Attorney Advisor

Summary

The Division of Market Oversight supports the CFTC's mission to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. The Division regulates derivative trade execution exchanges and swap data repositories.

Duties

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This position serves as senior Attorney Advisor in the Division of Market Oversight in the Market Review Branch. The Market Review Branch analyzes applications for Commission designation and registration of derivative trading facilities such as Designated Contract Markets and Swap Execution Facilities. The Market Review Branch is also responsible for reviewing of rule submissions by those registered entities to confirm compliance with applicable rules and regulations. The Market Review Branch also participates in rulemakings pertinent to the work of the Branch. Major duties may include:

• Serves as a lead attorney working on interdivisional teams in their review of applications by trading facilities seeking to become registered or designated entities or for undertaking other significant projects as assigned;
• Responsible for the assessment of application requirements and core principles and the Commission's regulations and policies;
• Reviews applications by trading facilities seeking to become registered entities, either DCMs or SEFs, and meeting specified statutory and regulatory deadlines;
• Reviews market-related proposed rules for approval and/or certification submitted by registered entities and ensuring such rule filings are compliant with the Commodity Exchange Act, Commission regulations and policies;
• Reviews product filings by trading facilities for compliance with Commodity Exchange Act, Commission regulations and internal policies.
• Addresses legal and policy issues related to futures and swap trading and the Commissions' oversight program for regulated exchanges; and
• Drafts and formulates regulations, no-action letters, policy statements, and guidance of market-related issues for adoption by the Commission in coordination with the Director and Deputy Director of the Division of Market Oversight.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship
• Favorable Background/Security Investigation
• Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be subject to a two-year trial period.
• Must be an active member of the bar in good standing.

Applicants are responsible for citing minimum qualifications such as JD and/or LLM equivalent and Bar membership information (institution name, state for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes. Failure to supply details will result in an incomplete application.

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following:

• J.D.; and
• Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty)

AND

To qualify at each grade level, you must have the following:

CT-11: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.

Relevant legal experience include:Demonstrated skill inresearch and analyze complex legal topics, along with great communication skills in both writing and speaking. It also involves knowing about corporate law, financial markets, government regulations, and rules related to commodities trading.

CT-12: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.

Relevant legal experience include: Demonstrated skill in research and analyze complex legal problems, alongside strong writing and public speaking skills. It also requires a clear understanding of corporate law, financial markets, government rules, and regulations dealing with commodities.

CT-13: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 3 years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.

Relevant legal experience include: Demonstrated skill in research and analysis of sophisticated legal issues, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of commodities or related law and regulations, financial markets, corporate law, and general administrative law.

CT-14: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 4 years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.

Relevant legal experience include: Demonstrated skill in research and analysis of sophisticated legal issues, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of commodities or related law and regulations, financial markets, corporate law, and general administrative law. Knowledge of derivatives markets, including futures, options, and swap markets.

Selections can be made at any grade level.

Education

Successful completion of a full course of study J.D. or LLM in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Additional information

Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Trial Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct;
• The needs and interests of the agency;
• Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This is a Bargaining Unit position located in the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) Chapter 337.

More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.

The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for 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

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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.

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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.