Summary
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR), an independent legislative branch office created by the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) to enforce several federal labor, employment, safety and health, and disability access laws, seeks a seasoned leader to serve as General Counsel (GC). This is a great opportunity for an experienced litigation attorney seeking a senior position in which to make a real difference in the lives of those who work for Congress.
Duties
The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience practicing in the areas of labor and employment law. Experience in safety, health, and disability access laws is desired. The candidate should have the experience necessary to lead and manage a team of ten lawyers and other safety and disability access professionals. Familiarity with the U.S. Congress and legislative branch is desirable.
The OCWR's Chair of the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Board, will appoint the GC for a term not to exceed five years, as limited by statute, with the opportunity of being reappointed to a second five-year term.
Responsibilities
The GC exercises the authorities and performs the duties of the position as specified in the CAA, and otherwise assists the OCWR Board of Directors and Executive Director in carrying out their statutory duties and powers, including representing the Office in any judicial proceeding under the CAA.
The GC plans and directs all aspects of the OCWR's legal affairs, particularly those that relate to safety and health, ADA public access, and unfair labor practices. The GC leads the defense of the organization in appeals of decisions rendered by the Board to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Furthermore, the GC prosecutes allegations of violations of the CAA in safety and health and unfair labor practice matters and provides legal counsel to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors where needed.
The General Counsel reports directly to the OCWR Board of Directors and is a key member of the OCWR leadership team. The GC must be able to work collegially with employing offices and key congressional stakeholders, particularly the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, in implementing the inspection and investigatory mandates of the CAA. In this role, the GC also provides leadership to staff and recommends initiatives to the Board in matters of safety, health, ADA public access, and unfair labor practices. The GC is responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting key documents and legal memoranda, presenting clear recommendations, and assuring legal compliance.
The GC supervises a staff of attorneys, administrative personnel, contract inspectors, and safety, health and ADA inspectors, while receiving general guidance and direction from the Board Chair and the Board of Directors.
The GC manages the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and all OGC employees. The General Counsel:
- Oversees the safety and health and ADA public access programs mandated by the CAA, including inspections and of the Congressional community, gathering data and reporting findings biennially to Congress, and collaborating with Congress to ensure abatement of hazardous conditions and removal of ADA barriers to public access.
- Represents the OCWR and the OCWR Board in legal proceedings before the United States Courts of Appeals and United States District Courts.
- Prosecutes actions involving violations of the OSH Act, Titles II and III of the ADA, and the prohibition of unfair labor practices under the FSLMRS.
- Consults with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and legal team to identify and resolve legal issues and recommend resolutions and settlements.
- Supports the Board of Directors and Executive Director, and provides leadership for the legal team, by providing legal interpretations and recommendations for compliance.
- Works collaboratively as a member of the OCWR's management team and assists the Executive Director, as requested, in making internal operational decisions.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
The individual selected for this position must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least 15 years of experience as an attorney in the labor and employment law field and/or in the areas of occupational safety and health and disability access and is able to demonstrate leadership, management, and/or comparable GC experience. Familiarity with the U.S. Congress and Legislative Branch is desired.
- Not engaged in, or be otherwise employed in, lobbying of the Congress; and not required under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act to register with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate.
- May not hold nor have held the position of Member of the House of Representatives or Senator.
- May not hold the position of officer or employee of the House of Representatives, Senate, or instrumentality or other entity of the legislative branch (other than the OCWR), nor may have held such a position (other than the position of an officer or employee of the General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board, an officer or employee of the Office of Fair Employment Practices of the House of Representatives, or officer or employee of the Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices) within 4 years of the date of appointment.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise have status eligible for federal employment per Title VII, Sec. 704 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selected Service.
- Must successfully complete a security investigation and background check.
- Must be willing to file statutorily-required Public Financial Disclosure Reports periodically.
Please also note that the individual appointed to the position must be selected solely based upon fitness to perform the duties of the office without regard to political affiliation.
Qualifications
The individual appointed as the General Counsel will possess the following characteristics:
- Clear and concise communication skills, both written and verbal, when engaging with oversight committees, the Board, and staff, and when participating in evidentiary hearings, oral argument, and testifying before Congressional committees.
- Courteous and pleasant manner.
- Analytical in approach.
- Rigorous in legal approach.
- Practical business sense in approaching problems.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- A qualified supervisor.
- Patient and hard working.
- Good judgment in determining work priority.
- Tactful with mature and professional judgment.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Problem solver.
- Multi-tasker.
- A demonstrable commitment to the mission of the office.
Education
- JD from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
- Member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Upon review of all resumes, the Office will determine which candidates will be asked to interview. Candidates will be notified and scheduled for interviews, if selected. All applicants will be evaluated based on their educational and relevant work experience. The OCWR does not discriminate against candidates based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter, resume, proof of bar membership (a printout from a bar website is sufficient) and, if a current or former federal employee, your most recent SF-50. The required documents should be sent as individual attachments via email to GCjob@ocwr.gov with no substantive text in the email.
Only applications containing all required documents submitted via email by the closing date will be considered. Applications submitted via any job posting website or automated service, including through an "Apply Now" or similar function, will NOT be considered.
Next steps
A selection panel will review all complete applications and set up an interview with those individuals who are considered most qualified for the position.