Career Development Office Blog

The Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management (OARM) at the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking an experienced attorney (GS-14/15) to serve on the OARM Legal Recruitment team under the direction of the Deputy Director for Legal Recruitment and Outreach. The selectee will work closely with the team to coordinate, promote and enhance a Department-wide legal outreach and recruitment strategy, as well as attorney professional development, and diversity and inclusion efforts.

About the Office: OARM is responsible for administering and promoting law student and attorney employment opportunities at the Department. The Department recruits law students, entry-level and experienced attorneys from a broad cross-section of the country to fill more than 3,000 compensated and volunteer positions annually through a variety of legal employment programs. These programs include the Attorney General’s Honors Program (HP), Summer Law Intern Program (SLIP), Volunteer Legal Intern Program (VLIP), and lateral attorney recruitment. OARM is also responsible for managing and assisting in the implementation of a number of the Department’s policies related to diversity and inclusion. OARM is a service-driven organization for the entire Agency. OARM serves as the primary resource, both within and outside the Department, on all issues related to law student and attorney employment including recruitment, outreach, retention, professional development and inclusion. OARM is also responsible for adjudicating the suitability of all legal hires, deciding certain adverse actions; and FBI whistleblower cases under statutory authority and Department regulations.

Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: This position provides an opportunity for an attorney with at least 4 years of post-JD legal and/or legal recruiting experience, who is committed to recruiting, developing and retaining highly qualified individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences for the largest legal employer in the country. This position is as dynamic as the changing marketplace. A good match for the position will be someone who is a relationship builder who thrives in an environment that puts a premium on consensus building, who can be both collaborative and independent, engaging and has great instincts and sound judgment.

Some of the primary responsibilities of the position include:

• serving as a spokesperson for the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management and the Department of Justice both internally and externally on matters related to attorney recruitment, hiring, management and inclusion. Incumbent must speak knowledgeably and enthusiastically about the Department’s legal recruitment programs, and have general knowledge of public interest/federal government work;
• actively promoting the Department at law schools, bar association conferences, and other forums through personal and video presentations, trainings, as well as through broader written and oral communication, to attract a wide range of highly-qualified applicants for law student and attorney positions throughout the Department;
• independently developing and conducting presentations and training for Department management and staff on a variety of topics related to effective and inclusive recruitment, sound hiring practices, and issues related to workforce development;
• providing ongoing assistance and support to Department offices, including the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and component field offices outside of the Washington metro area to assess and strengthen their professional development and retention practices, as well as provide guidance on the continued implementation of the Department’s diversity and inclusion initiatives;
• supporting the administration of recruitment and retention programs such as the Attorney General’s Honors Program, Summer Law Intern Program, and the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program;
• managing and administering the Department’s Attorney Mentor Program, including coordinating with components and USAOs to ensure broad and effective program participation; and
• drafting appropriate correspondence to Department officials, the judiciary, law school career services offices, and applicants on behalf of the Director and Deputy Director on a variety of topics, and assisting with various administrative functions associated with a small office.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (anyU.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 4 years of experience including demonstrable career development and/or legal recruitment experience.

In addition, a good match for this position is a self-starter with a “can-do” attitude who wants to make an impact, has a demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, strong written and oral communication skills, and organizational “savvy.”

The successful candidate will also have:

• strong interpersonal skills, with a particular emphasis on relationship building;
• comfort and skill in speaking in front of large audiences, as well as leading and facilitating discussions among individuals with varying points of view;
• keen attention to detail, organizational skills, and an ability to manage competing priorities and willingness and ability to handle associated administrative details with limited support;
• tact, maturity, diplomacy in a variety of situations, and the ability to interact effectively with individuals at various levels inside and outside the Department;
• comfort with the use of technology in the development of recruitment, training and professional development and retention tools; and
• a positive outlook, self-motivation, and the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications: Other experience which is highly desirable, but not required, includes prior experience with the Department of Justice or other federal agencies, law school career services or private sector legal recruiting, professional development and/or diversity inclusion experience.

Travel: Occasional travel, typically several short trips a year within theUnited States to attend conferences, career fairs, and other recruitment related events, will be required.

Salary Information: Current salary level and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level within the GS14/15 range.

Location: Washington, D.C. Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Application Process and Submission Deadline: Applicants should submit a resume and detailed cover letter which highlights the applicant’s interest in the position, relevant experience, and how they meet the qualifications and qualities sought for the position. Application materials should be submitted via email. No telephone calls please. This position will be open until filled but applications must be received by January 11, 2013.

For more information about the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management visit the website.