Closing Date: 8th December, 2025
Description:
General Job InformationJob 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 Housing and Environmental Justice (HEJS) 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.
HEJS investigates and litigates claims against landlords related to housing conditions and tenant safety—including for violations of the District's Housing and Property Maintenance Codes under the Tenant Receivership Act and the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, and for violations of the Drug-, Firearm-, and Prostitution-Related Nuisance Abatement Act. HEJS also enforces environmental laws that protect the District's natural resources, improve public health, and promote environmental justice, including the Hazardous Waste Management Act, Water Pollution Control Act, and Lead-Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act. HEJS works with other District agencies before the District's Public Service Commission to ensure that utilities comply with solar power, clean energy, and other climate-related requirements. HEJS also receives and responds to tips, referrals, and complaints from tenants, residents, community groups, and sister agencies; engages in public education and outreach and collaborates with local and national tenant and environmental advocates; and advises, comments, and testifies on legislative and regulatory proposals to strengthen housing and environmental enforcement on the local and federal level.
Duties and Responsibilities:
HEJS seeks a litigation attorney who will work primarily on developing and litigating cases against landlords related to housing conditions and tenant safety. The attorney may also work on select environmental 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.
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 of the position will 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.
How to Apply: Online Application must be completed in its entirety, along with the following submissions:
- Cover Letter
- Résumé
- Legal Writing Sample
- A List of Three Current References
Qualifications and Education:
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-12
Incumbent must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Associated (ABA) accredited law school at the time of appointment. A minimum of 1 year of specialized experience is required.
Trial Attorney, LA-0905-13
Incumbent must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an American Bar Associated (ABA) accredited law school at the time of appointment. A minimum of 2 years' specialized experience is required.
The ideal candidate will have civil litigation experience, strong legal research and writing skills, and the ability to work independently and exercise strategic and legal judgment. The candidate must be able to analyze complex factual issues to identify and prosecute potential violations and be able to handle several complex matters at one time. Familiarity with the District's housing and/or zoning and land use laws 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 his/her employment in the Legal Service.
If not currently a member of the District of the Columbia Bar, prior to appointment, the successful candidate must send proof that his/her completed District of Columbia Bar application has been submitted to the District of Columbia Bar.
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 (such as case records, briefcases, and exhibits) is required.
Other Significant Factors
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: La-0905-12
Salary: The Starting Salary Is Negotiable up To $130,250 Depending on Qualifications and Availability of Funds for This Grade Level.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: La-0905-13
Salary: The Starting Salary Is Negotiable up To $138,989 Depending on Qualifications and Availability of Funds for This Grade Level.
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday; 8:45 Am - 5:15 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 1403.
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., (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, 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 Homeless 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.
Official Job Offers Are to Be Made only By the Human Resources Section of The Office of The Attorney General
