General Attorney (Labor) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. NL25EX12658358KR Department National Labor Relations Board
Salary $120,579.00 to $185,234.00 Grade 13 to 14
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/3/2025 Close Date 1/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Branch (ASCLB) of the Division of Enforcement Litigation. The incumbent serves as a General Attorney working under the supervision of the Branch Chief or a Supervisory Attorney, and is subject to difficult assignments, including the preparation of assigned cases involving enforcement or review litigation in the U.S. Court of Appeals, and litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court involving enforcement or review of Board Orders.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

All U.S. Citizens; Veterans.

Duties

As an General Attorney (Labor), GS-0905-13/14, your typical work assignments may include:

  • Conducting extensive legal research and investigating the facts, laws, regulations and legal precedents.
  • Preparing legal documents including briefs, motions and memoranda describing and analyzing the facts and legal issues involved, explaining the application of legal principles, and justifying the enforcement or affirmance of the Board's order or other relief sought by the Board.
  • Studying opposing briefs or pleadings to determine whether a reply should be filed, and preparing the replies and/or supplementary briefs as needed.
  • Studying court and Board decisions, legislative history, etc., for direct or analogous precedents, and authorities in support of the Board's contentions.
  • Preparing and presenting oral arguments in the Court of Appeals in assigned cases.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • This is not a remote (virtual) position.
  • U. S. Citizenship Required.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Relocation expenses are not authorized.
  • This position is in the Excepted Service.
  • This position is part of the Bargaining Unit.
  • Active Bar license is required for verification. Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. A Self-Certification Form is not acceptable verification.
  • This is a positive education position. Current NLRB attorneys are not required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, if attorneys are within 3 years from receiving their JD, a transcript must be provided with their application package.
  • A two-year trial period may be required.
  • Must be willing to do some travel and accept some overnight travel.
  • May be subject to a background investigation prior to appointment.
  • Submit complete application package online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

Qualifications

All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.

IDEAL CANDIDATE STATEMENT
The Ideal Candidate for the General Attorney (Labor) GS-13/14 position has working knowledge in traditional labor law. The candidate has demonstrated an ability to provide expert legal analysis and advocacy in an efficient manner on complicated matters. The candidate has experience drafting complex legal arguments and has exemplary legal research and written and oral communications skills.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LL. B or J.D.).

Bar Membership and Certification: Applicants must be 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. Your active Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. An Agency's Internal or Self-Certification Form is not acceptable for verification.

In addition to the BASIC REQUIREMENTS above, applicants must also meet the following:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications for GS-13
To qualify for this position, applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level, which has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the General Attorney (Labor) at the GS-13 grade level.

Specialized experience includes:
  • Experience working with federal labor law (e.g., the National Labor Relations Act or the Federal Labor Relations Act) or state labor laws; and
  • Experience researching statutes, decisions, opinions, or legislative history to ensure the appropriate use of legal authorities; and
  • Experience drafting legal memoranda or briefs; and
  • Experience preparing written legal analyses and opinions in cases involving policies and/or issues for consideration.
This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. Please do not cut and paste the position description, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.


Minimum Qualifications for GS-14
To qualify for this position, applicants must have one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level, which has provided them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the General Attorney (Labor) at the GS-14 grade level.

Specialized experience includes:
  • Experience working with federal labor law (e.g., the National Labor Relations Act or Federal Labor Relations Act) to provide guidance and recommendations on case law; and
  • Experience independently researching statutes, decisions, opinions, or legislative history to ensure the appropriate use of legal authorities; and
  • Experience drafting legal memoranda or briefs; and
  • Experience presenting oral arguments or making other oral presentations recommending disposition of cases.


This experience must be fully supported and articulated in your resume to receive consideration. Please do not cut and paste the position description, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

For more detailed information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website here.

*NOTE*
All Federal employees must provide a copy of their SF-50 "Notice of Personnel Action" that indicates proof of status. The SF-50 must include your position, title, series, grade, step, tenure (1 or 2), and type of service (Excepted). You may determine your status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2". Also, block 34 must reflect "2". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for verification.

*NOTE*
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.

Education

An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LL. B or JD). (NOTE: Current NLRB Attorneys may not be required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, NLRB employees within 3 years from receiving their juris doctorate degree, must provide a transcript with their application package.)

Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation here.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. You must meet all qualification requirements. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet these criteria, please click here.

Special Instructions for Foreign Education
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information regarding Foreign Education, please click here.

Additional information

SUPPLEMENTARY VACANCIES
Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The National Labor Relations Board is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for appointment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sex orientation), age, disability, genetic information, political affiliations, or any other non-merit factor. Applicants with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Agency's Selective Placement Coordinator by email here. NLRB offers a wide array of reasonable accommodations and programs for individuals with disabilities. (Note: for additional information for job seekers with disabilities, please click on the following website here.)

PLACEMENT POLICY
The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position will be filled by a new appointment.

ALTERNATE APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applicants may contact the Office of Human Resources at Employment.Solutions@nlrb.gov.

The National Labor Relations Board offers career opportunities that feature competitive starting salaries and the potential for performance-based increases, flexible hours, and the ability to achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle. You will enjoy a range of comprehensive and competitive employment benefits that include Work/Life Balance Programs (Alternative Work Schedules, Telework, Employee Assistance Program, and the Child Care Subsidy Program), the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance, Thrift Savings Plan, and the Transit Benefit Program.

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.

We will review your resume and supporting documentation and compare this information to your responses on the assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job.

If minimum qualifications are met, we will evaluate your application package, to assess the quality, depth, and complexity of your accomplishments, experience, and/or education as they relate to the requirements listed in this vacancy announcement.

You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification. Deliberate attempts to falsify information may be grounds for not selecting you, withdrawing an offer of employment, or dismissal after being employed.

You will be further evaluated on the following Competencies required for the position:

  • Decision Making
  • Legal, Government and Jurisprudence
  • Oral Communication
  • Reasoning
  • Written Communication


When the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documents will be conducted by Rating and Ranking Panel Members to determine qualified applications. Your application will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified.

1. Best Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates high proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all Selective Placement Factors (SPF) and appropriate Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) as determined by the job analysis.

2. Well Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates acceptable proficiency in all of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

3. Qualified: Applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position and demonstrates basic proficiency in most of the critical competencies, including all SPFs and appropriate QRFs as determined by the job analysis.

Applicants deemed Well-Qualified or higher may be referred to the Selecting Official. All applicants will receive notification when a final selection has been made.

To preview the assessment questionnaire, please click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12658358

Required Documents

In addition to your responses to the assessment questionnaire, you must submit the following additional documents specific for this vacancy:

Resume
Your resume must describe your job-related experiences and will be used to verify your qualifications. Therefore, it is important that the information be relevant, detailed where appropriate, and addresses the competencies for this position. Your resume must contain the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present) to include the hours worked per week (i.e., 40 hours full-time per week). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you will not receive consideration for this position.If your resume consists of more than 5 pages, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.

Proof of Bar Certification
A copy of your Bar License that certifies 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. Your active Bar license must reference Bar number and indicate the status of good standing. An Agency's Internal or a Self-Certification Form is not acceptable for verification.

Transcript
An unofficial copy of your transcripts is sufficient for this application package. The unofficial transcripts must be verifiable; contain the name of the institution, applicant's name, list of completed courses (with grades), semester hours, and GPA. The unofficial transcripts must also show type of degree and degree date received (conferred). In lieu of unofficial transcripts, a verification of enrollment letter is also sufficient; however, all required information listed above for the unofficial transcript must be included in the verification letter, including type of degree and degree date received (conferred) if applicable. If selected, an official copy of the transcripts is required and must be received before employment. Current NLRB attorneys are not required to submit a copy of their transcripts. However, if attorneys are within 3 years from receiving their J.D., a transcript must be provided with their application package.

Legal Writing Sample
Legal Writing Sample of applicant's choice (preferably no more than ten pages).

Other documents (if applicable). For more information, please click on the applicable link:

Most Recent Performance Appraisal (Current Federal Employees)
If performance appraisal is not dated with the last 18 months, or if you are unable to provide a performance appraisal, an explanation of why must be provided. Please include a document in your application package explaining why the performance appraisal is not available.

Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) (Current or Former Federal Employees)
Most recent SF-50 showing your current grade and tenure (you may be removed from consideration if not submitted). An SF-50 showing highest (permanent) grade ever held, if different from your current grade. (NOTE: Performance Award, Realignment/Reassignment, Name Change and Detail SF-50s will not be accepted as proof of grade and tenure.) If you are applying for a higher grade, please provide an SF-50 or SF-50s which show the length of time in the current/highest grade (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, With-in Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with dates that show proof of you holding the grade for at least a year) to support meeting time in grade requirements. As an employee in the Excepted Service, you may determine your status by checking block 24 on your SF-50. The block must reflect "1" or "2". Also, block 34 must reflect "2". A copy of your SF-50 must be provided for verification.

Individuals with Disabilities: Disability Letter
Veterans: DD-214 (member copy-4)
Disabled Veterans: DD-214, SF-15 and VA letter dated 1991 or later (indicating % disability)
Certain Military Spouses: Copy of service member's PCS order authorizing the spouse to accompany the service member AND Proof of marriage to the service member; OR Proof the service member was released or discharged from active duty due to a service-connected disability AND documentation of the service member's 100% disability AND proof of marriage to the service member; OR Proof of the service member's death while on active duty AND proof of marriage to the service member.
Family Member Preference (Derived Preference)

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the vacancy will result in your removal from consideration for this position. Please review your application prior to final submission and ensure you have submitted all appropriate documents. Uploading documents to USAJOBS does NOT ensure inclusion with your application to our system. You must verify that the documents are in the system with your application.

All materials must be received by 11:59PM EST on 01/21/2025 to be considered for this announcement.

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

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

  • Resume; and
  • Assessment Questionnaire; and
  • Any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the required documents section).
Please follow the instructions listed below for submitting your complete application package. Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all instructions before you begin.

To begin the process, click the APPLY ONLINE button at the right side of this screen to create an account or log into your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire. Please ensure you click the SUBMIT MY ANSWERS button at the end of the process.

If you have never applied through USAJOBS for a position with the Federal Civil Service, you will need to create a USAJOBS account.

To change or update your application, simply reapply through My USAJOBS, before the closing date. New or updated resumes are considered "incomplete" applications until the required virus scan is cleared.

To check the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

Agency contact information

National Labor Relations Board
Address
DIV OF ENF LIT APP & SUP CT LIT Br
1015 Half St SE
Washington, DC 20570-0001
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once a review of your resume and required documents have been completed, you will be notified of your application status.

Applicants will be initially reviewed for Minimum Qualifications determinations. All qualified applicants will then be screened by the Rating and Ranking panel members and placed into one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified. Applicants that meet the Well Qualified category or higher may be referred to the Selecting Official for further consideration.

If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Applicants will receive notification when a final selection has been made.


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


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