Duties

As the Attorney Advisor (General) in this position, you will:

• Analyze complex enforcement matters generated internally or by complaints filed by the public alleging violations of the Act.
• Write legal reports, memoranda, and briefs.
• Assist in the management of a large docket of enforcement matters.
• Collaborate as part of a team in a fast-paced environment to ensure statutory and other procedures are carefully followed.
• Assist in the maintenance of records and the compilation of statistics and other performance metrics.
• Coordinate with internal and external actors.
• Handle certain enforcement matters by making presentations to the Commission, conducting investigations, and conciliation negotiations.
• Perform review of incoming complaints to identify respondents and spot potential campaign finance violations.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
• You must be able to pass a background investigation.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see Legal and regulatory guidance below).
• You may be required to serve a 2 year probationary period.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• You must meet qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the Basic Requirements and the Experience Requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. A copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

Basic Requirements (applicable to both grade levels):

A. Education: Possess a J.D. or LL.B degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. (You must submit a copy of your unofficial or official transcripts.)

AND

B. Bar Membership: Be an active member in good standing of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States. (You must submit a copy of your current Bar card, or letter of good standing.)

In addition to meeting both of the Basic Requirements above, you must meet the experience requirement. Your resume must include evidence of the following experience, including dates.

Experience Requirement for the GS-13 Level:

You must have at least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney in any of the following duty areas: compliance, litigation, investigations, legal review, regulations/policy, or other similar areas. At least one year of this experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 level participating in providing legal advice, analysis, research, or litigation work. This must include activities such as: (1) conducting legal research of policies, regulations, and/or compliance questions, including researching legal precedent; (2) drafting briefs, motions, or other documents in preparation for trial or administrative hearing; (3) assisting with taking depositions and/or sworn statements from witnesses or defendants; (4) assisting senior staff with settlement negotiations with another party or their respective counsel; or (5) making oral presentations of legal arguments or results of legal research/analysis.

In addition, you must provide a cover letter of at least two pages summarizing your evidence of the following competencies: Legal Writing and Research: Writes clear, concise, persuasive legal documents. Researches and synthesizes complex legal precedents, including those raising regulatory and constitutional issues. Teamwork and Leadership: Able to work in a close-knit team in a fast-paced setting and collaborate effectively with internal and external actors. Docket Management: Able to assist in docket management duties such as maintaining case files and databases, managing a large volume of correspondence, tracking deadlines and statistics, and quickly spotting and elevating relevant issues. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; communicates legal principles and procedures succinctly and clearly. We recommend your cover letter include examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the functions, activities, or services you delivered; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed, and the results of your actions.

In addition, you must provide a Writing Sample of a legal brief, memorandum, or letter not to exceed 15 pages of which you were the primary drafter. An explanatory note regarding authorship or providing context for an except is welcome (but please keep it to a few sentences or a paragraph).

Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

Volunteer work experience: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

You must submit a copy of your unofficial or official transcripts conferring a J.D. or LL.B or higher degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

FEC offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; or transportation subsidies.

If you receive a tentative offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Federal Election Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference , and submit the supporting documentation required by that form.

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.