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DC Department of Human Resources

TRIAL ATTORNEY

DC Department of Human Resources, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

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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 laws of the District, defends, and provides legal advice to the District’s government agencies and protects the interests of the District’s residents. This position is in the Civil Rights & Elder Justice Section of the Public Advocacy Division (PAD).

PAD investigates and litigates affirmative civil cases aimed at protecting the public interest, including cases involving civil rights, consumer protection, housing conditions, elder justice, antitrust laws, workers’ rights, and fraud against the District. The Civil Rights & Elder Justice Section (CREJS) is one of five sections within PAD and civilly enforces the District’s non‑discrimination laws and laws that protect elders and vulnerable adults from financial exploitation. The section prosecutes a wide range of cases, seeking injunctive relief, damages or restitution, and civil penalties, typically in DC Superior Court. CREJS seeks an experienced litigation attorney for the section’s elder justice work, with a particular focus on developing pattern and practice cases involving fraud and scams that impact elders and vulnerable adults. The attorney may also work on select civil rights cases, coordinate with attorneys in PAD’s other sections, participate in community outreach activities, and assist on policy matters or amicus briefs with OAG leadership and other OAG divisions.

Duties and Responsibilities The successful candidate will investigate, develop, and litigate cases against entities that violate District law; help develop a robust enforcement strategy to deter violations and encourage compliance in target industries; and engage in community outreach. Duties include identifying areas for investigation, conducting pre‑suit discovery using compulsory process and informal methods, working with expert witnesses, taking depositions, conducting document review and analysis of complex factual and legal issues, negotiating settlements, drafting internal memoranda, preparing matters for litigation, litigating cases through trial in D.C. Superior Court, engaging in community outreach and education, assisting with claims administration, and coordinating efforts with other District, state, and federal enforcement agencies.

Qualifications Incumbent must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school at the time of appointment.

Minimum 2 years of experience, one of which at an equivalent of LA‑12, is required.

Strong legal research and writing skills; demonstrated interest in public interest; ability to work independently and exercise strategic and legal judgment.

Ability to analyze complex factual issues to identify and prosecute potential violations and handle several matters simultaneously.

Familiarity with consumer protection enforcement work or scams that disproportionately target elders is desired but not required.

Minimum 5 years of experience, one of which at an equivalent of LA‑13, is required.

Significant case management and civil litigation experience; strong legal research and writing skills.

Ability to analyze complex factual issues to identify and prosecute potential violations; handle several complex matters simultaneously.

Familiarity with consumer protection enforcement work or scams that disproportionately target elders is desired but not required.

Licenses and Certifications The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment. An appointee to the Legal Service shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar and be admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia during employment. If not currently a member of the District of Columbia Bar, prior to appointment, the successful candidate must send proof that the completed District of Columbia Bar application has been submitted.

Working Conditions/Environment Work is primarily performed in an office setting. Generally, work is sedentary, some walking, handling, and carrying of light to moderately heavy objects is required.

Salary and Benefits Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA‑0905‑13 – starting salary negotiable up to $131,045 depending on qualifications and availability of funds.

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: LA‑0905‑14 – starting salary negotiable up to $150,159.

Number of Vacancies: One (1)

Tour of Duty: Monday‑Friday; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. In‑person reporting with limited telework and flexible work schedules available upon eligibility.

Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential.

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE Local 2401.

Type of Appointment: Legal Service – Regular.

Residency Preference: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

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, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, genetic information, or political affiliation.

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., 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, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, genetic information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking, credit information, or homelessness status of any individual. 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.

How to Apply Online Application must be completed in its entirety, along with the following submissions:

Cover Letter

Résumé

Legal Writing Sample

Three Current References

Please upload all of these documents as one combined PDF in the “resume” field of the application. If experiencing issues uploading attachments, send the required documents to OAGrecruitment@DC.gov. Failure to submit the required documentation may lead to non‑consideration for the position.

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