Do Attorney Advisors in the Federal Government Litigate?

[Anonymous]

Or do they just serve in an advisory capacity, providing advice, reviewing documents, etc.? I've seen some announcements describe what appears to be an advisory role but also note that some litigation support may be required. I am coming from private practice and trying to avoid litigation so would love it if someone could clarify. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

They don’t argue in court, but yes, some litigation support is involved depending on the role.

[Anonymous]

Instead of drafting briefs you are reviewing them most of the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Instead of drafting briefs you are reviewing them most of the time.

+1 this and usually more of the focus is on the front end (advising on rule gaming, adjudication, policies etc) rather than what happens in court reviewing then agency's action

[Anonymous]

Check the specific job description. Good grief.

[Anonymous]

I’m an attorney advisor and I do investigations.

[Anonymous]

Very dependent on the position. If you are in a division supporting DOJ litigators defending your agency, you may be involved in briefing and discovery, trial prep and have all of the litigation deadlines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check the specific job description. Good grief.

This is OP. I did and still have questions. You can keep scrolling if you are offended.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Very dependent on the position. If you are in a division supporting DOJ litigators defending your agency, you may be involved in briefing and discovery, trial prep and have all of the litigation deadlines.

Some agencies also declare certain Attorney-Advisors as SAUSAs. In that case, they definitely litigate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m an attorney advisor and I do investigations.

Same plus litigation

[Anonymous]

Bizarre question. Main DOJ classifies all of its attorneys as attorney advisors, and many of those folks litigate all day (and work crazy hours). "Attorney advisor" basically refers to anyone in the government who is a practicing attorney. Read the job description to figure out what the job entails; don't base it on this meaningless title. There's no different title for litigators.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bizarre question. Main DOJ classifies all of its attorneys as attorney advisors, and many of those folks litigate all day (and work crazy hours). "Attorney advisor" basically refers to anyone in the government who is a practicing attorney. Read the job description to figure out what the job entails; don't base it on this meaningless title. There's no different title for litigators.

This is literally untrue. Many (most?) main justice attorneys are classified as "Trial Attorney." Are you mixing up the two titles?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bizarre question. Main DOJ classifies all of its attorneys as attorney advisors, and many of those folks litigate all day (and work crazy hours). "Attorney advisor" basically refers to anyone in the government who is a practicing attorney. Read the job description to figure out what the job entails; don't base it on this meaningless title. There's no different title for litigators.

This is literally untrue. Many (most?) main justice attorneys are classified as "Trial Attorney." Are you mixing up the two titles?

OK I stand corrected. You're right that they are advertised on USAJobs as trial attorney for DOJ. I was thinking of how they are classified for payroll purposes, but I got it wrong there also -- they get classified in payroll with the title of "General Attorney."

[Anonymous]

Yes. Most of the administrative hearings before EEOC, MSPB, and arbitrators are handled by attorney-advisors.

[Anonymous]

It's 100% dependent on the position. I'm an attorney advisor who does no litigation but when the litigation role in my organization is posted it's also listed as "Attorney Advisor".