Summary

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is looking for an experienced attorney to serve in the new Information Law Unit (ILU). This attorney has the opportunity to assist in the development of the programs they will be implementing, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, and records management.

Duties

Help

Unit Overview

The Information Law Unit (ILU) is a new unit that is responsible for running OSC's information-law programs and providing agency-wide expertise and training on information law topics, including FOIA, the Privacy Act, and records management. The ILU is part of OSC's Office of General Counsel.

Duties

Under the supervision or mentorship of experienced attorneys, you may be responsible for:

• Providing legal review, analysis, and advice regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (PA);
• Processing FOIA and PA requests (includes developing searches, review of documents, assessment of exclusions and exemptions, and applicability of relevant laws);
• Independently analyzing data about withholdings and releases and preparing accurate and timely reporting;
• Providing legal advice and guidance on issues pertaining to privacy, FOIA, records management, and other relevant areas of law;
• Preparing draft correspondence and documentation, including justifications for denials and exemptions and expedited processing determinations;
• Other related information-law duties.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for candidates who bring enthusiasm to information law and dedication to the privilege of public service, think big picture and pay attention to detail, and work well within a team setting. The ideal candidate will have experience in FOIA, Privacy Act, or records (such as retention, CUI practices, or NARA regulations or systems). Flexibility and a strong commitment to OSC's statutory mission are essential.

Positions may be filled at any GS grade level (11 through 14) depending on applicant experience.

Requirements

Help

Qualifications

Education Qualifications for all positions: A professional law degree (L.L.B., J.D., L.L.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

In addition to Education, applicants must meet the minimum Experience Requirements outlined below:

Position Title

Bar Membership

Legal Experience Requirements

GS-11, Attorney-Adviser

Required **

None

GS-11, Law Clerk

N/A

Law school graduates who have not yet been admitted to the bar and who have not served in a judicial clerkship may be temporarily employed at the GS-11 level, not to exceed 14 months as law clerk trainees

GS-12, Attorney-Adviser

Required **

1 year of professional legal experience post bar admission.

GS-12, Law Clerk

N/A

Law school graduates who have not yet been admitted to the bar and who have served one year in a judicial clerkship may be temporarily employed at the GS-12 level, not to exceed 14 months as law clerk trainees

GS-13, Attorney-Adviser

Required **

2 years of professional legal experience post bar admission, with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 level

GS-14, Attorney-Adviser

Required **

3 years of professional legal experience post bar admission with one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level

Your resume must explicitly outline your qualifications. We will not make assumptions about 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.

Annual Leave Accrual Credit

Selectees for their first Federal position may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credited will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant resume and documentation submitted.

Additional information

ACTIVE-DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: In accordance with VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-56), current military members may apply by submitting a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain: (1) your rank; (2) dates of active duty service; (3) type of discharge and projected character of service (i.e. honorable); (4) projected Veteran's preference, if applicable; (5) date terminal leave begins, if applicable; (6) date of expected discharge or release that is within 120 days of your employment application submission; and (7) signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. If selected, your qualifying separation, veteran's preference, and/or appointment eligibility will be verified prior to appointment. Active-duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found to have an incomplete application. Military members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if on terminal leave.

DEVELOPMENTAL POSITION: This position can be filled at any grade level for which the applicant is qualified. If filled at the lower grade level, noncompetitive promotion to the next grade level is authorized but not guaranteed. It is dependent upon meeting time-in-grade requirements, specialized experience, required training and any other management requirements to demonstrate ability to perform the next higher/target grade level.

These are not Bargaining Unit positions.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.