SummaryThe primary purpose of this position is to: serve as the Chief of International and Operations Law, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command (HQ AETC/JA). The incumbent advises the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) as well as AETC military and civilian officials and closely coordinates with the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of the General Counsel (SAF/GC), on all international law and operations law issues affecting AETC.
DutiesHelp
- Principal advisor to the AETC/CC, the Staff Judge Advocate and headquarters staff in matters of international law, operational law and related areas. Provides specialized legal review, policy consultation and legal advice in the areas of operational and international law for AETC and subordinate organizations. Such projects may require in-person briefings to the AETC Commander, Deputy Commander and Director of Staff, and/or travel for similar purposes to other locations.
- Assists the SJA in carrying out responsibilities in matters pertaining to, among other things, Operations Law, focusing on Accident Investigation Boards (AIBs), Ground Accident Investigation Boards (GAIBs), Flying Evaluation Boards (FEBs), operational training and total force integration issues, and organizational change requests. Fully coordinates appointment of boards, advises AETC staff on board progress, and reviews final draft report for legal sufficiency and coordinated final approval for public release of reports through Air Staff level.
- Assists the SJA in carrying out responsibilities in matters pertaining to operations law, focusing on memorandums of agreement for flight training routes, airfield safety zones, real estate, infrastructure and related areas. Coordinates with other federal, state and local agencies in connection with the development of final agreements.
- Fulfills the professional responsibility of an attorney and supports other divisions of HQ AETC as required. Monitors for developments in state attorney license requirements, continuing legal education requirements and code of professional responsibility changes. Assists in training as needed.
- Represents HQ AETC/JA at meetings on issues related to the functional areas assigned. Attends meetings and consults with high-ranking officials from Headquarters U.S. Air Force (HQ USAF), DoD, and other governmental and non-governmental and international entities on matters relating to AETC and the functional areas assigned.
RequirementsHelp
Conditions of employment- U.S. Citizenship is required
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
- Attorney appointments are subject to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Candidates are not required to have active duty service or veterans' preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
- Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
- 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.
- Appointee must comply with all other requirements specified in Air Force Instruction 51-101, The Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corp Operations, Accessions, and Professional Development.
- Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET security clearance.
- Employee may be required to file an Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and annually thereafter.
- Must have a law degree (J.D. or LL.B) from an ABA accredited law school and be a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of a state or the District of Columbia.
- Five years of relevant experience or an advanced law degree in any subject demonstrating the ability to master difficult and complex areas of specialty with the law is desired.
QualificationsGENERAL REQUIREMENTS:- You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
- In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
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SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
- A law degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. Ideally, the incumbent will have completed the requirements of an advanced legal degree, in international or operational law, as demonstration of ability to perform the special skills required for this challenging work.
- Knowledge of applicable federal law, regulations, policies, international law, operations law, treaties and other international agreements, and the skill to apply this knowledge.
- Highly skilled in legal research and knowledge of theories, principals, and techniques of legal research, general legal resource materials, and the skill to apply this knowledge; as well as a thorough understanding of the electronic, e.g., computer-assisted, web-based, research tools available to ensure access to comprehensive and current information.
- Broad and in-depth knowledge of the organization, mission and functions of DoD, the Air Force and AETC, in the areas of international security cooperation, foreign military training, and general training operations.
- Highly skilled in written and oral advocacy, possessing superior negotiation skills, and capable of rational, logical thinking sufficient to prepare and present written briefs and oral arguments on behalf of the USAF, to protect the interests of AETC, to recognize, analyze, and segregate various legal aspects of complex factual situations, to write concise legal opinions, and to explain complex legal principles and recommend appropriate actions.
- Ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines with minimal required supervision.
At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application.
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.
OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:- Candidates are required to disclose any pending ethics or other judicial or miscellaneous allegations under review, including any adverse findings by a state bar or disciplinary committee and must consent to provide a letter for each state where admitted to demonstrate good standing.
EducationMust be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.
Additional informationEmployed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
BenefitsHelp
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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.
