Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a legal advisor, providing support as General Law and Ethics Attorney to the 66 ABG Staff Judge Advocate Office for all ethics, standards of conduct, and other civil and general law-related issues. Responsibilities 1. The incumbent plans, organizes, and directs the the 66 ABG/JA Ethics Program, ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and provides oral and written advice on all ethics and standards of conduct matters. 2. Advises commanders and staff on laws and regulations associated with ethics, standards of conduct, and other civil and general law matters. 3. Provides assistance and advice to lesser experienced civilian and military attorneys and paralegals on all facets of ethics, standards of conduct, and other civil and general law matters. 4. As a senior attorney, serves as lead attorney on complicated ethics, standards of conduct, and other civil and general law matters, as assigned, whenever they may arise, including but not limited to protests before the General Accounting Office, U.S. District Court, and U.S. Court of Federal Claims, large dollar claims or disputes filed with the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, appeals therefrom, matters before U.S. Magistrate Courts as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, and any other civil and general law related litigation and investigation, as assigned. 5. Other duties as assigned by the Division Chief, Administrative and Civil Law Division (66 ABG/JAC) and the 66 ABG Staff Judge Advocate (SJA). Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: You 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 (LLB or JD). In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status. A copy of the Bar Card is not acceptable proof of good standing. A4.2.5. GS-14 or GS-15. A4.2.5.1. Qualifications Required at GS-14 or GS-15 Level. General requirements set forth under paragraph A4.1. In addition, the attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of three years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. 119 A4.2.5.2. Level of Supervision. Attorneys performing duties in GS-15 positions are expected to perform with substantial independence, even when working on the most complex or difficult matters. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of applicable law pertaining to the specialized areas of legal practice, as determined by the SJA, in order to provide legal advice and counsel to command and management and represent DAF interests. 2. Sufficient knowledge of federal, state, and local law, as it impacts the private individual, to provide personal legal assistance to eligible beneficiaries across the typical range of the DAF legal assistance practice. 3. Skill in recognizing and analyzing key legal issues in a factual situation and applying well-reasoned analysis to reach clear, concise conclusions. 4. Ability to research legal issues, analyze complex factual situations in light of general legal principles and the results of research and prepare legal opinions. 5. Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, in and outside the legal profession, both orally and in writing, in both formal and informal settings. 6. Ability to prepare cases for trial and/or try cases before a court, administrative body, or an official having quasi-judicial power. At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application. A copy of the Bar Card is not acceptable proof of good standing. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force. Additional Information Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. This job announcement will be used to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here. Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.
