Summary
The Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking multiple attorneys to join the General Law Division (GLD). GLD provides legal support and advice regarding diverse legal matters and issues affecting the administrative operations of the Department. Ideal candidates will possess the ability to work efficiently and effectively on a wide variety of legal matters.
Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens.
Duties
Selected applicant(s) will advise clients at the Department and program level, both in writing and orally, on a wide variety of legal matters, including:
- Appropriations law, including the expenditure of funds; review of non-contractual, non-financial assistance transactions between the Department and other parties; review of potential Antideficiency Act and other violations of law;
- Technical drafting assistance related to budget formulation and statutory construction;
- Intellectual Property, including the creation, usage, licensing, and registration of Departmental marks;
- Vacancies Reform Act, delegations of authority, and Presidential transitions.
Ideal candidates will possess the ability to conduct independent research, review reports of investigation, and synthesize information into well-articulated, cogent legal analysis and recommendations for supervisors and/or clients.
As an Attorney Advisor, you will perform the following duties:
GS-11 Level:
Researches legal issues which are sometimes factually complex; develops drafts of letters, memoranda, and legal documents for the use by a higher graded attorney; participates in administrative or judicial hearings; or conducts the preliminary review of applications which pose complex factual and legal questions where the applicant is seeking specific governmental protection or approval.
GS-12 Level:
Researches legal issues which are often factually complex; develops drafts of letters, memoranda and legal documents for a higher graded attorney; participates in administrative or judicial hearings; or conducts the preliminary review of applications which complex or factual and legal questions where the applicant is seeking specific governmental protection or approval.
GS-13 Level:
Researches legal issues which are often factually complex; develops drafts of letters, memoranda and legal documents for themselves or a higher graded attorney; participates in administrative or judicial hearings; or conducts the preliminary review of applications which complex or factual and legal questions where the applicant is seeking specific governmental protection or approval. The incumbent is expected to be able to independently present legal conclusions to adjudicatory authorities, high level organizational officials, as well as outside counsel and other interested groups.
GS-14 Level:
The incumbent is responsible for the analysis of the legal issue in question, the development of the strategy to deal with the legal issue, and the content and means of delivery of the completed analysis of the legal issue. At this level, the incumbent provides legal advice to high level agency officials and is responsible for effectively presenting the agency position before administrative or judicial bodies. Where the incumbent is reviewing applications for specific governmental approval or protection, they will have final approval authority, and in many cases, will review the work of lower graded attorneys and provide final approval of applications preliminarily approved by the lower graded attorney.
GS-15 Level:
Serves as the lead attorney on a particular case or legal issue or counsel to a major operating program posing complex legal questions. Provides legal advice, representation and services to various bureaus within the Department with respect to complex and difficult questions of law; responsible for analysis of the legal issue in question, the development of the strategy to deal with the legal issue, and the content and means of delivery of the completed analysis of the legal issue. At this level, the incumbent typically deals with the top management of their agency as well as the top management and/or attorneys of other private and public organizations as an expert in the procedural and substantive aspects of the law the incumbent may provide technical guidance to junior attorneys and influence policies.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use of possession of drugs.
- A probationary period may be required.
- Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/)
- If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
- All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
- Drug Test Required: NO
- License required: NO
- Pre-employment physical required: NO
- Bargaining Unit Position: NO
- Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): YES
- Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: WILL NOT be paid
Qualifications
Qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the Department of Commerce Attorneys and Law Clerks standards for Hiring and Advancement guidelines. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series.
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Basic requirement for all grade levels:
- You must be a graduate with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school; AND
- You must have active bar membership in good standing in one of the 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.
Minimum Requirements:
The career ladder for attorney positions in OGC is generally GS-11 to GS-15. The minimum qualifications for hiring at each grade level (or equivalent) are as follows:
-Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (MUST include law school transcripts in your application);- Must be an active member of the Bar (any U.S. jurisdiction - MUST include proof of bar membership in your application); and
Applicants must meet the general professional experience requirements set forth above and the below specialized experience by the closing date of the announcement. Specialized experience equips applicants with particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled.
Note: The General Counsel or designee retains the discretion to waive minimum qualifications as described above.
To qualify at the GS-11 level: You must have a J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.(The requirement that an applicant possess a J.D. may be waived if his or her bar membership is in a state that allows individuals to "read for the law" rather than pursue a formal academic degree).
To qualify at the GS-12: GS-11 qualifications plus one-year legal experience, or additional relevant experience that distinguishes an entry-level attorney from the GS-11. This may include: a superior academic record; specific course work or an internship in the relevant legal area; another graduate or doctoral degree. Individuals hired into Legal Intern positions at the GS-11 may be reassigned to GS-12 attorney positions upon admission to the bar, irrespective of time-in-grade.
To qualify at the GS-13: Two years of legal experience or relevant professional experience (legal or non-legal). Relevant non-legal professional experience could include, for example: experience in a non-attorney position within the Department, with resulting insight into the client's mission could warrant a higher grade. When relying on non-legal professional experience, hiring managers must articulate in writing how the cited experience enhances the applicant's skills to warrant the higher grade.
To qualify at the GS-14: Typically requires a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience. On the rare occasion, two years of relevant legal experience may, in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her designee, suffice.
To qualify at the GS-15: Typically requires a minimum of four years of relevant legal experience. On the rare occasion, three years of relevant legal experience may, in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her designee, suffice.
Specialized Experience Requirements:
Applicants must meet the General Professional Experience requirements set forth above and the below specialized experience by the closing date of the announcement. Specialized experience equips applicants with particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. For this position, specialized experience includes knowledge of appropriations law. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to accurately identify and quickly analyze relevant and critical issues related to fiscal law and internal financial controls. Applicants must demonstrate a record of strong interpersonal skills, good judgment and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client bureaus.
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.
Applicants may be hired at any of the grades shown in this announcement, commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. You are encouraged to identify the grade level(s) or salary for which you wish to be considered.
Education
See Qualifications Above.
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.
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 for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Applicants will be rated based on their education, experience, demonstrated legal research and writing abilities, and performance during the interview process. Basis for evaluation: If eligible and meeting basic qualifications, your application package will be evaluated in conjunction with your résumé and supporting documents for the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of this position:
1. Knowledge and experience in the practice areas identified in this announcement.
2. Knowledge of research strategies and techniques sufficient to research the most complex legal issues. The issues researched are almost always factually complex and are in areas of the law which are often in a continual state of evolution, thus requiring atypical and innovative research strategies.
3. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse clients and constituencies on varied and complex topics in writing clearly, concisely and persuasively, with particular emphasis on the ability to analyze and explain complex legal issues.
4. Ability to communicate effectively orally with diverse clients and constituencies on varied and complex topics and independently present legal conclusions to supervisors and/or client.
5. Ability to maintain effective working and reporting relationships with professional peers, support staff and management officials.
6. Ability to organize work effectively to meet established deadlines and priorities related to legal cases and matters.
Please be advised that DOC Attorney positions are in the Excepted Service. As such, these positions are not covered by the usual civil service hiring procedures. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications stated herein. We will perform an initial review of applications to determine basic eligibility and minimum qualifications for the position and numeric scores will not be assigned. There are no numerical rating systems through which to apply veterans' preference; however, the Office of the General Counsel favorably considers veterans preference eligibility in hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume. If selected, additional information may be required.
Required Documents
A complete application consists of the following:
- Cover letter. Address demonstrated interests and qualifications as it relates to the position.
- Resume showing relevant experience. Your resume should list your educational and work experience, including the dates (mm/yyyy) and provide the hours per week, if less than 40. For work in the Federal Service, please include the pay plan and grade level for the position(s).
- Copy of law school transcript. (Unofficial copy is sufficient, but official copy must be submitted before appointment). You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient.
- Certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing.
Failure to provide documents, if selected, may result in lost consideration.
Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
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
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESUMES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
To be considered, please send all documentation specified in the "Required Documents" section to EthicsDivision@doc.gov, with subject line "Attorney-Advisor Vacancy and the grade level for which you are applying".Applicants who are not selected for interviews will not be notified that they have not been selected.
Next steps
Once your application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. You will only be contacted if you are found eligible and if you are selected for an interview. Applicants selected for interviews may be requested to provide a legal writing sample.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for OGC to share your application with others in OGC for similar positions.
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed.
After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).
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