Attorney-Adviser (General)

*This vacancy announcement is open continuous for one year to create a standing register.*

• The first cut-off date is: 23 June 2023
• Future cut-off dates will be at the hiring manager's discretion.
• If you are found qualified and eligible, your name will remain on the register through the closing date of this announcement.

Salary Ranges:
GS-11: $78,592 - $102,166
GS-12: $94,199 - $122,459
GS-13: $112,015 - $145,617
GS-14: $132,368 - $172,075

You must submit a copy of your unofficial or official transcripts conferring a J.D., or LL.B., or higher degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

A self-created transcript or a list of courses you have prepared is not acceptable. In this position, you will serve as an Attorney in the Enforcement Division in the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the Federal Election Commission. You will work under an Assistant General Counsel providing legal advice, analysis, research, and/or investigative activities in connection with the enforcement of the Federal Election Campaign Act and compliance with Commission policy and regulations.
As part of your duties, you will:

• Analyze a large range of complex and sometimes high-profile enforcement matters generated internally or by complaints filed by members of the public alleging violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act.
• Write legal reports, memoranda, and briefs.
• Deliver oral presentations to the Commission in support of recommended actions.
• Conduct investigations that include interviews, depositions, and requests for documents.
• Conduct conciliation discussions with enforcement subjects and/or their counsel and recommend conciliation agreements (settlements) to the Commission for approval.

In order to qualify, you must meet the Basic Requirements and the Experience Requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. A copy of your unofficial or official transcripts must be provided with your application.

Basic Requirements (applicable to both grade levels):

A. Education: Possess a J.D. or LL.B degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

AND

B. Bar Membership: Be an active member in good standing of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States.

In addition to meeting both of the Basic Requirements above, you must meet the experience requirements for the applicable grade level.

Minimum Qualification Requirement for the GS-11:
You must possess the minimum requirements of (1) a law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and (2) Bar admission, being licensed and in good standing to practice law as an Attorney under the laws of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States.

Experience Requirement for the GS-12:
You must have at least 1 year of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney in any of the following duty areas: compliance, litigation, investigations, legal review, regulations/policy, or other similar areas. This experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 federal grade level, participating in providing legal advice, analysis, research, or litigation work. This must include activities such as: (1) conducting legal research of policies, regulations, and/or compliance questions, including researching legal precedent; (2) drafting briefs, motions, or other legal documents; (3) assisting with taking depositions and/or sworn statements from witnesses or parties; and (4) making oral presentations of legal research/analysis.

Experience Requirement for the GS-13:
You must have at least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney in any of the following duty areas: compliance, litigation, investigations, legal review, regulations/policy, or other similar areas. At least one year of this experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 federal grade level participating in providing legal advice, analysis, research, or litigation work. This must include activities such as: (1) conducting legal research of policies, regulations, and/or compliance questions, including researching legal precedent; (2) drafting briefs, motions, or other documents in preparation for trial or administrative proceedings; (3) assisting with taking depositions and/or sworn statements from witnesses or parties; (4) assisting senior staff with settlement negotiations with another party or their respective counsel; or (5) making oral presentations of legal arguments or results of legal research/analysis.

Experience Requirement for the GS-14 Level:
You must have at least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney in any of the following duty areas: compliance, litigation, investigations, legal review, regulations/policy, or other similar areas. At least one year of this experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 federal grade level providing legal advice, analysis, research, and/or litigation work. This must include activities such as: (1) conducting extensive legal research of policies, regulations, and/or compliance questions, including researching precedent or opinions bearing on a legal issue; (2) writing briefs, motions, reports, or recommendations in preparation for trial or administrative proceedings; (3) taking depositions and/or sworn statements from witnesses or parties; (4) participating in negotiating settlement agreements with another party or their respective counsel; or (5) presenting oral arguments in a court or administrative hearing.

In addition, you must provide a cover letter of at least two pages summarizing your evidence of the following competencies:

1. Legal Writing: Writes clear, concise, persuasive legal documents.
2. Legal Analysis: Researches, analyzes, and explains complex legal issues.
3. Investigations: Gathers information and examines facts for investigations or research; takes depositions; conducts witness interviews; drafts formal and informal written discovery.
4. Negotiating: Develops negotiation strategy; drafts and negotiates settlement agreements; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions.
5. Oral Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups; listens effectively and clarifies information as needed; communicates complex legal principles succinctly and clearly.

We recommend your cover letter include examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the functions, activities, or services you delivered; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed, and the results of your actions.

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.

Note: If you are selected at the GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 grade level, you may be promoted without further competition to the next higher grade level once you have served 18 months and met performance requirements. Selection at the GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance GS-14 grade level.