FOIAXpress Junior Attorney-Analysts

Wits Solutions Inc. (WITS) is a SBA certified 8(a) company with headquarters in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. WITS has been providing best-in-class solutions in professional IT and administrative consulting to various Federal, State, Local and commercial customers. At WITS, we believe in working not for our clients but with them. This is why right from the beginning; our analysts and solution-builders work closely with our clients to ensure that the project outcomes continue to deliver value long into the future.

Job Description

• This role combines legal expertise with data analysis, focusing on handling Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests using FOIAXpress software.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing.
  
  

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in FOIA processing, legal research, or related fields.
• Specific experience with FOIA Exemptions 4 (Confidential Business Information) and 5 (Inter- or Intra-Agency Memoranda or Letters) is required.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of FOIAXpress software.
  
  

Skills

• Strong understanding of FOIA laws, regulations, and exemptions, particularly Exemptions 4 and 5.
• Expertise in analyzing and applying FOIA Exemptions 4 and 5.
• Excellent analytical, research, and legal writing skills.
• Proficiency in using FOIAXpress and other legal software tools.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  
  

Job Summary

• We are seeking a detail-oriented and driven FOIAXpress Junior Attorney-Analyst, with specialized experience in handling FOIA Exemptions 4 and 5, to join our FOIA and Litigation Support Services legal team.
• This role involves managing FOIA requests, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and using FOIAXpress software to standardize and streamline the Department of Energy FOIA request process.
• The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background, analytical skills, and proficiency in using FOIAXpress management tools, with expertise in Exemptions 4 and 5.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

FOIA Request Management:

• Using FOIAXpress, process and respond to FOIA requests in a timely and accurate manner.
• Review and analyze documents for responsiveness, and applicability of exemptions, focusing on Exemptions 4 (trade secrets and commercial or financial information) and 5 (inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters).
• Coordinate with various departments to gather necessary information and documents.
  
  

Legal Analysis And Compliance

• Conduct legal research and provide interpretations of FOIA regulations and related laws, particularly Exemptions 4 and 5.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local FOIA laws and regulations.
• Using FOIAXpress, prepare legal memoranda, summaries, and reports regarding FOIA matters.
  
  

Exemption Analysis And Application

• Conduct thorough reviews of requested documents to identify information exempt under FOIA Exemptions 4 and 5.
• Analyze and redact information appropriately based on these exemptions.
• Apply Exemption 4 (confidential business information) and Exemption 5 (inter-agency or intra-agency communications) accurately.
• Draft and review detailed justifications for withholding information under Exemptions 4 and 5.
• Provide detailed justifications for the application of these exemptions.
• Stay current with legal precedents and guidance related to FOIA Exemptions 4 and 5.
  
  

Use Of FOIAXpress Software

• Use FOIAXpress to manage and track FOIA requests and responses.
• Maintain accurate records of all FOIA activities with the FOIAXpress system.
• Train and support staff on the effective use of FOIAXpress software.
  
  

Documentation And Reporting

• Draft response letters, exemption justifications, and other related correspondence.
• Using FOIAXpress, and other means practicable, compile and analyze FOIA statistics and metrics for reporting purposes.
• Assist in the preparation of annual FOIA reports.
  
  

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as a point of contact (POC) for internal and external stakeholders regarding FOIA requests.
• Liaise with requesters to clarify and narrow the scope of FOIA requests when necessary.
• Provide updates and status reports to senior management and other relevant parties.
  
  

“Equal Opportunity Employer Veteran/Disabled”