Summary The primary purpose of this position is: The Office of the General Counsel (Acquisition) serves its client, the Department of the Air Force, by providing members of the Secretariat, Air Staff, Assistant Secretary (Acquisition), PEOs and field level offices with actionable, candid, and independent legal advice and counsel, Responsibilities Is responsible for carrying out matters pertaining primarily to trademark law, with a particular focus on trademark prosecution, licensing, and branding with skill at defending Air Force interests in these areas. Responsible for representing the Department of the Air Force before the United States Patent and Trademark Office concerning Trademark matters. Responsible for drafting and negotiating a wide variety of agreements including those relating to marketing, merchandising, and content licensing concerning the use of Air Force trademarks. Responsible for drafting and negotiating trademark license agreements between the Air Force and commercial vendors. Responsible for assessing, investigating, and developing strategies for cease-and-desist letters, domain name proceedings, online marketplace takedowns, opposition and cancellation proceedings (both offensive and defensive) before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB), and other trademark enforcement activities; Acts as a trademark subject matter expert for pre-litigation enforcement matters for the Department of the Air Force. As assigned and without direct supervision, accomplishes specialized projects, which require an exceptionally high level of legal training and experience. Such projects may involve participation in Air Force or inter-Air Force working groups and may require field trips to military installations and other locations. Represents the office of the General Counsel and/or the Air Force in conferences with senior representatives of DoD and other defense agencies and military departments, other government agencies, and private industry on matters of interest to the Air Force. 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. Specialized Experience: In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities 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: Knowledge of the role and duties of a senior government attorney. Superior knowledge of the Lanham Act (15 U.S.C. § 1051 et seq.) and other applicable substantive federal laws, regulations, and policies with specific focus on all matters pertaining to trademark law with a particular expertise in marketing, licensing, and branding of government owned Trademarks. Experience in preparing and prosecuting trademark applications before the United States Patent and Trademark Office to obtain registrations and renewals of trademarks; familiarity with FAR and DFARS based government contracts and non-FAR based assistance agreements (e,g,, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements) is beneficial but not necessary. Skilled in various research methodologies, including computer-assisted technologies; ability to gather, analyze, and coherently communicate data involving complex legal issues and theories. Knowledge of communication methodologies and staffing processes peculiar to the legal profession and the Air Force. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; skilled at communicating, coordinating, and collaborating in order to foster effective working relationships 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. 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 This is an acquisition demonstration project position NH-IV equivalent to a GS-14 to GS-15. 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. Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills. 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. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used. 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.
