Subject Matter Expert – Legal Expert, Training Advisor

Role Overview

• Serve as a subject matter expert for the DS legal training program, covering constitutional law, use of force, criminal and administrative law, protection statutes, terrorism and national security law, fraud statutes, officer liability, and emerging legal issues.
• Research, recommend, and implement enhancements to legal training content, technical support, and consultation for DS and Department officials.
• Analyze changes in federal statutes, case law, and Department policies to ensure legal training curricula remain current, accurate, and operationally relevant.
• Develop, revise, and update course curricula, lesson plans, and instructional materials; determine required changes to content, format, and delivery methods.
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the DS legal training program.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and criminal investigative training for DS FS and GS personnel and apply lessons learned to long-range training planning.
• Plan, develop, manage, and deliver legal instruction for initial and refresher training courses, including BSAC, BRSO, SAIS, RSO-IS, and other specialized programs.
• Provide advanced classroom instruction on complex legal issues related to protection operations, criminal investigations, use of force, evidence, and extraterritorial authorities.
• Conduct comprehensive legal research; analyze legislation, regulations, and court decisions; and translate complex legal concepts for non-attorney law enforcement audiences.
• Research and prepare legal analyses, lesson plans, articles, position papers, action memoranda, and responses to Congressional inquiries or testimony.
• Disseminate legal training through multiple platforms, including classroom instruction, eLearning, webcasts, publications, and instructional media.

Requirements

• At least ten (10) years of progressively advancing career experience.
• Ten (10) years of experience in area of expertise.
• Bachelor of Arts or Science (BA/BS) degree; Master of Arts or Science (MA/MS) degree preferred in an associated discipline or equivalent experience.
• Expert mastery of criminal law, constitutional law, and law enforcement authorities, including criminal investigative principles, use of force, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, evidence, and extraterritorial authorities, to provide authoritative legal guidance and training.
• Comprehensive knowledge of DS investigative and protective operations, including passport and visa fraud, extraterritorial criminal investigations, protection‑related investigations, and interagency law enforcement coordination.
• Advanced ability to interpret and apply complex statutes, regulations, and case law to law enforcement and security operations while preserving constitutional rights and supporting effective courtroom presentations.
• Thorough understanding of DS mission, organization, and global law enforcement environment, and of bureau goals, policies, and priorities, to design and manage legal training programs aligned with operational needs.
• Strong legal research, instructional, and communication skills, including the ability to develop comprehensive training materials, teach diverse audiences, conduct complex legal research, draft professional publications, and clearly convey complex legal concepts to non‑attorney audiences.
• Solid interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent writing and communications skills.
• Ability to advise on organizational performance, strategic planning, and interact with high-level government officials.
• Instructor experience preferred.

Benefits

• Drug Free Workplace
• Professional development