Duties
This is professional work providing legal advice and assistance to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Senate and the 26 department heads of the offices under the Secretary of the Senate. Work is supervised and assigned by the General Counsel to the Secretary and may include reviewing material for legal soundness and accuracy, advising offices of the Secretary of legislation or regulations affecting their departments, drafting proposed legislation, policy, or guidance, assisting the Secretary with annual testimony preparation, and general legal and ethics advice as required. Work is further bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments. This position plays a critical role in preserving the legal, procedural, and institutional integrity of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa
Qualifications
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment and requires
the use of normal safety precautions to avoid everyday risks and discomforts.
Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25
pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software, and
communication methods such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Consistent,
reliable, and timely attendance is necessary to fulfill duties. Work also
requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the
Office of the Secretary of the Senate.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires a Juris Doctorate degree and a minimum of five years of experience, and the
following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
A
basic understanding of the Senate as an institution is preferred, along with a
willingness to learn more about the legislative process and the Senate's
history and operations.
Strong legal research skills sufficient to quickly
learn the U.S. Constitution, statutes, rules, standing orders, and precedents
of the Senate and general legal principles necessary to advise the Secretary of
the Senate.
Knowledge of or familiarity with applicable statutes,
rules, and general legal principles specifically related to historic
preservation, government ethics, procurement, contracting, lobbying, fiscal, tort,
or appropriations law preferred.
Knowledge of or familiarity with legislative processes
sufficient to advise staff on legislation affecting their departments, to draft
proposed legislation, and to assist the Secretary in preparing testimony to
appropriations and oversight committees preferred.
Knowledge of research methods and information sources
relevant to the administration of the U.S. Senate.
Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as
dictated by workload.
Proven ability to utilize legal software and case
management systems efficiently.
Skill in establishing and maintaining professional
relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills,
including clear legal drafting and effective advocacy.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Licensed and in good active
standing to practice law in a state or territory of the United States or the
District of Columbia.
Ability to obtain and maintain required security
clearances and access.
Education
See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.
Additional information
The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email resumes@sec.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line.
No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.
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.
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.
Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview.
Required Documents
- Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.
Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Veterans' Preference Application, if applicable
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.