Assistant Legal Adviser (Diplomatic Law and Litigation)

Quick Facts

• Title: Assistant Legal Adviser (Diplomatic Law and Litigation)

• Reports to: Deputy Legal Adviser

Description

Serve as an Assistant Legal Adviser providing legal advice and services on diplomatic law matters that impact U.S. foreign policy interests. Advise on the legal implications of U.S. actions and actions by foreign states or international organizations, including novel international situations. Lead the office’s work by supervising attorneys and paralegals and ensuring expert, timely legal services and operational support for diplomatic and litigation needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely, expert legal advice for Department and interagency actions, including international negotiations and interpretations of international agreements, customary international law, and domestic law.

• Advise on status, privileges, and immunities of international organizations, their personnel, and missions in the U.S.

• Advise on the immunity of foreign states and governmental officials in the U.S., including application of the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act.

• Advise on immunity of the U.S. Government and its personnel abroad, including in litigation; address head of state and other status-based and functional immunity; and advise on recognition of states and governments.

• Handle related legal issues arising in criminal proceedings and civil litigation, including matters under the Alien Tort Statute, and provide operational and litigation support to relevant departmental components and U.S. missions abroad.

• Direct and supervise approximately 7–9 attorneys and paralegals; review work products for accuracy and timeliness.

• Perform office management and administrative responsibilities.

• Promote human resources policies and encourage employee development through varied work assignments and continuing legal education.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship required.

• Active bar membership and authorization to practice law in a U.S. state/territory or the District of Columbia; proof of licensure required.

• LL.B. or J.D. degree required; proof of degree required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

• Subject to random drug testing (drug-testing designated position).

• Completion and favorable adjudication of a background security investigation.

• Submit a financial disclosure statement (OGE-278), including annually and upon termination.

• Verification of employment eligibility in the United States required.

• SES entry requires progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience, supported by ECQs and MTQs.

• Resume-based application only: resume must embed evidence of ECQs and MTQs; no separate narrative statements accepted.

• Resume must not exceed 2 pages; resumes over the limit are disqualified/not reviewed.

Benefits

Comprehensive federal benefits package; eligibility depends on the type of position held and schedule (full-time/part-time/intermittent).