General Attorney (RECA)

Offices, Boards and Divisions•Washington, DC

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section is the largest section of the Torts Branch in the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. The RECA Program administers claims under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which provides 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 expanded to cover additional geographic areas, more workers, and injuries connected to the Manhattan Project. RECA Program staff represent the Attorney General's interests throughout claims investigation, adjudication, and appeal. The program handles complex legal and factual issues involving substantial monetary claims and contributes to the Department's efforts to provide restitution to affected individuals. The General Attorney conducts legal research and analysis, reviews administrative records, develops and evaluates evidence, assesses claims for fraud and litigation risk, and recommends entitlement determinations. The attorney also prepares correspondence, memoranda, pleadings, and other legal documents; works with government agencies and DOJ trial attorneys; and participates in discussions with opposing counsel and other stakeholders. This is not a remote position. The employee is required to work in person five days a week.

Requirements

Possess a J.D. or equivalent degree.
Be licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.
Meet the post-J.D. legal experience requirement for the applicable grade: GS-11, up to one year; GS-12, at least one year; GS-13, at least 1.5 years; GS-14, at least 2.5 years; GS-15, at least four years.
Be a U.S. citizen or national.
Complete a background investigation, including drug testing, and pass the required pre-appointment drug test.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or demonstrate exemption.
Disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and federal ethics guidelines if selected.
Academic degrees and coursework must be from an appropriately accredited or pre-accredited college or university; foreign education must be shown to be comparable to U.S. education, with required credential evaluation documentation.
Meet all qualifications by the vacancy announcement closing date.
Work in person five days a week; the position is not remote.
A two-year trial period may be required; the announcement states that employment is subject to a two-year trial period and written certification of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

Proven advocacy skills.
Strong legal writing skills.
Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases.

Responsibilities

Conduct research and analyze the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, and regulations concerning complex issues arising in the RECA Program and matters within the purview of T-CSTL.
Review administrative records for RECA claims involving complex factual and legal questions.
Develop additional evidence in support of determinations regarding entitlement to compensation and the amount of compensation.
Work with federal, state, and local agencies to collect evidence relevant to the Department's position.
Evaluate claims for fraud and litigation risk and provide recommendations regarding entitlement.
Draft correspondence, memoranda, and other documents relating to claims.
Work with DOJ trial attorneys representing the United States in RECA Program matters before the courts.
Draft legal pleadings and other documents needed to defend decisions made under the Act.
Participate in meetings and discussions with opposing counsel, collaborating agencies, and state and local stakeholders regarding claims and other RECA Program matters.