U.S. Department of Justice - Civil Division - TORTS BRANCH-FEDERAL TORT CLAIMS ACT SECTION ATTORNEY

About the Office: 

The Torts Branch is seeking experienced Trial Attorneys at the GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 level for its Federal Tort Claims Act Section.

The Torts Branch's Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Section handles a wide variety of complex, and often
controversial, suits filed under the FTCA. These suits arise most often from the provision of medical care at
federal facilities or community health centers, regulatory activities, law enforcement, and management of
federal lands. Currently, the FTCA Section is defending the United States in three mass shooting cases,
including the 2018 shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Another example of
sensitive law enforcement litigation arose out of the defense of alleged FBI misconduct in handling
informants in Boston, as well as suits brought by individuals who were detained on immigration charges
following the 9-11 terrorist attacks. In terms of medical malpractice, the FTCA Section handles some of the
most complex medical malpractice suits filed against the United States. These are often birth injury cases
with complex medical causation issues in which high damages awards are sought. On a day-to-day basis,
the FTCA Section provides guidance on a broad range of legal issues that arise under the FTCA, assists in
the development of strategy, and participates in settlement negotiations in claims handled by other federal
agencies or in cases handled by United States Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs). The FTCA Section has
particular expertise in the evaluation and settlement of catastrophic injury cases. In addition, the FTCA
Section is responsible for making appeal recommendations on adverse FTCA judgments, including those
cases handled by USAOs. The FTCA Section also provides comments on legislation that may have an
impact on taxpayer liability. Often, when Congress is in session, numerous bills are reviewed on a weekly
basis. In addition, the FTCA Section is responsible for the adjudication of administrative claims filed as a
result of the conduct of employees of the Department of Justice (DOJ) nationwide.

Our office places a high value on diversity of experiences and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals from all ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBT individuals, and persons with disabilities.

Job Description: 

This vacancy presents an opportunity for experienced trial attorneys who want to defend the United States
in complex, often high dollar value cases. Trial attorneys in the FTCA Section of the Torts Branch handle
personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage suits arising from activities of federal employees
acting within the scope of their federal employment. FTCA Section attorneys frequently handle large or
complex cases of national significance. They also provide guidance and make recommendations on
settlements proposed by federal agencies and United States Attorneys’ Offices and appeal
recommendations on adverse judgments in FTCA cases.

Qualifications: 

Applicants must possess a J.D. 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. Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills,
exhibit good judgment, and have a strong interest in litigation.
Ideal candidates will have:
• At least four years of post-JD litigation experience in federal courts.
• Excellent research and writing skills, as well as experience presenting oral arguments.
• Substantial firsthand experience handling complex litigation.
• Demonstrated ability to handle all phases of discovery, including working with expert witnesses.
• Excellent analytical ability and the capacity to articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases.
• The ability to work well on individual projects and on team projects.
• A demonstrated record of being able to balance a diverse and constantly changing workload and the
ability to set priorities appropriately

Salary: 

Salary range is at the GS-13 to GS-15 level ($102,663.00 to $170,800.00 per annum)

Travel: 

Occasional Travel - You will be required to travel for this position.

Application Process: 

Applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter (highlighting relevant background), and a writing sample
(no more than 15 pages in length). Please submit applications via email to FTCA.Section@usdoj.gov. On
the subject line, please put “FTCA Section Trial Attorney Application.” While email is the preferred method
of submission, applications may also be submitted via USPS to:

U.S. Department of Justice,
Civil Division, Torts Branch (FTCA Section)
P. O. Box 888
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044
Attn: James G. Touhey, Jr., Director

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Application Deadline: 

Friday, July 24, 2020

Relocation Expenses: 

Relocation expenses are not authorized

Number of Positions: 

Up to 2