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Department of the Army

Attorney-Adviser

Department of the Army, Fort Belvoir, VA


DutiesProvide acquisition policy guidance, counsel and support to the Command and to a multitude of Program Managers.Conduct extensive research, analysis and evaluation of highly particularized areas in support of the acquisition process.Provide oral and written advice concerning post-award contract matters including claims, disputes, bankruptcies, terminations, appeals, PL 85-805 and litigation.Provide oral and written advice concerning civilian personnel law, employment discrimination law and all labor relations matters.Support DA/Department of Justice and criminal investigative agencies in cases related to procurement fraud.Represent DA as a trial attorney before arbitrators, investigators and administrative judges from various agencies.Attend conferences and briefings to coordinate and defend highly sensitive acquisitions which are of interest to the highest government officials.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentAppointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.A two year trial/probationary period may be required.This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance for access for the duration of employment.This position will require the incumbent to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DoD Directive 5500-7-R.This position requires the incumbent to maintain an active bar membership that permits the representation of the Federal Government in the courts of their jurisdiction to the extent that private practice attorneys are able to for their clients. QualificationsWho May Apply: Current and former Federal employees and US Citizens. Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position. KSA's: Skill in identifying and researching highly technical and complex legal issues.Skill in providing legal, technical, and policy guidance.Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs.Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration:1) Education: Assignments require the first professional law degree (Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctorate (J.D.)). Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation. The Army General Counsel may make an exception upon a showing that a candidate possesses superior qualifications and that no well-qualified candidates from accredited law schools are available.2) Bar Membership: Applicants must be active members in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of a State, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.3) Professional Legal Experience: Applicants must possess more than three (3) years of professional legal experience after admission to the bar commensurate with the duties of the position. 4) Time in Grade (current Federal employees): Candidates selected for advancement will normally have completed at least one year of service that is one grade lower than the position to be filled. The selecting official may request a waiver of the one year requirement in cases where hardship or inequity exists.NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of the Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at . Education Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education websites at and .Additional informationTo ensure compliance with Army Materiel Command (AMC), we will consider internal candidates to the agency that are qualified by AMC before considering external applicants (all US Citizens).Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.Direct Deposit of Pay is required.If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.This is a Professional Services Career Field position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest. Help A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your application package (resume and supporting documents) will be evaluated for basic qualification requirements and for the skills needed to perform the duties of the position, as described in this vacancy announcement and identified by the Selecting Official.NOTICE OF INTERNAL CANDIDATE PREFERENCE: Army Materiel Command Internal Candidates will be afforded preference. There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service, however the principles of veteran's preference will be followed to the extent that is administratively feasible.