Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer)

Closing Date: 23rd June, 2024

Description:

Summary:
A Government Entity is seeking one or more attorney advisors to join its Office of Chief Counsel (OCC). OCC serves as legal counsel for A Government Entity, providing legal advice and guidance for all matters that arise in support of A Government Entity's missions.

These OCC attorney advisors provide legal support for A Government Entity's efforts to close the digital divide, manage federal spectrum resources, and build a better internet.

Duties:
These are new positions to support A Government Entity's mission.

The legal matters and issues involved in this work are characterized by one or more of the following: (1) extremely complex and difficult legal or factual issues requiring a high order of legal endeavor with the incumbent often having to balance conflicting interests; (2) matters that can have the effect of substantially broadening or restricting the activities of an agency or have an important impact on a major industry whose economic position affects the health and stability of the general economy; or (3) the matter involves, directly or indirectly, providing counsel on the implementation of sizable grant programs to meet legal requirements and ensure program integrity. (4) OCC responsibilities also include legal support for A Government Entity's efforts to connect everyone in America to high-speed, reliable, and affordable Internet service.

This position requires a knowledge of telecommunications and information law and policy. This includes knowledge and/or experience related to the broadband grant programs A Government Entity is administering under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) or similar programs involving broadband access or adoption.
The attorney(s) will be hired at the GS-12 through GS-15 grade levels, depending on experience. The promotion potential for this position is GS-15 level.

GS-12 Level:
Performs very specific legal functions relative to extremely complex cases, normally as part of a team, such as researching various issues related to the case or legal problem and drafting the team position for that issue or taking deposition on very specific subject matter related to the case.

GS-13 Level:
Performs a variety of legal duties relative to cases or legal issues of extreme difficulty as characterized by one or more of the traits described above in I. Incumbent usually works as part of a team addressing a broad legal issue. Typically, the incumbent would be conducting legal research, determining what facts or legal issues are relevant, and determining, in conjunction with their supervisor, the legal conclusion based upon the fact and relevant legal authorities. Where the incumbent is reviewing applications for specific governmental approval in I. above, the incumbent will not have final approval on all applications reviewed. Has subject matter expertise in telecommunications and information law and policy. In adversarial proceedings, the incumbent may present portions of the agency's position, but would be working under the guidance of a supervisor or higher graded attorney.

GS-14 Level:
Performs a variety of legal duties relative to cases or legal issues of extreme difficulty as characterized by one or more of the traits described above in I. The incumbent may act as the primary legal counsel to a significant operating program or in adversarial proceedings where legal questions posed are of an extremely complex nature. Where the incumbent is reviewing applications for specific governmental approval or protection, the types of applications reviewed will have one or more of the characteristics outlined in I. above. The incumbent will have the final approval authority relative to the application and will normally review and approve the work of lower graded attorneys. Has in-depth subject matter expertise in telecommunications and information law and policy. Has extensive telecommunications and information law and policy experience.

GS-15 Level:
As the lead attorney on a particular case or legal issue characterized by one or more of the traits described in I above or counsel to a major operating program posing complex legal questions, the incumbent is responsible for the analysis of the legal issue in question, the development of the strategy to deal with the legal issue, and the content and means of delivery of the completed analysis of the legal issue. At this level, the incumbent typically deals with the top management of their agency as well as the top management and/or attorneys of other private and public organizations. Has in-depth subject matter expertise in telecommunications and information law and policy. Has extensive telecommunications and information law and policy experience.

This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer) GS-0905-12/13/14/15 FPL:15 positions within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
• You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use of possession of drugs.
• A probationary period may be required.
• Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/)
• If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application.
• All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• Drug Test Required: No
• License required: J.D. Degree and Bar membership
• Pre-employment physical required: No
• Bargaining Unit Position: No
• Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): Yes
• Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: Will not be paid

Qualifications:
Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/

Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

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; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Basic requirement for all grade levels:

• You must be a graduate with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school; AND
• You must have bar membership in one of the 50 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.

Minimum Requirements:
The career ladder for attorney positions in OGC is generally GS-12 to GS-15. The minimum qualifications for hiring at each grade level (or equivalent) are as follows:
GS-12: J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (The requirement that an applicant possess a J.D. may be waived if his or her bar membership is in a state that allows individuals to "read for the law" rather than pursue a formal academic degree). 1 year of legal experience or relevant professional experience (legal or non-legal).This may include: a superior academic record; specific course work or an internship in the relevant legal area; another graduate or doctoral degree.

GS-13: Two years of legal experience or relevant professional experience (legal or non-legal). Relevant non-legal professional experience could include, for example: experience as an International Program Specialist with the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) when applying for a CLDP attorney position; or experience as an Employee Relations Specialist when applying for an Employment Law position. Likewise, experience in a non-attorney position within the Department, with resulting insight into the client's mission could warrant a higher grade, as could non-legal experience in regulated industry. When relying on non-legal professional experience, hiring managers must articulate in writing how the cited experience enhances the applicant's skills to warrant the higher grade.