Deputy General Counsel

Federal Maritime Commission•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulates the U.S. international ocean transportation system to benefit U.S. exporters, importers, and consumers. Its mission is to support a competitive and dependable system and protect the public from unfair or deceptive practices. The Deputy General Counsel serves in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which provides legal services under the Shipping Act and related statutes, performs competition oversight, and represents the Commission in federal district and circuit courts. Working with the General Counsel, the Deputy General Counsel helps set program objectives and priorities and leads implementation of OGC priorities. The role provides legal and policy advice to the Chairman, Commissioners, and senior agency employees; oversees legal, economic, and policy analysis in agency proceedings and litigation in federal courts; and acts as General Counsel when the General Counsel is absent. The Deputy General Counsel also represents the Commission in engagements with the shipping industry, other federal agencies, foreign governments, Congress, and congressional committees. The position directs economic analysis concerning antitrust-exempt agreements, agreement monitoring and evaluation, and controlled-carrier rates and charges. This includes assessing competitive impacts and determining whether legal or regulatory action is warranted. It also supervises OGC work involving international affairs, foreign shipping practices, diplomatic concerns, and liaison relationships with other federal components, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Must pass a preappointment drug test; designated and random drug testing is required.
Must complete suitability and personnel vetting requirements, including a background investigation.
Must file a confidential financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Must hold an active law license in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, and maintain active membership in good standing while employed as an FMC attorney.
Must have a professional law degree (LLB or JD) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Must demonstrate executive leadership directing the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a General Counsel’s office or similar legal office in an organization, federal or state agency, or law firm.
Must demonstrate experience in or with a regulatory or civil law enforcement program, including strategic direction and operational execution.
For new career SES entrants, the resume must demonstrate the five Executive Core Qualifications: commitment to the rule of law and principles of the American founding; driving efficiency; merit and competence; leading people; and achieving results.
Resume must not exceed two pages and should demonstrate applicable qualifications through examples of experience, education, and accomplishments.
Must serve a one-year supervisory probationary period unless already completed.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.

Responsibilities

Work with the General Counsel to establish program objectives and priorities that support the agency’s mission and statutory responsibilities.
Identify and implement priorities for the Office of the General Counsel.
Provide legal and policy advice to the Chairman, Commissioners, and other senior agency employees.
Manage the production of legal, economic, and policy analysis in docketed proceedings before the agency.
Manage litigation before federal courts.
Act as General Counsel in the General Counsel’s absence.
Represent the Commission in meetings and negotiations with the shipping industry, other federal agencies, foreign government representatives, members of Congress, and congressional committees.
Direct economic analysis related to antitrust-exempt agreements, agreement monitoring and evaluation, and controlled-carrier rates and charges; evaluate competitive impacts and determine whether legal or regulatory action is warranted.
Supervise OGC work on international affairs, foreign shipping practices, diplomatic concerns, and liaison relationships with other federal components, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security.