OAG: Hiring FAQs SAP
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Hiring FAQs
 

What is the hiring process for attorney positions?

The OAG hiring process is multi-tiered. Applications are first reviewed by the Deputy Attorney General for Professional Development (DAGPD). Based upon the DAGPD's evaluation of the candidates' applications, select candidates are contacted for interviews with the Hiring Committee. The Hiring Committee convenes on Wednesdays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm for interviews. Interviews are generally 30 minutes in duration. Based upon their review of a candidate's application and the candidate's responses during the interview, the Hiring Committee will decide whether to refer a candidate to a particular section or agency. If a candidate is referred to a section or agency, the managers within the relevant division or General Counsel's office will decide whether they wish to interview the referred candidate. After the second interview, the Deputy Attorney General of the relevant division or the General Counsel of the relevant agency will inform the DAGPR if they have selected the candidate. A criminal background check and a check of the selected candidate's references will then be conducted. In addition, the selected candidate's writing sample will be officially graded. A candidate must receive an "A" or "B" on his/her writing sample to proceed forward. If a candidate receives a "C," he/she will be asked to provide additional writing samples. A grade of "D" or below automatically disqualifies a candidate. If the selected candidate's criminal background check, reference checks, and writing sample are satisfactory, a final interview is scheduled with the Attorney General. The Attorney General is the final decision-maker.

What is the hiring process for supervisory positions?

Similar to the attorney hiring process, applications for supervisory positions are first reviewed by the Deputy Attorney General for Professional Development (DAGPD). Based upon the DAGPD's evaluation of the candidates' applications, select candidates are contacted for interviews with a special hiring panel. Interviews are generally 30 minutes in duration. Based upon their review of a candidate's application and the candidate's responses during the interview, the special hiring panel will rank the candidates and decide the number of candidates to be referred to the Attorney General. A criminal background check and a check of the selected candidate's or candidates' references will then be conducted. In addition, the writing sample of the selected candidate(s) will be officially graded. A candidate must receive an "A" or "B" on his/her writing sample to proceed forward. If a candidate receives a "C," he/she will be asked to provide additional writing samples. A grade of "D" or below automatically disqualifies a candidate. If the selected candidate's or candidates' criminal background check, reference checks, and writing sample are satisfactory, a final interview is scheduled with the Attorney General. The Attorney General is the final decision-maker.

Where will the first interview occur?

The initial interview with the Hiring Committee is held at One Judiciary Square, 441 Fourth Street, NW, in the "Fishbowl" Conference Room, in Suite 1060 North.

How do I get to the interview?

One Judiciary Square is located adjacent to the Fourth Street Exit of the Judiciary Square Metro Station on the Red Line. In the lobby of One Judiciary Square, turn left and take the north side elevators to the 10th Floor. Suite 1060 North is located in the northwest corner of the 10th Floor. The "Fishbowl" is next to the reception area as you enter Suite 1060 North.

With whom will I be interviewing at the first interview?

At the first interview, you will be interviewed by the DAGPD and three members of the Hiring Committee. The Hiring Committee consists of a cross-section of managers within OAG, representing the various divisions, sections, and agencies.

What should I bring to the interview?

You need not bring anything to the interview if you have already provided a copy of your resume, DC Form 2000, references, writing sample, transcript, and certificate of good standing. However, if you failed to provide any of these documents, you should bring a copy of the missing documents to your initial interview.

Where do I go for the second interview?

Second round interviews are conducted at the divisions or agencies to which you are referred by the Hiring Committee.

Where does the final interview occur?

The final interview with the Attorney General is conducted either at One Judiciary Square, 441 Fourth Street, NW, in Suite 1060 North, or at the Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Suite 409.

How do I get to the Wilson Building?

The Wilson Building is located on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, between 12th and 14th Streets. To get to the Wilson Building, take the Red, Blue, or Orange Line to the Metro Center Station. Exit the station using the 13th and G Street Exit. Proceed south on 13th Street and cross F and E Streets. After Freedom Plaza, proceed across Pennsylvania Avenue and then turn right. Go past the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The next building is the Wilson Building.

How long does the process last?

The length of the hiring process is difficult to determine as there are many variables, including the needs of the division or agency, the size of the pool of applicants, and the schedules of involved individuals.

What is the pay scale for attorneys at OAG?

As with other governmental agencies, an attorney's salary is determined by the Grade and Step at which he/she is hired. The pay scale for attorneys within OAG for Fiscal Year 2006 is set forth below.

Grade
Step
Between Steps
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
LA 09 $41,849 $43,243 $44,637 $46,031 $47,425 $48,819 $50,213 $51,607 $53,001 $54,395 $1,394
LA 10 $46,084 $47,630 $47,039 $49,156 $50,692 $52,228 $55,300 $56,836 $58,372 $59,908 $1,536
LA 11 $50,632 $52,340 $54,008 $55,696 $57,384 $59,072 $60,760 $62,448 $64,136 $65,824 $1,688
LA 12 $60,679 $62,703 $64,727 $66,751 $68,775 $70,799 $72,823 $74,847 $76,871 $78,895 $2,024
LA 13 $72,161 $74,567 $76,973 $79,379 $81,785 $84,191 $86,597 $89,003 $91,409 $93,815 $2,406
LA 14 $85,274 $88,117 $90,960 $92,803 $96,646 $99,489 $102,332 $105,175 $108,018 $110,861 $2,843
LA 15 $100,308 $103,651 $106,994 $110,337 $113,680 $117,023 $120,366 $123,709 $127,052 $130,395 $3,343

In October 2007, attorneys will receive a 4.5% increase.

How are the Grade and Step of an attorney determined?

The Grade and Step of an attorney is determined by a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, the number of years an attorney has been practicing, his/her salary history, the experience level of the attorney in the area for which he/she is being hired, any relevant non-legal employment, and the Grade and Step at which other attorneys have been hired in OAG with similar skills and experience levels.

What are the benefits offered by the DC Government?

Health Plans: Eligible employees hired on or after October 1, 1987, have a choice of four health plans: Aetna US Healthcare (HMO), Cigna (PPO), Kaiser Permanent (HMO), and MD-IPA/MAMSI (HMO). The cost of an employee's health insurance premium is shared with the District government, which contributes approximately 75 percent toward the total premium cost.

DC Employees' Group Life Insurance: Term life insurance provides coverage equal to an employee's annual salary rounded to the next thousand, plus an additional $2,000. The cost of the monthly premium is shared with the District. The employee pays two-thirds of the total cost and the government pays one-third. Additional life insurance levels are available at low cost for employees and their dependents.

Dental and Optical Coverage: The District provides comprehensive optical and dental coverage. The District pays 100% of the premium costs. The dental plan provider is Cigna Dental Health, Inc. The optical plan provider is Quality Plan Administrators.

Annual Leave and Sick Leave: Eligible employees accrue annual leave and sick leave each pay period. Regular full-time employees accrue annual leave each pay period on the following schedule:

Years of Employment Annual Leave
0 - 3 13 days (4 hours per pay period)
4 - 15 20 days (6 hours per pay period)
15+ 26 days (8 hours per pay period)

All regular full-time employees accrue 13 days of sick leave annually (4 hours per pay period) regardless of years of employment.

Holidays: District of Columbia Government employees receive ten paid holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday
  • Washington's Birthday
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Defined Contribution Pension Plan - 401(a): The District government's primary retirement plan for eligible employees first hired on or after October 1, 1987, is a "defined contribution" plan, with benefits based on 100% employer-provided contributions plus earnings over the course of the participant's working years. The District funds this plan; there is no employee contribution. The current employer-paid contribution is 5% of the base salary. Employees must have one year of continuous service to participate, and they are fully vested in the Defined Contribution Pension Plan after five years of continuous service.

Where can I find the vacancy announcement number requested in the DC Form 2000?

OAG does not use vacancy announcement numbers. The section of the DC Form 2000 requesting the vacancy announcement number can be left blank.

Where are the "Ranking Factors" requested in the DC Form 2000?

OAG does not use Ranking Factors in its vacancy announcements. The section of the DC Form 2000 regarding Ranking Factors may be left blank.