Attorney Advisor

Office of the Secretary of Transportation•Washington, DC

About The Position

This position is in the Office of the Secretary, Office of the General Counsel, Office of General Law, under the administrative supervision of the Assistant General Counsel for General Law. It provides legal services to the Office of the Secretary and the Department’s operating elements on matters relating to Department programs and the powers and authority of the Department and its officers. The Attorney Advisor counsels agency managers and leadership on a broad range of employment and labor law matters, represents and advises on labor-management relations, and serves as lead legal counsel in cases before federal administrative bodies. The role also involves legal research and analysis, consultations, written legal work, and ongoing liaison with clients and stakeholders regarding federal statutes, regulations, ethics, conflicts of interest, political activity, and related matters. The position also advises on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The ideal candidate is motivated, self-reliant, and able to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment. The candidate should be interested in the legal areas described in the announcement, show initiative and creativity in addressing complex or novel legal and policy matters, and have excellent client communication skills.

Requirements

Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
Submit an online application and resume by the stated closing date and submit required documents by that date.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Complete a two-year trial period, subject to the conditions described in the announcement.
Comply with the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch and submit OGE Form 450 within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Complete an ABA-accredited law degree and hold a professional law degree.
Be a current member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory, or the District of Columbia.
For Grade 13: have two years of professional attorney experience, or one year of professional attorney experience plus an LL.M. requiring one full year of graduate study.
For Grade 14: have at least three years of professional attorney experience.
For Grade 15: have at least four years of professional attorney experience.
Demonstrate knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, government regulations and organization, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Demonstrate knowledge of state and federal administrative law, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements.
Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Communicate effectively orally, including making clear and convincing presentations, listening, and responding appropriately.
Write clearly, concisely, and persuasively for the intended audience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in employment and labor law, including employee performance and conduct, reasonable accommodations, internal investigations, EEO, employment policy, whistleblower complaints, labor-management relations, and related administrative proceedings.
Interest in the legal areas described in the announcement and the ability to address complex or novel legal and policy matters creatively.

Responsibilities

Advise agency managers and leadership on employment and labor law matters, including employee performance and conduct, reasonable accommodations, internal investigations, EEO, employment policy, and whistleblower complaints.
Advise and represent the agency in labor-management relations matters, including grievances, arbitration, and collective bargaining.
Serve as lead legal counsel in cases before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Federal Labor Relations Authority.
Conduct legal analysis and research; hold necessary conferences and consultations; prepare memoranda and opinions; and maintain liaison with clients and affected stakeholders.
Advise on federal statutes and regulations involving ethics, conflicts of interest, gifts, outside activity, ethics pledges, political activity, and issues under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
Advise on issues related to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.