Summary This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel serving as primary legal counsel in complex adversarial proceedings. Requires extensive experience in federal employment litigation (EEOC, MSPB) and labor relations. Seeking a self-starter to manage caseload, mentor junior attorneys, and advise senior HR officials and leadership on sensitive employment matters. Responsibilities As a Assistant General Counsel (Employment and Labor), you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to: Providing legal counsel to Agency elements on the complex aspects of employment and labor law, particularly EEO law. Provides oral and written advice and technical legal guidance to key senior officials concerning all aspects of federal employment law, including adverse actions, performance management, and EEO issues. Represents the agency in appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), complaints filed with the agency's Office of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), at arbitration proceedings, complaints before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA), and before other administrative tribunals. As necessary, the incumbent represents the agency in the Federal District Court by participating in the conduct of trials to include the full range of responsibilities attendant thereto, including assuming the position of trial attorney. Renders legal opinions in matters of legal rights and obligations based upon statutes, regulations, and court and administrative decisions. Provides assistance to Assistant United States Attorneys in litigation in the U.S. courts. Reviews and analyzes facts and develops evidence during the preparation of cases; participates in pretrial conferences; selects and interviews appropriate witnesses, preparing them to give testimony; and suggests questions to be asked in cross-examination. Provides legal advice and support of the offices within the Agency. This includes the operational aspects of the programs and other activities in the assigned offices. Interprets and, as appropriate, apprises agency management of developments in EEO, labor, and employment law policies or procedures as reflected in statutes, regulations, or case law. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To qualify for the GS-15, you should have four (4) or more years of post-J.D. legal experience, at least one (1) of which were specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level or higher; and hold an active bar membership. Applicants must have a minimum of one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility comparable to the GS-14 or comparable pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position and includes all of the following: Significant knowledge of federal employment Law, including federal employee relations (Title V) and EEO (Title VII). Significant knowledge of federal labor law and procedures. Ability to handle all aspects of representing an Agency in federal litigation (administrative and/or court proceedings), including experience serving as lead attorney (or equivalent) in administrative or judicial hearings. Significant experience with litigation, including handling witness preparation, depositions, and discovery; preparing affidavits; developing trial strategies; conducting direct and cross examination; and aspects of motion practice. Significant experience advising or representing an agency in collective bargaining and all matters related to federal labor relations. Proven ability to manage complex legal tasks, including litigation, independently or with minimal supervision. Ability to relate well to clients and work collaboratively in a fast paced legal environment. - A customer-service oriented approach to legal practice. Ability to think outside of the box on legal questions. Ability and willingness to lead legal tasks and take on new tasks and responsibilities - Experience with advising on FOIA matters, including those relating to litigation. Experience with federal ethics law and regulations. Education Attorney positions do have an education requirement. Applicants must be a graduate of an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D. For positions with an education requirement, you MUST submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions. Applicant cannot substitute education for experience at the GS-15 levels, although educational achievement may be considered when rating applicants, as with any attorney position. Additional Information Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by closing date of the announcement to be considered. The recruitment incentive is only available to newly appointed employees to the federal government or previous employees who have had a break in federal service for at least 90 days. Selectee must sign a two-year service agreement with the agency. 1. If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency. For Military Selective Service Act requirement information, please visit Selective Service 2. Your application to this vacancy announcement will only allow consideration for this announcement. We cannot electronically or manually move your application to corresponding announcements, if applicable. 3. Additional vacancies not reflected in the announcement that occur after the opening date of the vacancy announcement for position(s) identical (same grade, series and title) to the original vacancy may be filled from the selection certificate during the validity of the certificate. 4. Budgetary conditions may delay or otherwise affect filling this vacancy. However, all interested candidates should apply now.
