Attorney Advisor (Agency Law)

Surface Transportation Board • Washington, DC

19d

About The Position

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) is an independent regulatory agency responsible for economic regulation of freight railroads and limited regulatory responsibilities over passenger rail, certain water carriers, non-energy pipelines, trucking companies, and intercity bus companies. The Attorney Advisor conducts legal research, develops recommended outcomes of cases, and prepares initial drafts of Board decisions.

The position researches and drafts decisions in proceedings before the Board, including complaints of unreasonable railroad rates or practices, declaratory orders, rail line construction, acquisition and abandonment licensing, railroad mergers and acquisitions, and matters involving motor carriers, water carriage in the noncontiguous domestic trade, and certain pipelines. The attorney reviews the agency record and applies relevant statutes, regulations, policies, and case law. Draft decisions summarize relevant evidence, analyze salient legal issues, and set out findings of fact, conclusions of law, and proposed Board actions.

The attorney also leads meetings with staff from other Board offices to develop recommendations for resolving proceedings, leads briefings of Board members to present staff recommendations, and drafts legal memoranda, correspondence, and other assigned materials. This is a non-bargaining-unit, excepted-service appointment and does not confer competitive status. A two-year trial period is required. Candidates hired below the highest grade shown may be placed under a career development plan and may be non-competitively promoted after completing the requirements for the higher grade.

Requirements

• Professional law degree (LL.B., J.D., or LL.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• At entry on duty, current membership in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory or the District of Columbia; proof is required before entry on duty.
• Demonstrated excellent research and writing skills, incisive legal analytical ability, and strong oral advocacy and presentation skills.
• GS-12: At least one year of professional legal experience analyzing statutes, regulations, and decisional law, and presenting analyses and relevant legal or policy issues for decision. Federal clerkships count.
• GS-13: At least two years of professional legal experience analyzing statutes, regulations, and decisional law, presenting analyses and relevant legal or policy issues for decision, and resolving disputes. Federal clerkships count.
• GS-14: At least three years of professional legal experience analyzing statutes, regulations, and decisional law, presenting analyses and relevant legal or policy issues for decision, and resolving disputes; a legal background in transportation, economics, administrative law, or government regulation is also required. Federal clerkships count.
• GS-15: At least four years of professional legal experience analyzing statutes, regulations, and decisional law, presenting analyses and relevant legal or policy issues for decision, and resolving disputes in support of an efficient, competitive, and economically viable surface transportation network; experience advising on complex technical issues concerning rail transportation is also required. Federal clerkships count.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Submit a complete application package, including the required cover letter, resume limited to two pages, writing sample of 10 pages or less, and transcripts as specified in the announcement.
• All qualification requirements must be met by the application closing date.
• Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation and grant of a Federal suitability or security clearance.
• Applicants must disclose pending or completed disciplinary investigations or actions in jurisdictions where they are admitted to practice, consistent with applicable professional-responsibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Research and draft decisions in proceedings before the Board.
• Review agency records and apply relevant statutes, regulations, policies, and case law.
• Develop recommended outcomes for cases and proceedings.
• Prepare draft decisions that summarize relevant evidence, analyze legal issues, and state findings of fact, conclusions of law, and determinations of Board action.
• Lead meetings with staff from other Board offices to develop recommendations for resolving proceedings.
• Lead briefings of Board members to present staff recommendations.
• Draft legal memoranda, correspondence, and other assigned materials.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule options.
• Access to a cost-free fitness center located in the building.
• Monthly transit subsidy for a portion of commuting costs for employees using mass transit.
• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree