ABOUT THE POSITION
The Chief Counsel advises the heads of regional operating and staff divisions on Department programs administered in the region and is the Regional Director's chief legal advisor. Provides legal advice to the General Counsel on formulation, coordination, revision and execution of administrative policy and programs at the regional and national levels. Drafts, reviews, and clears important letters, policy statements, and similar communications by the Regional Director and other region officials on significant program and policy matters which require sensitivity to legal, public relations, or State relations implications.
Serves as a member of the top management team in the region and collaborates with the Regional Director, the General Counsel, and other high level OGC and region managers to establish and articulate legal positions, organizational priorities, and operating principles. Provides leadership and executive management of an office of 31 attorneys and additional support staff to ensure that the office produces timely and quality legal work that meets the agency's needs, that staff have opportunities for career development and advancement, and that office is managed in conformance with all personnel, fiscal, and other administrative requirements. Manages organizational resources consistent with long and short-term plans and operational requirements. Provides executive leadership for identifying and implementing ways to improve the quality and efficiency of the region's business processes and enhance the quality and timeliness of the region's legal products and services.
Consults with U.S. Attorneys and provides professional leadership for legal staff's activities involving investigating, preparing, presenting, and conducting criminal and civil litigation growing out of Departmental activities in the region. Activities include developing litigation strategies and negotiating settlements of claims against the United States. Consultation and assistance involve preparation of complaints, briefs, motions, stipulations, judgments, findings, and all other instruments and documents required for litigation; interviewing witnesses; and advising clients of the legality of State, local, and private claims against the United States. Provides authoritative advice on legal matters to representatives of U.S. Attorneys' Offices, the Department of Justice, the Solicitor General, and others. Directs staff activities involving assistance to State and local law offices in litigation in State courts affecting Federally aided programs.
Starting at $147,649 Per Year (ES 00)
