General Attorney

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Hearings and Appeals at the Department of Energy (DOE). This position has promotion potential to the General Attorney, GS-15. At this level, you will perform a broad variety of professional legal work that involves the conduct of administrative hearings, the review and adjudication of administrative appeals, the conduct of mediations and facilitations, and the preparation of rulings and decisions in a wide array of complex legal matters.

Duties

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As a GS-12 General Attorney you will:

• Assist Administrative Judges who preside over administrative hearings.
• Draft decisions resolving adjudicatory matters such as requests for evidentiary hearings, petitions for review of agency action, and complaints alleging retaliation for engaging in protected activity, as well as requests for extension of time, discovery, protective orders, and other motions.
• Analyze evidence, testimony, and legal arguments.
• Research applicable law and legal precedents and draft decisions for management review. Cases include, but are not limited to: whistleblower cases under 10 CFR Part 708 alleging improper action against a contractor employee who reports of violation of the law, waste, fraud, mismanagement, or matters of health/safety; security clearance cases under 10 CFR Part 710 concerning whether to deny or revoke a security clearance for a federal or contractor employee; and Human Reliability Program cases under 10 CFR Part 712 ensuring the physical/mental suitability of individuals with access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs.
• Manage complex or precedential cases in which DOE procedural regulations do not provide for Administrative Judges, including but not limited to, requests and appeals of Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act determinations issued by DOE offices.
• Serve as a mediator regarding disputes between and among agency and contractor employees.
• Handle complex or precedential special duties relating to office work and will provide mentorship and guidance to and serve as a legal resource for other office attorneys.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected, you may be required to complete a two year trial period.
• Obtain and maintain a Q security clearance. Failure to obtain and maintain the required security clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• GS-13 and above are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential
• If selected, you must self-identify if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee as OPM approval is required prior to finalizing your selection.
• Proof of current active member in good standing in the bar of a State, District of Columbia, territory of the United States, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with DOE.
• This position is NOT included in a Bargaining Agreement.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

All applicants MUST:

1. Meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); AND
2. Must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

GS-11 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Conducting legal research using legal search databases, statutes, judicial precedents, and administrative decisions to analyze factual and legal issues.
• Drafting legal documents, such as legal memoranda, briefs, motions, pleadings, advisory opinions, or regulatory comments, clearly synthesizing facts, applicable law, and conclusions.
• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies to resolve routine to moderately complex legal questions or business disputes.
• Assisting in case preparation or transaction reviews, such as gathering and examining evidence, preparing witness examination outlines, participating in pre-trial or administrative proceedings, or reviewing contracts, settlement agreements, or filings for legal sufficiency.

GS-12 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Conducting complex legal research by analyzing federal or state statutes, regulations, court decisions, and administrative precedents to resolve complicated, contested, or novel legal and factual questions.
• Drafting comprehensive legal documents, such as formal legal opinions, memoranda, appellate or trial briefs, pleadings, motions, or settlement agreements, that present well-reasoned analyses and actionable conclusions.
• Providing independent legal advice and guidance to management, program clients, or corporate officials on the interpretation and practical application of laws, administrative procedures, and governing regulations.
• Handling contested proceedings or transaction reviews, such as representing a client or organization in administrative hearings, civil proceedings, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR); participating in witness examination and case preparation; or reviewing and negotiating complex contracts, permits, or regulatory filings for legal sufficiency.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.

Education

Attorney positions do have an education requirement.

ALL Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a:

1. Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; OR
2. Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree.

For positions with an education requirement, you MUST submit:

1. A copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.; AND
2. You must provide proof of bar or your bar number.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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: Department of Education

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

Review our 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.