Attorney Advisor (Assistant Counsel) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. EX-25-OIG-OLS-4-12594774 Department Office of Inspector General
Salary $139,395.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 14 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/1/2024 Close Date 11/25/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General (OIG), Office of Legal Services (OLS). OLS' mission is to provide advisory, representational, and transactional services to OIG personnel necessary to carry out the mission under the Inspector General Act of 1978.

This position is outside the bargaining unit.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Who may apply: U.S. Citizens; CTAP eligibles in the local commuting area; Non-Citizens as allowed by law. This is an Excepted Service position. This position will be filled through an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Applicants selected for an excepted service position may be subject to a one-year trial period.

Duties

Independently manages a complex legal portfolio supporting OIG audits, investigations, and other critical OIG activities. Resolves difficult and complex legal and factual issues with minimal supervision, to participate in policy-making determinations that affect OIG operations, and to interact with senior agency officials, intergovernmental counsel, Justice Department attorneys, congressional aides and members of the public.

Independently represent the agency in administrative litigation before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Office of Special Counsel (OSC), the General Accountability Office (GAO), the DOL-Board of Contract Appeals (BCA), and other forums as required. Develops and presents agency's litigation position from initial complaint or charge until conclusion of the administrative and appellate processes.

Develops litigation strategy based in administrative or judicial litigation involving complex and difficult legal issues requiring interpretation of statutes and regulations often with little to no precedents. Responsible for independently preparing the Government's case from pre-trial practice, including expert and general witness depositions, and gathers full information pertaining to the case.

Provides expert advice related to civilian personnel law, including EEOC, MSPB, and OSC matters. Provides expert legal advice and assistance to OIG leadership, senior management officials, supervisors, and the servicing personnel office regarding the interpretation and application of civil service personnel laws, rules and regulations as they pertain to OIG personnel and management.

Independently performs-and also instructs and advises colleagues and junior attorneys on appropriate methods and sources of-legal research in connection with OIG-related portfolio involving the agency's most complex or novel issues. Conducts extensive analysis of federal and state law, court decisions, legislative hearings and committee reports; and analyzes factual and legal issues while managing multiple projects and under tight deadlines. Written and oral communication must be appropriate to the audience.

Examines and evaluates proposed legislation for the OIG. Prepares or reviews proposed regulations and regulatory guidance and amendments to existing regulations and regulatory guidance. Determines impact of legislation and regulations on scope of OIG operations and authority. Prepares or reviews congressional testimony and other responses to congressional requests for information.

Provide legal support to the OIG on appropriations law, the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Privacy Act, the Ethics in Government Act, the Records Act, and other related statutes, implementing regulations, and executive orders.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be at least 16 years old.
  • Requires a trial period if the requirement has not been met.
  • Appointment to this position requires a background investigation. Candidate required to obtain the necessary security/investigation level.
  • Licensure, Certification, or Registration required.
  • Subject to financial disclosure requirements.

Qualifications

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

To qualify for an attorney position, applicants must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S.; and have acquired the amount of experience indicated below for each grade level.

For GS-14 grade level, applicants must have three (3) years of post-law experience progressively responsible legal experience of a professional nature which demonstrates the ability to perform the work at this level. At least one year of qualifying experience, at this level, must be Specialized Experience as defined below.

For GS-15 grade level, applicants must have four (4) years of post-law experience progressively responsible legal experience of a professional nature which demonstrates the ability to perform the work at this level. At least one year of qualifying experience, at this level, must be Specialized Experience as defined below.

Specialized Experience: One year (52 weeks) of post-J.D. specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-Grade level lower than the level applying for, in or directly related to this position. One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position at a level close to the work of this job that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform.

Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: Prepared memoranda, pleadings, briefs or other legal documents, detailing the facts and legal issues involved to explain the application of legal principles and precedents, and to justify recommendations or conclusions. Presented conclusions, recommendations, and/or positions orally to a variety of audiences, and in varying contexts. Engaged in all aspects of litigation, including depositions and other discovery matters, representing clients in mediation and settlement discussions, and serving as a first-chair in administrative hearings and/or trials.

  1. Experience providing authoritative guidance, interpretation and recommendations on both administrative matters and legal.
  2. Experience advising and representing agencies or private employers in employment law and equal employment law matters.
  3. Experience providing legal advice and guidance on difficult and novel factual and legal issues.
  4. Trial advocacy skills, including proficiency in the development of case strategies, direct examination and cross-examination of witnesses, and oral argument.
  5. Experience involving contact with government witnesses, administrative judges, and opposing counsel in trying cases before the MSPB, EEOC, or other federal administrative forum.


NOTE: A LL.M. may be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience.

Transcripts: You must provide a copy of your law school transcript to be considered for this position. Verification of your academic degree(s) is necessary to determine your qualifications or eligibility for this position, you will be required to submit an official transcript for verification purposes before you are hired. However, unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application phase of the process. Please note that your J.D. or LL. B degree must be conferred before you can begin working.

Education

A LL.B or J.D. is a requirement for this position. If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation necessary to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.

Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.

If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position.

Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.

Additional information

Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the Required Documents section for requirements.

Click here for Career Ladder Promotion Information

The mission of the Department of Labor (DOL) is to protect the welfare of workers and job seekers, improve working conditions, expand high-quality employment opportunities, and assure work-related benefits and rights for all workers. As such, the Department is committed to fostering a workplace and workforce that promote equal employment opportunity, reflects the diversity of the people we seek to serve, and models a culture of respect, equity, inclusion, and accessibility where every employee feels heard, supported, and empowered.

Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

As a condition of employment, all personnel must undergo a background investigation for access to DOL facilities, systems, information and/or classified materials before they can enter on duty: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

The information you provide may be verified by a review of your paid, unpaid, volunteer, and other lived experience, as it demonstrates the competencies or skills required for the position to be filled. Your evaluation may include an interview, reference checks, or other assessment conducted by HR specialists, subject matter experts, or panel members and may include other assessments (ex. interview, structured interview, written test, work sample, etc.). The examining Office of Human Resources (OHR) makes the final determination concerning applicant ratings.

Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of time-in-grade (52 weeks at the next lower grade), time-after-competitive-appointment (90 days), and minimum qualifications (52 weeks equivalent to the next lower grade in federal service). These requirements must be met within 30 days of 11/25/2024, the announcement closing date.

Non-Supervisory Financial Disclosure: This position is subject to the confidential financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-521). Therefore, if selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) to determine if a conflict or an appearance of a conflict exists between your financial interest(s) and your prospective position with DOL. This information will be required annually.

Telework Positions: This position is physically located in Washington, DC. Incumbents are eligible to telework, subject to supervisor approval, but must also report to the physical office a prescribed number of days each pay period. Click here for Telework Position Information

Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy.

The Fair Chance Act (FCA) prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOL employee has violated your rights under the FCA, you may file a complaint of the alleged violation following our agency's complaint process Guidelines for Reporting Violations of the Fair Chance Act.

Note: The FCA does not apply to some positions specified under the Act, such as law enforcement or national security positions.

All Department of Labor employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Program under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.

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. 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.

This is an Excepted Service position and is open to Non-Citizens as allowed by law. This position will be filled through an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.

Applicants meeting the minimum qualification requirements for this position will be further evaluated against the following evaluation factors. Current and/or past supervisors may be contacted unless specified otherwise. A panel and/or the selecting official or his/her designee may interview applicants.

Evaluation Factors:

1. Interpersonal Skills - Maintains productive, collegial, and ongoing working relationships with customers. Effectively handles sensitive or controversial situations and builds consensus in problem solving approaches. Researches alternative actions to accommodate management needs and works with management officials to inspire confidence in the final decision.

2. Self-Management - Establishes own goals and work priorities to achieve deadlines. Independently assumes new or additional work responsibilities.

3. Legal Analysis - Independently identifies, evaluates, and resolves pertinent legal and factual issues, including the most complex and significant matters, in a clear, objective, and understandable manner. Identifies and evaluates all policy issues and presents options and/or recommendations.

4. Legal Research - Researches the most complex and significant matters, with appropriate consultation. Demonstrated knowledge of and progressive ability to use specialized research tools. Explores alternative creative approaches when no precedent exists.

5. Legal Writing - Authors original legal documents that are legally precise, accurate, thorough, clear, logical, well organized, concise, and persuasive, as appropriate. Progressive ability to convey in writing relevant facts, law, and policy in the most complex and significant matters. Progressive ability to anticipate issues, arguments, and/or policy concerns and formulate written responses that are proper in content and tone.

6. Oral Advocacy and Communication - Advanced ability to understand and communicate relevant facts, law, and policy in the most difficult and significant matters. Experience in presenting the most complex or technical information in an understandable manner. Progressive ability to anticipate questions and/or policy concerns and formulate responses that are proper in content and tone.

7. Trial Litigation - Progressive expertise assisting in handling litigation of civil, criminal, or administrative matters. Works with and/or assists Department of Justice Attorneys and SOL Attorneys in preparing and presenting complex litigation matters. Progressive expertise in reviewing discovery or disclosure requests involving OIG documents and testimony making objections and/or asserting privileges, as appropriate.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to supply sufficient information to provide a basis for rating each of the evaluation factors listed above.

INFORMATION FOR ICTAP/CTAP ELIGIBLE(S) ONLY: If you are eligible for special priority selection under ICTAP/CTAP, you must be well-qualified for the position to receive consideration. Those eligible for CTAP/CTAP will be considered "well-qualified" if they attain at least a rating score of 85 in a numerical rating scheme. Be sure to review the eligibility questions to reflect that you are applying as an ICTAP or CTAP eligible and submit supporting documentation.

Required Documents

The following documents must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the vacancy closing date.

You are not required to submit a document if it does not apply to you.

  • Resumes: Required and applicants must provide a resume either by creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one from your profile. To receive full consideration for relevant and specialized experience, please list the month, year, and number of work hours worked for the experience listed on your resume. We also suggest that you preview the vacancy questions, and confirm that your resume supports your question responses.
  • Bar Certification: Should you be selected for this position, you will be required to submit documentation verifying that you are an active member of the Bar in Good Standing of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the U.S. Constitution. This letter and/or certificate should be dated within the last six months of the closing date of this job announcement.
  • Transcript(s): Should you be selected for this position; you will be required to submit documentation verifying that you have completed your first professional law degree. Applicants who claim substitution of education for experience with an LL.M must submit a copy of their transcripts for verification.
  • Writing Sample (If Applicable): Applicants may be requested to submit a writing sample. Some examples of documents demonstrating writing skills are briefs, legal memoranda, and opinion letters. These examples should total no more than 10 pages in length. Extracts of selected sections of larger documents are acceptable. This work must be your own, not edited by someone else.
  • Veterans Documents (if applicable): Attorney appointments within the Department of Labor are positions in the excepted service, not the competitive service. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference in attorney appointments; however, the Department of Labor considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. In order to receive positive consideration, you must indicate your eligibility, in response to the appropriate item on the vacancy questionnaire. Additionally, you must submit a copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD214 showing the type of discharge and dates of active duty and, if applicable, a VA letter certifying the present existence of the service-connected disability which indicates the percentage of your disability. (For active-duty service members expecting to be honorably discharged or released within 120 days, click Active Duty) Without this documentation, you will not receive the veteran's consideration. Additional information is available at Feds Hire Vets - Veterans Preference

You may also find more information on positive considerations for attorney hiring.

  • Displaced Employee Placement Documents: These documents are only required if you are requesting priority consideration under ICTAP/CTAP Eligibility. Applicants with disabilities (SCHEDULE A) applying under the area of consideration must submit proof of certification by counselors, State vocational rehabilitation agencies, or the Veterans Administration.
Cover Letter(s) are not mandatory and will not be used to verify experience but may be submitted.

Applicants selected for employment that are not current DOL employees will be required to provide proof of citizenship, or non-citizenship as allowable in Excepted Service hiring through P.L. 112-10, and the E-Verify system will be used to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires.

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.

How to Apply

Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have speech disabilities, please dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.

To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, including submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

Your application and ALL required supplemental documents MUST be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the vacancy closing date to receive consideration.

Paper applications and supplemental documents submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the vacancy contact will not be considered. Click here for information on Reasonable Accommodations.

Important - Save your information before the 30 minute system timeout! For help, go to USAJOBS Help Center.

STEP 1 - Create USAJOBS Account on www.usajobs.gov, including Resume and Saved Documents. Your resume must provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the self-assessment vacancy questions. If not, HR may amend your responses to more accurately reflect the competency indicated by resume content. For each employment period, include start/end month & year and note full-time or part-time (if part-time, include # of hours worked per week) otherwise, your application may be considered incomplete.

STEP 2 - Complete the 1st part of the application process (USAJOBS). Once you have identified a job on USAJOBS that you wish to apply for, click on the job title and then click the Apply button. For questions about the vacancy, contact the Agency Contact at the bottom of the announcement. Proceed through the steps noted at the top of the USAJOBS page. You will be able to select a resume and documents from your USAJOBS Account that you can submit as a package as part of your DOL application. In the final step, once you have certified your application, click the Continue to agency site button.

STEP 3 - Complete the 2nd part of the application process (DOL). On the Department of Labor (DOL) page, create a DOL Account if you have not already and click Apply to this vacancy. Continue through the progress steps at the top of the DOL page. The 2nd progress step is where you answer the vacancy-specific questions. The 3rd progress step Documents is where you submit the required documents (only if applicable to you) specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.

STEP 4 - On the Review and Submit step, verify each section of your application is complete and correct. In order to submit your application, you must have a check mark next to each section listed. If there is an X, return to the appropriate section and follow the prompts. When it is ready for submission, certify your application and click the Submit Application button.

STEP 5 - Edit Application as needed by 11:59 pm Eastern Time of Closing Date by returning to USAJOBS, clicking the vacancy, thenUpdate Application.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

For more detailed information on applying for positions with DOL click here to view the U.S. Department of Labor, How to Apply website.

Agency contact information

Rachel Cochran
Address
Office of Inspector General
200 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20210
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and refer candidates for selection consideration. Candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome. A selection is expected to be made within 30 calendar days from the issuance date of the certificate.

For instructions on how to check the status of your application, go to: USAJOBS Help Guide.

USAJOBS will no longer send status alert email notifications. You can check your application status in the TAS by logging into USAJOBS and in the Applicant Dashboard, click the hiring agency Talent Acquisition System (TAS). If the TAS does not provide application tracking information, contact the agency point of contact on the job announcement.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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