General Attorney (Trade Regulation)

Federal Trade Commission•Chicago, IL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Bureau of Consumer Protection investigates and litigates civil actions to enforce federal consumer protection laws. The Midwest Regional office (MWR) located in Chicago plays an integral role in fulfilling the FTC's consumer protection mission by bringing law enforcement actions to stop unfair, deceptive, and fraudulent business practices across a broad range of products and services in both the traditional and digital economy. Headquartered in Chicago, MWR serves the residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
This position is subject to a background investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
Member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory - US, PR, DC.
This position is in the bargaining unit.
This position is represented by the National Treasury Employees Union, Local 344.
If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the two-year trial period.
Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
This appointment is subject to a two-year trial period.
Active member of the bar in good standing and 12 months of legal experience after graduation from law school (for GS-12).
At least 12 months of legal experience after graduation from law school must be comparable to the GS-11 level (for GS-12).
Qualifying experience at the GS-11 level includes working on non-complex litigation matters and performing basic legal research, drafting, and legal analysis.
Active member of the bar in good standing and 24 months of legal experience after graduation from law school (for GS-13).
At least 12 months of legal experience after graduation from law school must be comparable to the GS-12 level (for GS-13).
Qualifying experience at the GS-12 level includes work on moderately complex, novel, or broadly significant matters. This work entails solid drafting skills, original research, strong legal analyses, and effective oral communications.
Active member of the bar in good standing and 42 months of legal experience after graduation from law school (for GS-14).
At least 18 months of legal experience after graduation from law school must be comparable to the GS-13 level (for GS-14).
Qualifying experience at the GS-13 level includes independently planning, organizing and conducting analysis of matters; technically correct written work not requiring detailed review; demanding legal research and analysis; drafting and reviewing motions, subpoenas, complaints, orders, rule proposals, and memoranda; participating in investigational hearings, negotiating settlements, and trials; contributing to tactical and policy decisions; assisting in trial of matters; taking charge of basic and moderately complex matters; and making substantial contributions to the most complex, novel, or significant matters.
Active member of the bar in good standing and 60 months of legal experience after graduation from law school (for GS-15).
At least 18 months of legal experience after graduation from law school must be comparable to the GS-14 level (for GS-15).
Qualifying experience at the GS-15 level includes being an outstanding writer and highly effective oral advocate; exercising sound judgment; supervising, working well with, and motivating others; making decided contributions to the work of the office; functioning independently without close supervision or substantive review; having supervisor(s) with complete confidence in judgment; being recognized for competence; representing the agency before any group or in any setting; effectively managing the preparation and trial of virtually any major case, all stages in the appeal of such a case, or conducting evaluation and analysis of the most complex cases of major significance for which little if any precedent exists.
Legal and nonlegal experience gained in the Federal Government before completing law school does not satisfy post law school experience requirements.
Excellent writing skills.
Ability to work effectively with other people.
Ability to exercise sound judgment.
Strong interest in the work of the agency.

Responsibilities

Make initial determinations as to whether matters should be investigated.
Determine legal theories and plans for investigations and litigation and carry them out.
Recommend whether cases should be closed, resolved informally or through administrative or federal court settlements, or litigated administratively or in federal court.
Investigate matters and engage in all aspects of civil litigation, including preparing cases for trial by securing and preparing evidence; conferring with witnesses; deposing witnesses; drafting motions and legal briefs; drafting and responding to discovery requests; participating in pretrial conferences; examining and cross-examining witnesses; trying cases; and negotiating settlements.
Prepare and prosecute difficult, complex, and important cases.
Confer with government agencies, public authorities and attorneys, business people and other members of the public, providing them with information on matters of law, Commission procedure and policy.