Attorney Advisor

Office of the Solicitor•Lakewood, CO

About The Position

The Attorney Advisor serves in the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor, Rocky Mountain Region, Billings Field Office. The position is a term excepted appointment not to exceed two years, which may be extended for additional periods without further competition. Duties may be developmental when the position is filled below the full performance level. The position is suitable for telework with supervisor approval, and occasional overnight travel may be required. The selectee must obtain a government charge card for official travel. The role provides legal research, analysis, advice, and representation to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other Department of the Interior officials on BLM’s multiple-use missions. It includes representation of BLM in administrative hearings and appeals and assistance to the Department of Justice in defending BLM regulations and decisions. The Attorney Advisor works with BLM and other DOI officials and staff, federal and state attorneys and officials, tribal and local officials, non-governmental representatives, and attorneys within the Solicitor’s Office and Department of Justice. The position requires detailed familiarity with laws including the Administrative Procedure Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, minerals statutes, National Historic Preservation Act, Taylor Grazing Act, Wild Horse and Burro Act, and Endangered Species Act. The Attorney Advisor also provides written and oral opinions on federal administrative law matters, including fiscal and appropriations law, agency authority and delegations, and partnerships with non-public entities. The role involves advising BLM leadership and program managers on complex legal matters, researching and analyzing legal issues, developing recommendations, counseling client agencies and opposing counsel, responding to administrative appeal bodies, and assisting with compliance with statutes such as the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act.

Requirements

Law school graduate with an LL.B. or J.D. degree.
Active membership in good standing of a bar of a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Professional legal experience following law school graduation: at least 2 years for GS-12, 3 years for GS-13, or 4.5 years for GS-14. One year of experience may be substituted with a second professional law degree or qualifying evidence of superior achievement specified in the announcement.
U.S. citizen or national.
Successful background investigation and favorable adjudication.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Participation in Direct Deposit is required.
Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check.
Must apply for a government charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment; existing delinquent government charge card balances must be satisfied before a new card can be issued.
May be required to file financial statements and/or a procurement integrity certification upon reporting and annually.
May be required to serve a two-year trial period, as applicable.

Responsibilities

Provide legal research, analysis, advice, and representation to BLM and other DOI officials concerning BLM’s multiple-use missions.
Represent BLM in administrative hearings and appeals.
Assist the Department of Justice in defending BLM regulations and other decisions.
Provide written and oral opinions on federal administrative law topics, including fiscal and appropriations law, the Administrative Procedure Act, agency delegations and authority, and partnerships with non-public entities.
Advise BLM on complex legal matters and counsel leadership and program managers regarding recommended courses of action.
Conduct legal research and analysis and develop recommendations.
Respond to questions and counsel client agencies, opposing counsel, and administrative appeal bodies regarding interpretations of statutes, laws, and regulations.
Assist the Solicitor’s Office and BLM with compliance with statutes including the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act.
Work cooperatively with BLM and DOI staff, other federal agencies, federal and state attorneys, tribal and local officials, and non-governmental representatives.