Attorney-Advisor (Contract)

HQ USAF and Support Elements • Randolph AFB, TX

1d

About The Position

The Office of the General Counsel (Acquisition) provides the Department of the Air Force with actionable, candid, and independent legal advice and counsel. The Attorney-Advisor primarily handles trademark matters, especially trademark prosecution, licensing, and branding, and defends Air Force interests in these areas. The position represents the Department of the Air Force before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and drafts and negotiates agreements involving marketing, merchandising, content licensing, and commercial use of Air Force trademarks.

The Attorney-Advisor assesses and investigates trademark enforcement matters and develops strategies involving cease-and-desist letters, domain name proceedings, online marketplace takedowns, and offensive or defensive proceedings before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. The role also serves as a trademark subject matter expert for pre-litigation enforcement matters. As assigned, the attorney independently completes specialized projects requiring a high level of legal training and experience, may participate in Air Force or inter-Air Force working groups, and may travel to military installations and other locations. The position represents the Office of the General Counsel and/or the Air Force in conferences with senior representatives of the Department of Defense, other government agencies, military departments, and private industry.

This is an acquisition demonstration project position at the NH-IV level, equivalent to GS-14 to GS-15. Attorney appointments are subject to a probationary or trial period. A writing sample demonstrating legal analytical skills will be requested before an offer.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and a first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
• Admission to and active, good-standing membership in the bar of a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; proof of active status dated within four months of application is required, and bar membership must be maintained in at least one jurisdiction throughout employment.
• More than three years of professional legal experience commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• File an SF 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
• Knowledge of the role and duties of a senior government attorney.
• Superior knowledge of the Lanham Act and applicable federal laws, regulations, and policies, particularly trademark law and government-owned trademark marketing, licensing, and branding.
• Experience preparing and prosecuting trademark applications before the USPTO to obtain registrations and renewals.
• Ability to use legal research methodologies, including computer-assisted technologies, and to gather, analyze, and communicate complex legal data and issues.
• Knowledge of communication methodologies and staffing processes used in the legal profession and the Air Force.
• Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate to foster effective working relationships.
• Provide a legal writing sample demonstrating analytical skills before receiving an offer.
• Register for Selective Service if male, as applicable.
• Complete a one-year probationary period or, depending on appointment type, a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with FAR and DFARS-based government contracts and non-FAR-based assistance agreements, including grants, cooperative agreements, and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements.

Responsibilities

• Handle matters primarily involving trademark law, with a focus on prosecution, licensing, and branding, and defend Air Force interests in these areas.
• Represent the Department of the Air Force before the United States Patent and Trademark Office in trademark matters.
• Draft and negotiate agreements relating to marketing, merchandising, content licensing, and use of Air Force trademarks.
• Draft and negotiate trademark license agreements between the Air Force and commercial vendors.
• Assess and investigate trademark enforcement matters and develop strategies for cease-and-desist letters, domain name proceedings, online marketplace takedowns, TTAB opposition and cancellation proceedings, and other enforcement activities.
• Serve as a trademark subject matter expert for the Department of the Air Force's pre-litigation enforcement matters.
• Independently accomplish assigned specialized projects requiring a high level of legal training and experience.
• Participate in Air Force or inter-Air Force working groups as needed and travel to military installations or other locations as required.
• Represent the Office of the General Counsel and/or the Air Force in conferences with senior representatives of DoD, other defense agencies and military departments, other government agencies, and private industry.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Recruitment and/or retention incentives may be used.
• Disabled veteran leave may be available to eligible federal employees.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree