Summary

MSPB is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that serves as the guardian of the Federal merit systems. MSPB is seeking one or more attorneys to serve in the Office of the Clerk of the Board and perform a range of duties related to the Board's petition for review and adjudication processes. The incumbent reports directly to the Deputy Clerk and works with other attorneys and professionals to provide legal information, support, and review to internal and external stakeholders.

Duties

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The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Performs a final review of orders and decisions of the Board before they are released to the parties and the public.
• Provides legal advice to the Clerk of the Board regarding important procedural and operational initiatives with sensitivity and skill.
• Assists with sensitive and special projects related to outreach, and other matters that require sophisticated judgment and an ability to carry out assignments independently.
• Assists the Legal Counsel to the Clerk of the Board in reviewing and acting on various pleadings filed by parties on petition for review.
• Handles complex inquiries from the public and case parties about specific cases or MSPB generally received by email, telephone, or in person.
• May assist with a range of initiatives and processes related to the Board's adjudicatory mission, such as reviewing Federal Register notices, troubleshooting e-Appeal issues, and responding to adjudication data inquiries.
• Responds to various inquiries from MSPB's headquarters and regional offices about case-specific or general issues related to the Board's policies and procedures.
• Performs additional duties, as assigned at the direction of the Clerk or the Deputy Clerk of the Board in support of other programmatic responsibilities of the Office of the Clerk of the Board.
• May assist with providing legal advice or review in connection with the Office of the Clerk of the Board's administration of the MSPB's Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Programs.

Is this the job for me? This Attorney-Advisor position may be the job for you if you:

• are very detail- and process-oriented;
• enjoy editing and have an appreciation for plain language;
• enjoy solving problems and making recommended solutions;
• are comfortable reviewing the work product of others and spotting issues and diplomatically raising questions, as appropriate;
• can work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues to complete assignments and improve processes;
• are comfortable speaking to and answering questions from case parties, members of the public, or representatives from courts or other agencies;
• are willing to work on a range of assignments; and
• are comfortable shifting focus as office needs and agency priorities dictate.

This may not be the job for you if you:

• prefer to mostly research and write your own work product; or
• do not like to review or edit written work drafted by others.

Although experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies is highly preferred, it is not required.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a US Citizen.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be Selective Service registered or exempt.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• May be subject to satisfactory completion of a trial period.
• Direct Deposit : Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to their financial institution.

Qualifications

To qualify, you must be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a state, Territory, or the District of Columbia and meet the following requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

GS-905-12: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) plus one of the following: a. One year of professional legal experience at the level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-11; or two years of professional legal experience, one of which must be at the level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-11; or b. Second professional law degree (LL.M.) plus one year of professional legal experience at the level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-11; or c. One year of professional experience; plus superior law student work (i.e, academic standing in the upper 1/3 of an accredited law school graduating class; work or achievement of significance on the law school's official law review or moot court board; special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school-such as, election to Order of the Coif; winning of a moot court team which represents the law school in competition with other law schools, full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program-as opposed to intermittent or prior to "casual participation"; significant summer law clerk experience; or other evidence of clearly superior achievement).

GS-905-13: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) plus one of the following: a. Superior law student work plus two years of professional legal experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies, one of which must be at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-12; or b. Three years of professional legal experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies, one of which must be at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-12; or c. Second professional law degree (LL.M.) plus two years of professional legal experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies, one of which must be at the level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-12.

GS-905-14: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) plus one of the following: a. Superior law student work plus three years of professional legal experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies, one of which must be at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-13; or b. Four years of professional legal experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies, one of which must be at level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-13; or c. Second professional law degree (LL.M.) plus three years of professional legal experience in employment law applicable to federal employees and agencies, one of which must be at the level of difficulty comparable to the GS-905-13.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience in employment or labor law applicable to federal employees and agencies or other experience writing or editing the work of an independent multi-member board/commission or a neutral.

***If you are found qualified for this position, you will ONLY be considered at the grade level(s) for which you apply.***

Education

Please see educational qualification requirement information above.

Transcripts are required.

Additional information

• Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework and may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.

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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.

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.