Duties

Summary

The Technology Task Force (TTF) is primarily focused on identifying and investigating anticompetitive conduct in markets in which digital technology is an important dimension of competition, such as online platforms, digital advertising, social networking, software, operating systems, and streaming services. The TTF works closely with economists from the FTC's Bureau of Economics, and coordinates with the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, which also reviews conduct by technology platforms.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

As an attorney in the Bureau of Competition, you will perform a variety of legal duties relative to cases or legal issues of extreme difficulty. Often the work of the staff includes advisory functions related to antitrust enforcement policy under the various statutes enforced by the Commission. A successful staff member has interest in and the ability to deal with both legal analysis and economic and practical business issues arising from the matters under investigation. Candidates should have excellent legal research and writing abilities, strong organizational and analytical skills in presenting written argument and excellent oral communications skills. Candidates also should be able to work effectively with other people, exercise sound judgment, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency.

Litigation and antitrust experience involving markets in which digital technology is an important dimension of competition (such as online platforms, digital advertising, social networking, software, operating systems, and streaming services) is highly desired.

This position is not included in the bargaining unit. More specifically, incumbents of this position will:

• Prepare for trial and litigate or negotiate settlements in antitrust matters. Make initial determinations as to whether cases should be investigated; identify legal theories and plans for preliminary investigations; obtain evidence from a variety of sources.
• Confer with government agencies, public authorities, attorneys, businesspersons and other members of the public in order to obtain information relevant to Commission investigations and to provide them with information on matters of law, Commission procedures and policy.
• Prepare antitrust cases for trial by securing and preparing evidence, conferring with witnesses, participating in pretrial conferences, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and drafting legal documents needed during the various stages of litigation.
• Assist higher-grade attorneys in preparing and prosecuting the most complex cases.
• Prepare internal documents for review by the Commission and perform special assignments as directed.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
15

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory - US, PR, DC.
• Selectee may be required to serve a two year trial period.
• Selectee may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have attained the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school and be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Applicants must demonstrate excellent writing skills and be able to work effectively with other people, exercise sound judgment, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency.

Candidates should have excellent legal research and writing abilities, strong organizational and analytical skills in presenting written arguments and excellent oral communication skills. Candidates also should be able to work effectively with other people, exercise sound judgment, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency. Litigation and antitrust experience involving markets in which digital technology is an important dimension of competition (such as online platforms, digital advertising, social networking, software, operating systems, and streaming services) is highly desired.

Additional Requirements

GS-13 Positions
For appointments to attorney positions: In addition to minimum requirements, active member of the bar in good standing and 24 months of legal experience after graduation from law school.

GS-14 Positions
For appointments to attorney positions: In addition to minimum requirements, active member of the bar in good standing and 42 months of legal experience after graduation from law school.

GS-15 Positions
For attorney appointments: In addition to minimum requirements, active member of the bar in good standing and 60 months of legal experience after graduation from law school.

Note: Legal and nonlegal experience gained in the Federal Government before completing law school does not satisfy post law school experience requirements.

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

THIS POSITION HAS AN EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectee's prior to receiving an official offer.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: Education Equivalency

Additional information

This position is in the Excepted Service (Schedule A).

Individuals applying for this announcement are required to complete and submit an online application and all supporting documentation through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on the overall strength of your credentials as demonstrated by your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and experience. The most qualified candidates will be selected for interviews, which will also be considered in making the final decision.

Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Federal Trade Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you are encouraged to include that information in your cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214 or other substantiating documents) to your submission.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Not Required

Drug test required
No

Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Writing Sample, optional
• Graduate transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement - REQUIRED
• Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF-15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.) Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.