Supervisory Trial Attorney (Chief)

Closing Date: 18th March, 2026

Description:

Job Description:
NSD seeks a Chief for its Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, focused on overseeing investigative activities in connection with the enforcement of statutes relating to treason, sedition, espionage, and economic espionage, as well as enforcement of the criminal provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Arms Export Control Act, and the Export Control Reform Act; and the administration of the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA).

The Chief:
Serves as the senior leader, supervisor, manager, and advisor for CES, subject to OAAG oversight and direction. Leads and manages sensitive and significant matters vital to national security. Provides leadership advice to guide numerous prosecutions within the CES portfolio, including in determining investigative steps and prosecutorial decisions. Oversees a large volume of ongoing investigations and cases in areas such as export control and sanctions; enforcement of counterespionage and counterintelligence laws; unauthorized public disclosure of national defense information; unlawful retention or transmission of classified information.

Provides leadership and oversees the substantive investigative and prosecution work of the section. Exercises significant discretion and independent judgment in determining how work will be accomplished within the framework of the Department and Division goals, objectives, and strategic vision.

Performs the full range of administrative and technical supervisory, managerial, and authoritative functions to direct CES employees. Directs and supervises section matters, including by approving investigative steps and analyzing the law. Develops operational relationships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Intelligence Community (USIC), and other federal agencies. Provides guidance and counsel to the CES Supervisory Trial attorneys, CES Trial attorneys, and senior officials within NSD and DOJ on complex and sensitive substantive case and policy issues.

Recommends selections for vacancies and promotions within CES, changes in position classification; and awards. Evaluates and resolves serious complaints and reviews and approves disciplinary actions where appropriate. Supervises all subordinate supervisors and staff. Ensures commitment to applying merit promotion principles in all aspects of hiring, selection, training, development, and employee retention.

Obtains and leverages fiscal and human resources to achieve results-oriented outcomes and advises leadership office on budget enhancements that include both performance measures and outcomes that reflect the Section's, the Division's, and the Department's strategic goals and objectives. Helps to implement methods to reduce bottlenecks and to improve team efforts and results. Advises leadership office on financial investments in non-routine training.

Provides advice, guidance, and support to the DAAG, PDAAG, and AAG on key mission-critical issues, initiatives, and agency responsibilities, including through significant daily interaction with leadership. Renders and oversees the development of legal opinions on a broad range of complex issues requiring varied knowledge, expertise, and experience. Advises NSD leadership on laws, regulations, proposed legislation, and other legal and policy developments that may affect the mission and functions of CES. Attends meetings with the National Security Council (NSC), Congress, and foreign partners as directed by NSD OAAG.

Represents the Section, Division, and Department in negotiations and discussions with other state and federal government officials and private sector entities as directed by the NSD OAAG. Participates in engagements with opposing counsel. Advises the NSD OAAG on its development of policies pertaining to CES. Works to ensure the appropriate resolution of significant legal issues. Resolves complex legal disputes between agency partners.

Provides expert strategic advice and judgment on policies to combat national security threats through criminal investigations and prosecutions. Analyzes complex legal, factual, and policy questions. Independently conducts research to help strategy or policy to guide Department decision makers and interagency partners, often under extreme time pressure. Directs and performs legal work involving knowledge of federal law and practice related to implementation of the programs administered by the Department as well as applicable state law and federal statutes, treaties, executive orders, rules, regulations and policies.

Personally volunteers and leads others in Department-wide initiatives, special projects, Division initiatives and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least four or more years of post-J.D. professional experience. Applicants must have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work independently in a very demanding environment. Past experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required but is preferred. Prior federal litigation experience also strongly preferred.

Must be able to meet NSD suitability criteria for this position.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Failure to obtain or retain this level of security clearance and access will be grounds for reassignment, demotion, or removal from the Federal Service. Employee must successfully pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.

Occasional travel is required which may involve the use of commercial and/or government aircraft.

This position is MISSION ESSENTIAL. Most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty, in person, as necessary, in an emergency (regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, furloughs) or conditions such as weather in which non-essential personnel are not expected to report.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE MANAGEMENT/REPORTING: The Department of Justice is committed to maintaining an ethical culture and upholding the principles of ethical conduct. As a DOJ Employee, you will be subject to the Standard of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. As a new Government employee, or as a new employee to this Department, you will be required to receive initial ethics orientation within 3 months of appointment. In addition, you will be required to file the Public Financial Disclosure report (OGE 278e) within 30 days of your appointment, annually, and within 30 days of termination of employment in accordance with title 5, C. F.R. 2634. If you have any questions about these requirements, or any Government ethics issue, you should contact the ethics office for the DOJ.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Salary:
GS-15: $169,279 - $197,200 (per annum)

Number of Positions
One

Travel:

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