Closing Date: 10th July, 2026

Description:

Summary:
Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Program seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and actions brought in federal district courts. The branch's work touches on many areas of government. Well-qualified candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus of up to $25,000.

Duties:
The RECA Program administers claims under a statute providing compensation to individuals who developed illnesses from radiation exposure while mining, milling, or transporting uranium ore for defense purposes, or from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. In July 2025, the Act was expanded to cover additional geographic areas, more workers, and injuries connected to the Manhattan Project.

Staff in the RECA Program represent the Attorney General's interests throughout the claims process, including investigation, adjudication, and appeal. The program handles complex legal and factual issues involving substantial monetary claims and serves as a key component of the Department's efforts to provide restitution to affected individuals.

As a General Attorney, the incumbent:

Conducts research and analysis concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, and regulations regarding complex issues that arise in connection with the RECA Program and matters within purview of T-CSTL;
Reviews the administrative record in claims under RECA with complex factual and legal questions;
Works to develop additional evidence in support of determinations of entitlement to compensation and the amount of such compensation;
Works closely with federal, state, and local agencies to collect evidence relevant to the Department's position;
Evaluates claims for fraud and litigative risk and provides recommendations of entitlement.
Drafts associated correspondence, memoranda, and documents relating to claims;
Works closely with DOJ trial attorneys representing the United States in RECA Program matters that end up before the courts.
Drafts legal pleadings and other documents that may be needed in defense of decisions made under the Act; and
Participates in meetings and discussions with opposing counsel, collaborating agencies, state and local stakeholders regarding all aspects of claims and other matters related to the RECA Program.

This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
May require completion of a 2-year trial period. (Please refer to the trial period statement under Qualifications.)
May be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.

Qualifications:
Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.

Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience.

To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience
To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Preferred qualifications: Applicants with proven advocacy and legal writing skills preferred. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable.

Trial Period Statement
As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education:
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.

Or

Education Completed in Foreign Colleges or Universities May Be Used to Meet the Above Education Requirements if You Can Show that The Foreign Education Is Comparable to That Received in An Accredited Educational Institution in The United States. It Is Your Responsibility to Timely Provide Such Evidence by Submitting Proof of Creditability of Education as Evaluated by A Credentialing Agency with Your Application Materials. More Information May Be Found at Https://www.Ed.Gov/about/initiatives/international-Affairs/recognition-Of-Foreign-Qualifications

All Documentation Must Be in English or Include an English Translation.

Additional Information:
The Division Plans to Onboard New Attorneys by September 6, 2026, with Recruitment Incentives Contingent upon The Availability of Funding. Because the Onboarding Process Can Be Lengthy and Funding Is Limited, Applicants Are Strongly Encouraged to Submit Their Completed Application as Soon as Possible for Consideration.

Applicants Approved for A Signing Bonus Must Sign a Service Agreement Prior to Onboarding, Committing to A Service Period of Two Years or Longer, Depending on The Candidate's Experience.

Applicants Who Are Currently Employed by The Federal Government Are Not Eligible for A Recruitment Incentive.

Veteran Preference: If You Are Entitled to Or Claim Veterans' Preference (vp), You Should Indicate the Type of Veteran Preference (5 or 10 Points) You Are Claiming on Your Resume. in Order to Determine Your Eligibility, You Can Find Additional Information At: Http://www.Opm.Gov/policy-Data-Oversight/veterans-Services/vet-Guide/.

There Is No Formal Rating System for Applying Veterans' Preference to Attorney Appointments in The Excepted Service; However, the Department of Justice Considers Veterans' Preference Eligibility as A Positive Factor in Attorney Hiring. Applicants Eligible for Veterans' Preference Must Include that Information in Their Cover Letter or Resume and Attach Supporting Documentation (e.G., the Dd 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and Other Supporting Documentation) to Their Submissions. Although the "point" System Is Not Used, per Se, Applicants Eligible to Claim 10-Point Preference Must Submit Standard Form (sf) 15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference, and Submit the Supporting Documentation Required for The Specific Type of Preference Claimed (visit the Opm Website, Www.Opm.Gov/forms/pdf_Fill/sf15.Pdffor a Copy of Sf 15, Which Lists the Types of 10-Point Preferences and The Required Supporting Document(s).

Doj Eeo Statement/policy: U.S. Department of Justice Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Issued December 31, 2025 (https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline)

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Applicants Requiring Reasonable Accommodation for Any Part of The Application and Hiring Process Should Contact the Hiring Agency Directly. Determinations on Requests for Reasonable Accommodation Will Be Made on A Case-By-Case Basis.

Schedule A