Attorney-Advisor (General)

Office of the Solicitor•Bloomington, MN

About The Position

The Attorney-Advisor (General) serves in the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Northeast Region, Twin Cities Regional Office in Bloomington, Minnesota. The attorney provides legal research, analysis, advice, representation, and other legal services to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), other Department bureaus, and DOI officials, particularly on matters arising under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). OSMRE works to ensure coal mining protects citizens and the environment, restores mined land to beneficial use, and mitigates the effects of past coal mining. The position handles administrative litigation before the DOI Office of Hearings and Appeals and assists the Department of Justice with judicial litigation. Litigation work may include researching and interpreting legal authorities and documents; preparing litigation reports, motions, and briefs; responding to discovery; reviewing administrative records; collecting evidence; developing legal theories; and supporting hearings, appeals, and negotiations. The attorney advises and assists OSMRE on rulemakings, enforcement actions, State program and reclamation plan amendments, policy initiatives, guidance documents, Freedom of Information Act matters, and other agency decisions. Advice may be oral or written, including legal memoranda. The attorney collaborates with OSMRE staff and officials, DOI bureaus, the Office of the Solicitor, DOJ and U.S. Attorneys' offices, other federal agencies, and state, local, and tribal officials, and may interact with representatives of nongovernmental interests. Duties are developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Pass a background investigation and receive favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Participate in Direct Deposit and successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
Submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
Complete required training and obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
Maintain active bar membership in good standing in a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Hold an LL.B. or J.D. degree.
Have at least 2 years of professional legal experience after law school for GS-12, 3 years for GS-13, or 4.5 years for GS-14; one year of experience may be substituted by a second professional law degree or specified evidence of superior academic or legal achievement.
Have excellent oral communication, writing, research, and analysis skills; the ability to work effectively with others; and sound judgment.
Serve a 2-year trial period, during which continued employment is subject to written agency certification that it advances the public interest.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Experience or familiarity with SMCRA, the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, FOIA, and federal laws relating to bankruptcy, appropriations, and federal financial assistance, including grants.
Experience or familiarity with legal research and writing of memoranda and opinions.
Experience providing oral or written legal advice or recommendations to federal, state, local, or tribal agencies, clients, judges, or senior attorneys.
Experience drafting regulations or legislation.
Experience litigating in federal court or before an administrative law judge or appeals board.

Responsibilities

Provide legal research, analysis, advice, representation, and other legal services, including drafting legal opinions, to OSMRE and other DOI bureaus and officials on matters involving SMCRA.
Handle administrative litigation before the DOI Office of Hearings and Appeals and assist DOJ with judicial litigation.
Research and interpret legal theories, laws, regulations, court decisions, and other legal documents in support of litigation, hearings, appeals, and negotiations.
Draft litigation reports, motions, and briefs; respond to discovery; review administrative records; collect evidence; and develop legal theories.
Advise and assist OSMRE on rulemakings, enforcement actions, State program and reclamation plan amendments, policy initiatives, guidance documents, FOIA matters, and other agency decisions.
Provide oral and written legal advice, including legal memoranda.
Cooperate with OSMRE, DOI, DOJ, other federal agencies, and state, local, and tribal officials, as well as interact with nongovernmental representatives when needed.