Duties

Selected applicant(s) will advise clients at the Department and program level, both in writing and orally, on a wide variety of legal matters, including:

• Appropriations law, including the expenditure of funds; review of non-contractual, non-financial assistance transactions between the Department and other parties; review of potential Antideficiency Act and other violations of law;
• Technical drafting assistance related to budget formulation and statutory construction;
• Intellectual Property, including the creation, usage, licensing, and registration of Departmental marks;
• Vacancies Reform Act, delegations of authority, and Presidential transitions.

Ideal candidates will possess the ability to conduct independent research, review reports of investigation, and synthesize information into well-articulated, cogent legal analysis and recommendations for supervisors and/or clients.

GS-11 Level:

Performs a variety of legal duties such as: researching legal issues which are often factually complex; developing drafts of letters, memoranda, and legal documents for the use by a higher graded attorney; participating in administrative or judicial hearings; or conducting the preliminary review of applications which pose complex factual and legal questions where the applicant is seeking specific governmental protection or approval.

GS-12 Level:

Performs a variety of legal duties such as researching legal issues which are often factually complex; developing drafts of letters, memoranda and legal documents for themselves or a higher graded attorney; participating in administrative or judicial hearings; or conducting the preliminary review of applications which complex or factual and legal questions where the applicant is seeking specific governmental protection or approval. The incumbent is expected to be able to independently present legal conclusions to adjudicatory authorities, high level organizational officials, as well as outside counsel and other interested groups.

GS-13 Level:

Performs a variety of legal duties such as researching legal issues which are often factually complex; developing drafts of letters, memoranda and legal documents for themselves or a higher graded attorney; participating in administrative or judicial hearings; or conducting the preliminary review of applications which complex or factual and legal questions where the applicant is seeking specific governmental protection or approval. The incumbent is expected to be able to independently present legal conclusions to adjudicatory authorities, high level organizational officials, as well as outside counsel and other interested groups.

GS-14 Level:

As the lead attorney on a particular case which may go to an administrative or judicial hearing or counsel to a major operating program, the incumbent is responsible for the analysis of the legal issue in question, the development of the strategy to deal with the legal issue, and the content and means of delivery of the completed analysis of the legal issue. At this level, the incumbent provides legal advice to high level agency officials and is responsible for effectively presenting the agency position before administrative or judicial bodies. Where the incumbent is reviewing applications for specific governmental approval or protection, they will have final approval authority, and in many cases, will review the work of lower graded attorneys and provide final approval of applications preliminarily approved by the lower graded attorney.

GS-15 Level:

Serves as the lead attorney on a particular case or legal issue characterized by one or more of the following: 1) extremely complex difficult legal or factual issues requiring a high order or legal endeavor with the incumbent often having to balance conflicting interests; 2) matters that can have the effect of substantially broadening or restricting the activities of an agency or have an important impact on major industry whose economic position affects the health and stability of the general economy; 3) the matter involves, directly or indirectly, very large sums of money and are frequently vigorously contested by extremely capable legal talent OR counsel to a major operating program posing complex legal questions. Provides legal advice, representation and services to various bureaus within the Department with respect to complex and difficult questions of law; responsible for analysis of the legal issue in question, the development of the strategy to deal with the legal issue, and the content and means of delivery of the completed analysis of the legal issue. At this level, the incumbent typically deals with the top management of their agency as well as the top management and/or attorneys of other private and public organizations; as an expert in the procedural and substantive aspects of the law the incumbent may provide technical guidance to junior attorneys and influence policies.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment

• You must be suitable for Federal employment.
• You must be a U.S. citizen.
• You must be registered for Selective Service if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• You must be able to successfully pass a background investigation.
• Selectees will be required to submit a Financial Disclosure, OGE Form 450.
• You must complete a two year trial period.

Qualifications

Basic requirement for all grade levels:

You must be a graduate with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school; AND

You must have bar membership in one of the 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.

Minimum Requirements:

The career ladder for attorney positions in OGC is generally GS-11 to GS-15. The minimum qualifications for hiring at each grade level (or equivalent) are as follows:

GS-11: J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (The requirement that an applicant possess a J.D. may be waived if his or her bar membership is in a state that allows individuals to "read for the law" rather than pursue a formal academic degree).

GS-12: GS-11 qualifications plus one-year legal experience, or additional relevant experience that distinguishes an entry-level attorney from the GS-11. This may include: a superior academic record; specific course work or an internship in the relevant legal area; another graduate or doctoral degree. Individuals hired into Legal Intern positions at the GS-11 may be reassigned to GS-12 attorney positions upon admission to the bar, irrespective of time-in-grade.

GS-13: Two years of legal experience or relevant professional experience (legal or non-legal). Relevant non-legal professional experience could include, for example: experience in a non-attorney position within the Department, with resulting insight into the client's mission could warrant a higher grade. When relying on non-legal professional experience, hiring managers must articulate in writing how the cited experience enhances the applicant's skills to warrant the higher grade.

GS-14: Typically requires a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience. On the rare occasion, two years of relevant legal experience may, in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her designee, suffice.

GS-15: Typically requires a minimum of four years of relevant legal experience. On the rare occasion, three years of relevant legal experience may, in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her designee, suffice.

Specialized Experience Requirements :
Applicants must meet the General Professional Experience requirements set forth above and the below specialized experience by the closing date of the announcement. Specialized experience equips applicants with particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. For this position, specialized experience includes knowledge of appropriations law. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to accurately identify and quickly analyze relevant and critical issues related to fiscal law and internal financial controls. Applicants must demonstrate a record of strong interpersonal skills, good judgment and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client bureaus.

Applicants may be hired at any of the grades shown in this announcement, commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. You are encouraged to identify the grade level(s) or salary for which you wish to be
considered.

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

Education

Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school. Official or unofficial transcripts must be submitted with your application package.

See Qualifications Above.

Additional information

This position does not confer non-competitive conversion to the competitive service. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.