Correctional Law Attorney

Quick Facts

Primary law enforcement correctional law role supporting federal correctional facilities.

• Practice areas: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Prisoners’ Rights
• Supports litigation and legal operations across multiple federal facilities (including occasional on-site legal services and Denver judicial proceedings)

Description

Provide legal advice and litigation support for correctional matters handled through administrative and court channels. Work closely with the U.S. Attorneys’ Office and advise all levels of correctional staff, including executive leadership, on Bureau of Prisons (BOP) policy and practice. The position may require short-notice District Court appearances and can involve hands-on law enforcement duties during training, emergencies, staff shortages, and disturbances.

Responsibilities

• Handle matters such as inmates’ access to courts, conditions of confinement, medical care, diet and religious accommodations, housing assignments, hygiene and sanitation, discipline, civil commitment, and mental health issues
• Provide guidance on correctional management rationale based on thorough knowledge of BOP policy and practice
• Communicate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, federal courts, and agency officials
• Advise correctional facility staff and executive staff on legal issues
• Participate in hands-on correctional operations as needed: custody and supervision, emergency response, fog and escape patrols, visual searches and shakedowns for contraband, and physical control during fights/assaults/riots or escape attempts
• Complete required correctional training and be prepared for assignment to correctional officer posts during crises

Requirements

• J.D. degree
• Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction
• U.S. citizenship required
• Successful completion of Institution Familiarization
• Introduction to Correctional Techniques Phase I (locally) and Phase II (mandatory at the Staff Training Academy)
• Pass pre-employment and panel interview, urinalysis, physical, and background investigation
• Pass screening requirements (NCIC and credit check) and review of income tax filing history
• Disclose potential conflicts of interest related to matters or representations connected to the office

Benefits

A comprehensive U.S. federal benefits package is available; eligibility depends on the position type and schedule (full-time/part-time/intermittent).