Attorney Advisor (Reconsideration / Intervention / Appellate) Job in District of Columbia, DC

Vacancy No. 25-RGJ-12609040-ATT Department Office of Personnel Management
Salary $163,964.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/18/2024 Close Date 3/18/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
District of Columbia, DC


Summary

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with first consideration given to applicants that apply by 11/29/2024.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) seeks an attorney experienced in personnel law and litigation to support OPM's unique, governmentwide role in reviewing and challenging decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and certain decisions of arbitrators that will have a substantial, negative impact on the civil service.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with first consideration given to applicants that apply by 11/29/2024.

Duties

The incumbent is a subject matter expert in matters within the jurisdiction of the MSPB, including but not limited to employee relations law. The incumbent acts as the principal attorney and team leader supporting the Director's exercise of governmentwide authority to intervene in MSPB appeals, seek reconsideration of MSPB decisions and certain arbitration decisions, and petition the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for review when the MSPB or an arbitrator has erred in a way that will have a substantial negative impact on a civil service law, rule, or regulation.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

  • Reviewing final decisions of the MSPB and certain decisions of arbitrators to detect legal errors of such magnitude that OPM intervention/reconsideration and judicial review of MSPB or arbitration decisions may be appropriate.
  • Conferring with high-level officials both within OPM and from other agencies in connection with requests that the OPM Director exercise the Director's authority to challenge an adverse MSPB or arbitration decision.
  • Developing and effectively and persuasively articulating orally and in writing sound legal theories in support of intervention and reconsideration motions and petitions for judicial review, often under compressed timeframes.
  • Directly supporting, and assisting other attorneys in supporting, the Department of Justice in appellate litigation, including consulting with Justice concerning whether the agency should seek further review of adverse decisions.
  • Assisting the Associate General Counsel as needed in the coordination, assignment, and review of work to and by designated team members. Mentoring, advising, and assisting other attorneys to accomplish their work in the relevant subject matter(s).
  • Keeping up to date on employee relations law and precedent, and advising other attorneys as to changes.
  • Personally handling the most complex, impactful, and/or novel MSPB litigation, particularly at the intervention or reconsideration stage.
  • Other duties as assigned, which may encompass the full range of subjects and activities performed by OGC, potentially including in such varied subject matters as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) litigation; suitability and security; internal and government-wide labor relations; collective bargaining; FOIA and Privacy Act appeals; MSPB and FLRA appeals; and examination, certification, and appointment into the civil service.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit
  • Appointments made from this announcement are exempt from the competitive service.
  • Must be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a State, Territory of the United States, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications
  • A J.D. from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association;
  • Exemplary legal writing and oral advocacy skills, including drafting under time pressure;
  • Demonstrated excellence in subject matters within the MSPB's jurisdiction, including Federal personnel law; and
  • At least one full year of experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal service.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Appellate experience is strongly preferred, including experience assessing adverse decisions and making recommendations as to further review;
  • Demonstrated experience managing and analyzing complex legal issues and questions;
  • Superior legal research and analysis, including the ability to effectively integrate and synthesize facts and law to make legally sound decisions, including in compressed timeframes;
  • The ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders;
  • The ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making in challenging situations;
  • The ability to work both independently and as a team member in a demanding environment;
  • Willingness to consider diverse perspectives and ability to navigate changing circumstances;
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently; and
  • Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships, both within and outside OGC.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Incentive payments may be considered.

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.

We will review your application package to ensure you meet the job requirements.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  1. Your Resume;
  2. A Cover Letter;
  3. Proof of active membership, in good standing, of the Bar of a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia;
  4. Other supporting documents, as applicable:
    • Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.)
    • Performance Appraisals: Current Federal employees must submit their last two performance appraisals.

Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any other documentation.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above to the following email address: OGCJOBS@opm.gov. Please include in the subject line your last name and the job announcement number. For example: Smith, 25-RGJ-12609040-ATT.

You will receive an email acknowledgment when your application has been received. This is not an indication as to the completeness of your application; you are responsible for ensuring that you submit a complete application.

Agency contact information

OGC Jobs
Address
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

References and Writing Sample: If you advance in the selection process, you may be required to submit: (1) three professional references, including references from your most recent supervisors; and (2) a writing sample not more than 20 pages in length.
Deliberate attempts to falsify information in your application may be grounds for not selecting you or for dismissing you from the position/agency.

After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/



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


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