Take it from those who know!  The folks at the Department of Justice share some insights with the PSLawNet Blog about opportunities at DOJ.

1.            What are the traditional points of entry for attorneys into the Department of Justice?

The good news is there are multiple points of entry into legal positions at the Department of Justice.  Many law students (more than 1800 annually) enter the Department as volunteer legal interns and many of those same interns rejoin the Department at some point in their career.  The same holds true for the 100 to 120 law students who participate in the compensated Summer Law Intern Program.  The Attorney General’s Honors Program, which is the only way you can enter the Department as a graduating law student, is the entry point for anywhere from 150 to 200 law students every year, and another 600 – 700 experienced attorneys join the Department annually.  In other words, wherever you are in your legal career, there is an opportunity to join the Department.

2.            How about for attorneys who no longer wish to practice? Are there employment opportunities for them? If so, could you talk about how attorneys apply for them?

Law school and legal work experience gives you valuable skills that are transferable to a wide range of professions, not just practicing law.  There are more than 120,000 individuals working for the Department and only 10,000 works as attorneys.  Based on these numbers, we have many opportunities for attorneys who no longer wish to practice. The types of positions vary widely, and include jobs such as investigator, administrator, program analyst, paralegal, program manager, and human resources specialist.  Most of these positions are available through the competitive service and all of them are advertised on USAJOBS.

3.            Steering back to hiring, we’re keeping ourselves abreast of the efforts that Office of Personnel Management’s application reform process.  To what extent are these reforms affecting DOJ attorney hiring?

The purpose of the hiring reforms is to streamline the hiring process, and make it simpler for job applicants who wish to serve their country through federal sector employment.  Through a more efficient and user friendly hiring process, the DOJ will be better able to hire quality, mission-critical personnel such as those who carry out the Department’s important law enforcement mission.  Attorneys and non-attorneys alike serve to benefit from the enhanced transparency and efficiency brought about by OPM’s hiring reforms.

4.            We also know that the federal government has imposed a hiring freeze at all agencies.  How has the freeze impacted hiring at DOJ?

In light of budget reductions, all Federal Agencies, including DOJ, have taken additional steps to ensure there continued ability to comply with critical mission requirements.  Proposed expenditures, not just hiring, are being carefully reviewed with these requirements in mind.  All future experienced career attorney positions as well as entry level attorney opportunities through the Attorney General’s Honors Program will continue to be posted on DOJ’s attorney vacancy web site (www.justice.gov/oarm) in normal course.

5.            Turning now to those who are selected for an interview, what are three pieces of advice you’d give a candidate?

The Department of Justice is a mission driven organization.  We are interested in talented candidates who demonstrate that they want to contribute to the overall mission of the Department, as well as the specific mission of the individual office.  Our three interview tips:

1. Do your homework. Have a clear understanding of the mission and work of the office. Consult the web, career services, alumni, and other contacts.
2. Have a clear and persuasive answer to the question: “Why are you interested in working with us?” Be able to draw a clear connection between your skills and experience and the work of the office.
3. Know who you are and what you bring to the table. DOJ values authenticity, integrity, enthusiasm, and confidence.

6.            Programs like the Presidential Management Fellowship have recently become an increasingly attractive route for law graduates not wanting to practice.  Has DOJ made any PMF or similar program placements recently?

The Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management does not manage the Department’s Presidential Management Fellowship program.  However, PMFs with law degrees are welcome to apply for the Attorney General’s Honors Program provided they meet other eligibility requirements.  In addition, PMFs qualify for many non legal positions in the Department.