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Attorney (Forensic Science)
Career Insights for Lawyer (General)
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Based on Virginia data
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What they do
A Lawyer represents clients in legal matters or court proceedings, provides legal advice and draws up legal documents. Works on criminal or civil cases, and either specializes in one area or practices broadly across all areas of law.
$128,565 / year median in Virginia
+6% projected growth
Job Description
Forensic Science Law attorneys work on a day-to-day basis with renowned FBI Laboratory experts in a wide variety of forensic disciplines: DNA, explosives, trace evidence, code breaking, firearms, and more. Embedded within one of the largest and most comprehensive crime laboratories in the world, FSLU attorneys are experts in legal issues related to forensic science.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
: Possess a law degree from an accredited American Bar Association law school; and Proof of active membership and good standing with any U. S. jurisdiction bar association
Positive Education Requirement:
This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting proof of J.D. degree and proof of good standing with a U. S. jurisdiction bar association. Please see the "
Required Documents:
section of this announcement for additional information.
Education:
Applicant must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have a LLM degree or other graduate law school degree in additional to J.D.) and be an active member of a U.S. jurisdiction bar association. Duties for this position will include but are not limited to: Providing legal advice to FBI CRM and field agents regarding IGG-related investigative activities. Advising on
FBI CRM, FBI
LD, prosecutors, and external partners on policy and strategy related to IGG, including investigative techniques, discovery and trial strategy, issues related to admissibility. Collaborating with DOJ and FBI CRM to develop and implement a strategy for the use of legal process. Reviewing, drafting, and advocating for IGG-related legislation;
• Working with the FBI LD and DOJ to assess the feasibility of alternative databasing options. Implementing a national strategy related to the admissibility of advanced DNA evidence, collaborating closely with state and federal prosecutors admitting such evidence. Representing the FBI during interactions with other agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice on legal issues surrounding forensic science, and working cooperatively with other agencies to establish inter-agency agreements. Travel will be required. Other legal duties as assigned. GS-14: Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience. GS-15: Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience.
Preferred Qualifications :
At least 5 years of experience as a federal or state prosecutor handling complex criminal cases. A passion for learning about novel and complex scientific and/or technical concepts. Demonstrated ability to communicate and build strong relationships with a wide variety of people, especially scientific and/or technical subject matter experts. Experience litigating complex discovery challenges and familiarity with DOJ's Touhy process, helpful but required. Experience litigating challenges to the admissibility of forensic evidence, helpful but not required. Experience using DNA evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings helpful but not required. Experience providing legal training to prosecutors, law enforcement, or others. Ability to perform superior legal and factual analyses on complex issues. Excellent legal research, legal writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and environments.