Duties
NATURE OF WORK
This is professional work in the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. Serve as defense attorney in labor and employment law matters to offices of Senators, the Vice President, Senate Committees, Senate Officers, and other employing offices. Work entails litigating cases as second chair in trial and appellate courts and at administrative hearings; advising clients of their legal obligations; doing legal research and writing; and giving employment law seminars. Work requires high-level thinking in the application of law to facts and requires the use of independent judgment. Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgement in setting priorities and handling assignments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under supervision of the Chief, Deputy Chief, and/or Senior Counsel, defend offices of Senators, the Office of the Vice President, Senate Committees, and other Senate employing offices throughout the country in employment law cases from the inception of the case through final appeal.
Research complex legal issues and write accurate, persuasive legal memoranda and briefs.
Conduct discovery, argue motions, assist in preparing for and trying cases, assist in preparing Circuit Court and Supreme Court arguments, and argue cases before courts and administrative officers.
Provide timely and accurate legal advice to Office of the Vice President, Senators, Chiefs of Staff, Staff Directors, Administrative Directors, Senate Officers, and other Senate managers regarding employment law issues.
Maintain current, accurate knowledge of employment law cases and statutes.
Develop, prepare, and conduct seminars regarding employment-related legal issues; prepare and present oral and written reference materials and audio-visual materials for seminar participants.
Prepare legal newsletters, website content, memoranda, policies, and forms to keep clients informed of and in compliance with existing laws.
Maintain current knowledge of the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan; participate in periodic exercises and drills.
As part of the Secretary’s customer service initiative (known as R.A.T.E.), provide all customers with the highest level of customer service.
Perform other duties as assigned.
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.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa
Qualifications
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed
in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and
requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking,
standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use
of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication
such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable,
and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also
requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the
Office of the Secretary.
MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires a Juris
Doctorate degree and a minimum of two years of experience defending employment
claims and advising employers regarding compliance with federal and state
employment laws. Work requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of
federal employment laws, labor laws, constitutional law, and rules of court.
Basic knowledge of
the Senate as an institution preferred.
Ability to research
and analyze complex legal issues.
Ability to provide
accurate legal advice and to exercise independent judgment in defending clients
at trial-court and appellate-court levels, and at the Supreme Court.
Ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients.
Ability to
exercise independent judgment in determining and implementing the client’s best
defense strategy in lawsuits.
Ability to
professionally handle confidential/sensitive matters and materials.
Ability to
concentrate for long periods of time and to pay careful attention to detail.
Ability to
communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on a one-on-one basis, to
large groups, and before courts.
Ability to work
extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload.
Knowledge of
modern legal practices, including the Electronic Discovery Reference Model, and
research resources, including LEXIS and/or WESTLAW.
Knowledge of and
experience using electronic discovery platforms.
Ability to operate a computer and utilize
applicable software programs.
LICENSES,
CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Licensed and in
good active standing to practice law from a state or territory of the United States
or the District of Columbia.
Education
See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.
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 to Apply
https://saa.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa
All applicants must use the link above and follow instructions. DO NOT submit any paper application materials or resumes via U.S. Postal Mail or in person. All applicants MUST use the online employment application.
Next steps
Candidates will be contacted if granted an interview.