Duties

As the Assistant General Counsel (Litigation) in this position, you will develop and coordinate the litigation activities of one of the two litigation teams in the division:

• Supervise and oversee a team of attorneys and support staff responsible for representing the FEC in federal district and appellate courts.
• Provide guidance and participate in developing case strategy, drafting of briefs and other court filings, handling depositions and written discovery, making court appearances, and negotiating settlements.
• Provide leadership and supervision to the team, including planning of work, evaluating employees under applicable standards of performance, providing training, and promoting team building.

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 and demonstrate how you meet each applicable requirement. A copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

Basic Requirements:

A. Education: Possess a J.D., LL.B., or higher degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. (You must submit 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 following Specialized Experience requirement:

At least 4 years of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney, including at least one year comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-14 level which involves providing legal advice, analysis, research, and/or work involving litigation skills in the most complex and difficult projects with little or no supervision. This experience must include activities such as: (1) drafting briefs, motions, or other documents in preparation for trial or administrative hearing; (2) conducting legal research; (3) developing strategies and plans to prioritize, organize, and manage cases; and (4) handling written discovery, assisting with taking or defending depositions and otherwise making preparations for fact or expert witness testimony, negotiating settlement agreements, and/or assisting with or making oral argument in a court or administrative hearing.

In addition, you must provide a cover letter summarizing your evidence of the following competencies: Litigation: Experience with all aspects of district court and appellate litigation, including drafting of briefs and other filings; drafting written discovery and taking depositions; negotiating settlements; developing case and appellate strategy; and presenting oral arguments. Legal Writing: Ability to write clearly, concisely and persuasively, particularly when complex legal issues are involved, and to edit and review the written work of other attorneys. Communication: Both written and oral - including the ability to have productive relationships with colleagues and others within and outside an organization. Organizing and Coordinating: Experience organizing projects or cases, working with teams, or directing other attorneys in litigation matters. 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

If selected, you must submit your official transcripts, conferring a J.D., 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 (with credit-hour program), telework, and 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.