuant to Office Order 2023-10 (Revised COVID-19 Vaccine Policy) effective immediately, vaccination and additional boosters are no longer required but are strongly encouraged.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING: The selected candidate will be subject to a background investigation including reference checks.

PRIORITY CONSIDERATION: Displaced Employee Priority Placement:  Candidates who are eligible for the District of Columbia's Displaced Employee Program (DEP) and Agency Reemployment Priority Placement Program (ARPP) will be given priority consideration for this position if found qualified.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS:  Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation), and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if the selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia's government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.

RESIDENCY PREFERENCE:  A person applying for a position in the Career Service, Education Service, Management Supervisory Service, an attorney position in the Legal Service (series 905) other than in the Senior Executive Attorney Service (SEAS), or an attorney in the Excepted Service (series 905) who is a bona fide District resident AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District residents' applications, unless the person declines the preference points.

  If selected, the person shall be required to present proofs of bona fide District residency and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment.  Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Applicants claiming veterans' preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE:  Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1998, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after the conviction of or a plea of guilty to a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:   All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, physical disability, matriculation, genetic information, credit information, or status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION: In accordance with the D.C.

Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is also prohibited by the Act.

In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

OFFICIAL JOB OFFERS ARE TO BE MADE ONLY BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES SECTION OF THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL