Attorney-Advisor (USTR) - Executive Office of the President

US Trade Representative•Washington, DC

About The Position

Serves as an attorney in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the Office of General Counsel. The incumbent provides expert legal analysis and advice on a variety of trade issues. As an Attorney-Advisor, GS-905-15, your typical work assignment may include the following: Pursue trade enforcement actions, including trade investigations under U.S. law, and representation in international trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and under bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs). Advise on trade investigations and dispute settlement, including substantive legal issues, procedural matters, and litigation tactics. Develop legal arguments and strategies. Represent and negotiate on behalf of the United States in trade investigations and dispute settlement proceedings and in bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral fora on matters relating to litigation and settlement of trade disputes. Conduct and advise on bilateral and multilateral negotiations concerning trade issues related to a variety of goods and services, committing the United States to the terms of the resulting agreements. Work closely with an Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) or equivalent in formulating U.S. trade policies. Conduct research of laws, legal opinions, policies, or regulations on specific trade areas or broad trade issues. Advise and recommend policy options to the appropriate AUSTR or other senior level official. Establish policy options during trade negotiations to achieve satisfactory results. Develop and apply negotiating strategies and tactics. Prepare reports and other documents in anticipation of potential problems and issues. Provide expert advice and guidance to USTR officials on legal issues with respect to assigned trade issues. Develop and coordinate USTR’s legal position on all issues related to area of responsibility. Review current and pending legislation to assigned areas and potential effect and impact on U.S. trade and the economy.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or National.
Selective Service registration if a male born after December 31, 1959.
Subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
Direct Deposit is required.
RELOCATION EXPENSES WILL NOT BE PAID.
Suitability for Federal employment.
May be required to successfully complete a two-year probationary period.
Must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree.
You must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. State, a territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
You must meet all requirements by the closing date of the announcement
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
To qualify for the GS-15 Grade Level: Possess four years professional legal experience; one year must be equivalent at the GS-14 grade level that demonstrates the following: Advising and counseling mid to senior level leaders on complex, difficult legal questions requiring extensive research, analysis, and evaluation of information in controversial areas. Preparing legal documents for filing , such as drafting complaints, orders to show cause, indictments, preliminary motions, supporting affidavits, and briefs. Drafting or pleading motions for case litigation, conducting investigations to obtain facts, study of legal precedents and preparation and recommendation.
Experience working with trade related issues, participating in negotiations, and providing legal advice for negotiations.

Responsibilities

Pursue trade enforcement actions, including trade investigations under U.S. law, and representation in international trade disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and under bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs).
Advise on trade investigations and dispute settlement, including substantive legal issues, procedural matters, and litigation tactics.
Develop legal arguments and strategies.
Represent and negotiate on behalf of the United States in trade investigations and dispute settlement proceedings and in bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral fora on matters relating to litigation and settlement of trade disputes.
Conduct and advise on bilateral and multilateral negotiations concerning trade issues related to a variety of goods and services, committing the United States to the terms of the resulting agreements.
Work closely with an Assistant U.S. Trade Representative (AUSTR) or equivalent in formulating U.S. trade policies.
Conduct research of laws, legal opinions, policies, or regulations on specific trade areas or broad trade issues.
Advise and recommend policy options to the appropriate AUSTR or other senior level official.
Establish policy options during trade negotiations to achieve satisfactory results.
Develop and apply negotiating strategies and tactics.
Prepare reports and other documents in anticipation of potential problems and issues.
Provide expert advice and guidance to USTR officials on legal issues with respect to assigned trade issues.
Develop and coordinate USTR’s legal position on all issues related to area of responsibility.
Review current and pending legislation to assigned areas and potential effect and impact on U.S. trade and the economy.