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REGION 3 MICHAEL F. VACCARO HONORS ATTORNEY FELLOWSHIP
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Michael F. Vaccaro Honors Attorney 2012 Fellowship Brochure - PDF [2pp, 165k, about pdf]
Applicant Qualifications
The Michael F. Vaccaro Fellowship is open to U.S. citizens with excellent academic credentials, a strong interest in an environmental law career or the public sector, and who are:
- current third year law students or recent law school graduates from an accredited law school; and
- current judicial clerks (one to two years out of law school).
Fellowship Description
The Michael F. Vaccaro Honors Attorney Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to practice law in a major governmental environmental organization, and to receive extensive training in and exposure to environmental law and policy work in the public sector. The Fellowship recipient will work in the Office of Regional Counsel on particular matters arising under the major federal environmental statutes (such as the Clean Water Act, the Clean Air Act, Superfund, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act) and other federal statutes relevant to EPA Region 3 operations (such as the Ethics in Government Act, the Civil Rights Act, and the Freedom of Information Act). These matters typically require the development and application of emerging law and policy to significant environmental issues in Region 3. The Fellowship will also include an opportunity to handle environmental enforcement cases.
The Fellowship begins in the Fall of 2012, and the Fellow is expected to commit to a two year term; however, a one year term may be considered in appropriate circumstances. The salary will be at the GS-11 level (currently starting at $61,245) or, in unusual circumstances where appropriate qualifications exist, at the GS-12 level (currently starting at $73,408).
The Office of Regional Counsel
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, Office of Regional Counsel is responsible for preparing administrative, judicial and criminal cases against suspected violators of environmental laws. These cases involve developing and using technical and legal strategies for negotiation and litigation purposes. The primary statutes enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency are:
- Clean Air Act
- Clean Water Act
- Safe Drinking Water Act
- Toxic Substances Control Act
- Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
- Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (Superfund)
- Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
- Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.
Each attorney's case load normally is not confined to one industry or statute. The Region consists of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
In addition to preparing enforcement actions, attorneys are also responsible for advising the Regional Administrator, Division Directors, EPA state liaisons and state officials on the interpretation of environmental laws and regulations. Furthermore, attorneys are expected to participate in any civil and criminal litigation of cases referred to the Department of Justice and to represent the Agency in administrative proceedings.
Application Process
Beginning on September 1, 2011, Region 3 will accept applications on a rolling basis. Applications received after November 30, 2011 will only be considered if the position(s) have not been filled. Interested applicants should apply early and submit the following:
- A resume including significant accomplishments, work experience, class rank (or equivalent indicator of academic performance), and day and evening telephone numbers.
- An official transcript of law school grades.
- A letter explaining the applicant's interest in the Fellowship.
- The name, address, and telephone number of three references. Included should be a current or former employer and a law school professor or advisor.
Questions regarding the Vaccaro Fellowship should be directed to Tanya Williams at (215) 814-2146.
SEND TO:
Donzetta Workman Thomas (Mailcode: 3RC50)
Senior Assistant Regional Counsel
USEPA Region 3
1650 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Applications submitted via mail, should include: "Attn: 2012 Vaccaro Fellowship Application" on the envelope.
OR EMAIL TO:
R3_VaccaroFellow@epa.gov
Application packages that are submitted via email should be submitted in Word or PDF formats. Email submissions should include "2012 Vaccaro Fellowship Application" in the subject line.
Selected applicants will be invited for interviews in Philadelphia (at the candidate's expense). Interviews will be conducted on a rolling-basis between September and December 2011. Upon request, interviews may also be conducted via video-conference.
EPA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Please note that EPA Honors Attorney Fellowship Programs are also offered in Regions 1, 6, 8, 9, and our Headquarters' Office of General Counsel. Should you be interested in learning about these programs, please consult the relevant website or use the links provided below:
EPA New England (Region 1, Boston) Office of Regional Counsel
EPA South Central (Region 6, Dallas) Office of Regional Counsel, tel. (214) 665-2100
EPA Rocky Mountains/Great Plains (Region 8, Denver) Office of Regional Counsel
contact Peter Ornstein (ornstein.peter@epa.gov), Deputy Regional Counsel
EPA Pacific Southwest (Region 9) Office of Regional Counsel
EPA Headquarters (Washington, D.C.) Office of General Counsel
