General Attorney (RECA)

Summary

The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section is the largest section of the Torts Branch in the Civil Division, Department of Justice. CSTL includes three groups: Civil Division, Torts Branch, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program.

Duties

The RECA Program administers claims under a statute providing compensation to individuals who developed illnesses from radiation exposure while mining, milling, or transporting uranium ore for defense purposes, or from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. In July 2025, the Act was expanded to cover additional geographic areas, more workers, and injuries connected to the Manhattan Project. Staff in the RECA Program represent the Attorney General's interests throughout the claims process, including investigation, adjudication, and appeal. The program handles complex legal and factual issues involving substantial monetary claims and serves as a key component of the Department's efforts to provide restitution to affected individuals. As a General Attorney, the incumbent: Conducts research and analysis concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, and regulations regarding complex issues that arise in connection with the RECA Program and matters within purview of T-CSTL; Reviews the administrative record in claims under RECA with complex factual and legal questions; Works to develop additional evidence in support of determinations of entitlement to compensation and the amount of such compensation; Works closely with federal, state, and local agencies to collect evidence relevant to the Department's position; Evaluates claims for fraud and litigative risk and provides recommendations of entitlement. Drafts associated correspondence, memoranda, and documents relating to claims; Works closely with DOJ trial attorneys representing the United States in RECA Program matters that end up before the courts. Drafts legal pleadings and other documents that may be needed in defense of decisions made under the Act; and Participates in meetings and discussions with opposing counsel, collaborating agencies, state and local stakeholders regarding all aspects of claims and other matters related to the RECA Program. This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week.

Qualifications

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, 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.Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level. To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience. To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience. To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience. To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Preferred qualifications: Applicants with proven advocacy and legal writing skills preferred. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable. Trial Period Statement: As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov. OR Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.