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Posted May 16, 2024

Detail - U.S. Office of Special Counsel Attorney Advisor

Office of Special Counsel
Washington, D.C. Full Time
Reference: OfficeofSpecialCounsel791278700

We are seeking Attorneys, such as Assistant U.S. Attorneys, experienced or interested in Federal personnel law as practiced before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB); the Hatch Act; or whistleblower disclosures filed with OSC pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1213. Details would run for 6 -12 months. Non-reimbursable details are preferred but Reimbursable details are a possible option. You will have a unique opportunity to bring valuable experience in OSC-covered areas back to your organization! This detail opportunity is expected to last between 6 - 12 months, and you may be called to work in any of OSC's program units, which include:
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Case Review Division (CRD)
  • Disclosure Unit (DU)
  • Diversity, Outreach and Training Unit (DOT)
  • Hatch Act Unit (HAU)
  • Investigation and Prosecution Division (IPD)
  • Retaliation and Disclosure Unit (RDU)
  • USERRA Unit
We are looking for candidates who embrace the privilege of public service, bring enthusiasm and dedication to such service, and work well within a team setting.

In the course of carrying out these duties, you may be assigned to conduct investigations, conduct complex legal research and draft legal memoranda, prepare cases for litigation before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), and appear as amici in federal court. You may conduct witness interviews, discovery, and legal research; prepare pleadings, briefs, reports of investigation and other reports and memoranda; manage diverse caseloads, mediate and settle cases, and advise the Special Counsel and senior leaders regarding case dispositions and legal issues that involve federal personnel law, constitutional law, labor and employment law, administrative law, and civil procedure.

Duties performed:
  • Conducting factual and legal research and analysis from documents, witness testimony and other sources to develop the evidentiary record;
  • Presenting oral and written information during witness and subject interviews, interactions with the agency or complainant's counsel, and any legal proceedings before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) or other adjudicative tribunals, etc.;
  • Providing expert legal advice and counsel to senior officials to prepare and implement strategies for complex and controversial issues;
  • Representing the agency to Federal stakeholders and the public, including complainants, other Federal agency officials, attorneys, representatives of private and public organizations, the MSPB, and elected officials and staff; and
  • Performing other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet the basic education and bar membership requirements:
  • A professional law degree (L.L.B., J.D., L.L.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; and
  • An active membership in good standing in a bar of a state, U.S. Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth or Puerto Rico.
And

Specialized Experience
  • Possess two (2) years of post J.D. legal experience;
  • Currently serving as an Attorney at the GS-13, GS-14 or GS-15 grade level;
  • Have at least three (3) years of specialized experience in:
    • drafting discovery, briefs, motions, presentations, and other written material in preparation for trials or administrative hearings;
    • conducting legal research and analyzing complex cases or issues; and
  • Demonstrate excellent writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Your resume must explicitly outline your qualifications. We will not make assumptions on your experience.

NOTE: To be considered for this position, you must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the GS-0905 series set forth in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards by the closing date of the announcement. A copy is available at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined above.

Applicants qualifying through education, but who have not yet graduated or received final grades, may apply using their current grades at time of application. If selected, you will be required to verify final grades and/or provide additional documentation.

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