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Department of the Army

Attorney Adviser (General)

Department of the Army, Arlington, VA


DutiesAdvise Army Secretariat and other Army officials, with minimal oversight by the Deputy General Counsel (Civil Works and Environment)Identify legal problems, performs legal review and research, and prepares legal opinions, usually final, providing answers, solutions and advice concerning such problems.Participate at high levels in the organization formulation of policies and program initiatives having Army-wide and national significance.Assist in establishing the organization litigation position in cases which may impact programs and missions wide.Ensure coordination of litigation positions with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other Federal Agencies.Advise on all matters affecting the organization legislative proposals, drafts legislation in support of the organization programs.Knowledge of and experience as a legal advisor in the areas of Federal environmental laws and regulations (including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), CEQ NEPA regulations, the Endangered Species Act).Knowledge of the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Clean Water Act, the Clean Act, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.Knowledge of Federal real property laws and regulations (including Base Realignment and Closure laws, regulations and policies, and associated Federal regulations).Knowledge of applicable to real property management (i.e., the Federal Management Regulation or FMR).Knowledge of the Administrative Procedures Act, and Federal principles of contract and fiscal law.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 may require the incumbent to submit 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 active bar membership, in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.This position is covered by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program. QualificationsWho May Apply: 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:Education Requirements: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) AND active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation. As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted with your application materials.Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As noted below, proof of such membership and good standing must be submitted with your application materials.Experience: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-15 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 3 years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QA's) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position. If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal government you must have completed one year at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade level as the position being filled.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 informationMale 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 56-Legal position. Student loan repayment may be authorized.Salary negotiations, including an advanced in hire, for candidates new to Federal service or who would otherwise qualified, may be authorized.Credit for prior non-Federal experience and certain military service for leave accrual rates may be authorized.This is not a virtual or remote position. Situational telework may be authorized IAW office policy and supervisor's approval.This position is covered by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Program. The incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 5019 (Condition of Employment for Certain Positions Identified as Critical Under the Drug Abuse Testing Program) and must pass urinalysis testing, as required prior to appointment and periodically thereafter. 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. Veteran's preference requirements do not apply to attorney positions in the excepted service, however the principles of veteran's preference will be followed to the extent which is administratively feasible.