Duties
The Federal Trade Commission's Office of Policy Planning seeks three attorneys interested in work on competition and consumer protection policy initiatives. Attorney Advisor candidates should have excellent legal research and writing abilities and strong analytical and oral communication skills. Candidates must be able to work effectively on teams and individually, exercise sound judgment, demonstrate creative thinking and initiative, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency. More specifically, incumbents of this position perform some or all of the following duties:
- Advise the Director, the Chairman, Commissioners and staff on policy initiatives that further both the antitrust and consumer protection missions.
- Draft and review Agency amicus briefs, advocacy comments, rules, and staff reports.
- Conduct market studies using the FTC's unique 6(b) authority. This work requires researching an industry or area of interest to the Commission, drafting and negotiating the production of documents, reviewing data production, and synthesizing that information into a report.
- Identify and analyze federal, state, and local laws, legislation, and regulations that affect competition or consumer protection issues. This work requires engagement with public and expert commentary on market structures and business practices. Incumbents advise the Director on related advocacy opportunities, draft such advocacies, and manage relationships with state partners.
One candidate, if selected, may lead OPP's amicus brief efforts. Such a candidate should have a strong grasp of antitrust caselaw; consumer protection experience is also a major plus. The candidate will be expected to have the initiative to identify amicus opportunities, robust brief writing and legal research skills, and an ability to coordinate among intra- and inter-agency departments.
Other candidates, if selected, may lead OPP's advocacy efforts on particular competition or consumer protection issues, such as those involving certain industries, types of laws, or professions. Candidates will also need to remain flexible to work as part of teams on major projects outside their focus areas, such as large 6(b) studies.
Work may also include assignments to collaborate with other agencies, bureaus and offices where projects intersect with competition or consumer protection policy priorities, including engaging in investigations and enforcement actions.
A strong background in economics, social science research, data or financial analytics, and/or public policy is beneficial, as is judicial clerkship experience.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this announcement.
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.
- The position may be subject to completion of a two-year trial period.
- This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the National Treasury Employees Union, Local 344.
- If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the two-year trial period.
- Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
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.
Additional Requirements
GS-15 Positions
For attorney appointments: 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 submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer.
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: FOREIGN EDUCATION
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.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 benefits
Eligibility 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 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.
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- REQUIRED
- 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.)
- Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)
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.