Office of the General Counsel
Attorney Advisor (General)
Office of the General Counsel, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
This Attorney Advisor position is with the Civil Rights, Labor and Employment Law Division of the Office of the General Counsel, Department of Agriculture. The incumbent serves as an attorney providing legal advice, research, and written briefs and pleadings in support of USDA and performs other legal services as assigned. The focus of the position is on defending judicial and administrative complaints of program discrimination, with the need for defensive federal sector EEO litigation.Duties
Provide legal advice and counsel to Agencies of the USDA.Serve as liaison between agencies of the USDA and the Department of Justice in litigation concerning USDA programs.Represent agencies of the USDA in formal administrative adjudication.Conduct legal research.Draft and review legal documents, including briefs, contracts, legal opinions, and agency documents.Provide customer service and communication to client Agencies and Mission Areas.Conduct legal research and opinion-writing on novel and complex legal issues related to civil rights, labor and employment law.Assist in other litigation responsibilities as requested by management.Represent the USDA in the litigation of cases and appeals before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Salary
$139,395 - $181,216/yearConditions of Employment
You must be a US Citizen or US National.Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.Must submit Cover Letter, Resume, Proof of Bar Membership, Law School Transcripts, and Narrative.Review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory.Requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation.Additional selections may be made from this announcement.Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.Obtain and use a Government issued charge card for business-related travel.May be subject to satisfactory completion of a two year probationary or trial period, unless previously served.Qualifications
For consideration, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for attorney positions:Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D. or equivalent degree) (Law School transcript required);
ANDCurrently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume.GS-14:
One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the (GS-13) level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform as an Attorney Advisor. Examples of such experience include:Ability to plan and assign priorities to tasks and assignments to further develop knowledge of complex assignments.Works independently to determine methodologies, milestones, goals, and termination points for most assignments.Completes assignments to management requirements with satisfaction of organizational objectives.The duties listed below are described at the FPL GS-14, the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 are developmental leading to such performance.Mastery of statutes, regulations, and legal precedents related to major USDA program areas or relevant subject matter expertise to provide expert legal advice in regard to the assigned program area, develop or recommend litigation strategies and procedures, aid the Department of Justice in the trial of important or precedent-setting cases, and negotiate or participate in negotiating settlements on behalf of the Department.Mastery of a large and complex body of law in which precedents are frequently conflicting or non-existent to make determinations and reach conclusions which guide the Department or the Agency in resolving subsequent, similar problems; provide legal advice to heads of programs and Agencies on complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues; and write opinions and case assessment memoranda after conducting detailed factual and legal research.Mastery of the principles and techniques of legal analysis and practice in order to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, litigation reports, and related documents in connection with suits by and against the Government and determine in each case the nature of action or defense, the legal issues involved, the most effective course of action, and optimal strategies and tactics to be employed.Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of missions and functions of the USDA and its agencies or relevant subject matter expertise, as appropriate in order to provide legal services in support of USDA programs and activities that are consistent with the strategic goals of USDA and the priorities of the Secretary of Agriculture.Mastery of the principles and techniques of written and oral communication to speak and write with clarity and tact to provide guidance on complex legal issues, secure acceptance of recommendations, prepare complex legal opinions, and effectively represent the Department in a variety of external interactions.Education
Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D. or equivalent degree) (law school transcript required).Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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.Other Information
This is a bargaining unit designated position. This position is represented by AFGE, Local 1106.If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).Relocation expenses are not authorized.Required Documents
You must submit a complete Application Package prior to 11:59 ET on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete:Resume that includes:
1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties; 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.Law School Transcript:
An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, it must include student name, school name, and enough information to validate qualifications.Bar Membership:
Proof of Bar Membership.Cover Letter.Written Narrative:
In order for your application to be considered, you must submit a written narrative not to exceed 1,200 words, showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed in this announcement.DD-214 (Member 4 Copy):
If claiming Veterans' Preference, you must submit a DD-214.Benefits
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.
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Provide legal advice and counsel to Agencies of the USDA.Serve as liaison between agencies of the USDA and the Department of Justice in litigation concerning USDA programs.Represent agencies of the USDA in formal administrative adjudication.Conduct legal research.Draft and review legal documents, including briefs, contracts, legal opinions, and agency documents.Provide customer service and communication to client Agencies and Mission Areas.Conduct legal research and opinion-writing on novel and complex legal issues related to civil rights, labor and employment law.Assist in other litigation responsibilities as requested by management.Represent the USDA in the litigation of cases and appeals before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Salary
$139,395 - $181,216/yearConditions of Employment
You must be a US Citizen or US National.Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.Direct Deposit – Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.Must submit Cover Letter, Resume, Proof of Bar Membership, Law School Transcripts, and Narrative.Review of the OF-306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and the Electronic Questionnaires for Investigations Processing (eQIP) entries have been reviewed and determined to be satisfactory.Requires a favorable credit check as part of the background investigation.Additional selections may be made from this announcement.Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.Obtain and use a Government issued charge card for business-related travel.May be subject to satisfactory completion of a two year probationary or trial period, unless previously served.Qualifications
For consideration, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for attorney positions:Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D. or equivalent degree) (Law School transcript required);
ANDCurrently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE
Applicants should have demonstrated specialized experience in legal research, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong academic record. This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume.GS-14:
One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the (GS-13) level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform as an Attorney Advisor. Examples of such experience include:Ability to plan and assign priorities to tasks and assignments to further develop knowledge of complex assignments.Works independently to determine methodologies, milestones, goals, and termination points for most assignments.Completes assignments to management requirements with satisfaction of organizational objectives.The duties listed below are described at the FPL GS-14, the GS-11, GS-12, and GS-13 are developmental leading to such performance.Mastery of statutes, regulations, and legal precedents related to major USDA program areas or relevant subject matter expertise to provide expert legal advice in regard to the assigned program area, develop or recommend litigation strategies and procedures, aid the Department of Justice in the trial of important or precedent-setting cases, and negotiate or participate in negotiating settlements on behalf of the Department.Mastery of a large and complex body of law in which precedents are frequently conflicting or non-existent to make determinations and reach conclusions which guide the Department or the Agency in resolving subsequent, similar problems; provide legal advice to heads of programs and Agencies on complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues; and write opinions and case assessment memoranda after conducting detailed factual and legal research.Mastery of the principles and techniques of legal analysis and practice in order to prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, litigation reports, and related documents in connection with suits by and against the Government and determine in each case the nature of action or defense, the legal issues involved, the most effective course of action, and optimal strategies and tactics to be employed.Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of missions and functions of the USDA and its agencies or relevant subject matter expertise, as appropriate in order to provide legal services in support of USDA programs and activities that are consistent with the strategic goals of USDA and the priorities of the Secretary of Agriculture.Mastery of the principles and techniques of written and oral communication to speak and write with clarity and tact to provide guidance on complex legal issues, secure acceptance of recommendations, prepare complex legal opinions, and effectively represent the Department in a variety of external interactions.Education
Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D. or equivalent degree) (law school transcript required).Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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.Other Information
This is a bargaining unit designated position. This position is represented by AFGE, Local 1106.If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).Relocation expenses are not authorized.Required Documents
You must submit a complete Application Package prior to 11:59 ET on the closing date of this announcement. The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete:Resume that includes:
1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience related to this position as described in the major duties; 4) supervisor's phone number and whether or not the supervisor may be contacted for a reference check; 5) other qualifications.Law School Transcript:
An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, it must include student name, school name, and enough information to validate qualifications.Bar Membership:
Proof of Bar Membership.Cover Letter.Written Narrative:
In order for your application to be considered, you must submit a written narrative not to exceed 1,200 words, showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed in this announcement.DD-214 (Member 4 Copy):
If claiming Veterans' Preference, you must submit a DD-214.Benefits
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.
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