General Attorney (Open Continuous)

Consumer Product Safety Commission•Washington, DC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The General Attorney works in the Division of General Law (GCGL), Office of the General Counsel, at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) headquarters in Washington, DC. GCGL provides legal advice and recommendations on labor and employment law, ethics, fiscal law, procurement, intellectual property, and other areas of general law. This is an open continuous announcement, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until March 5, 2027; positions may be filled as vacancies or hiring needs arise. The position is not remote, and the selectee must reside in the local commuting area. The role will move to 441 G Street NW, Washington, DC, after the agency relocation, expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The attorney prepares legal opinions, interpretations, and recommendations; advises the Commission and its organizational components; reviews documents for legal sufficiency; drafts certain regulations and policies; represents the Commission before administrative law judges and boards; participates in policy and implementation discussions; and coordinates with federal agencies. Substantive experience in labor and employment law, including MSPB and EEOC litigation, is desirable, as is experience in government ethics law. The position requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active membership in good standing in a qualifying bar. Applicants must also meet grade-specific specialized experience and years-of-practice requirements for GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14. Employment is subject to a background investigation and suitability determination, and a two-year trial period may be required. Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree and be an active member in good standing of the bar in a U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; proof of current active membership and good standing is required.
Must provide transcripts or other documentation proving successful completion of the education requirements; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.
For GS-12, specialized experience must include completing research and analysis relating to legal questions and drafting legal documents. In addition, applicants need either two years of experience as a practicing attorney, or one year practicing as an attorney plus a second professional law degree (LL.M.).
For GS-13, specialized experience must independently include research and analysis of complex legal questions, drafting legal documents, and providing oral legal advice and/or presenting legal arguments at hearings or trials. Applicants also need three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
For GS-14, specialized experience must independently include research and analysis of complex legal questions; drafting legal documents involving at least one of administrative law, ethics, procurement and fiscal law, privacy law, or labor and employment law; and providing oral legal advice and/or presenting legal arguments at hearings or trials. Applicants also need four years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held.
Must complete a background investigation and receive a favorable suitability determination; selected applicants must complete federal employment and background investigation forms and a Personal Identity Verification process.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.
Must reside in the local commuting area of the duty station; proof of residence may be required.
A two-year trial period is required unless the stated prior federal trial-period conditions are met.
Applicants must meet the position qualifications by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Substantive experience in labor and employment law, including litigation before the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Experience in government ethics law.

Responsibilities

Prepare legal opinions, interpretations, and recommendations concerning statutes, regulations, and executive orders.
Provide legal advice and recommendations to the Commission and its organizational components on ethics, fiscal law, privacy, intellectual property, and other general law areas.
Review documents prepared by operating staff for legal sufficiency, including contracts, procurement solicitations, interagency agreements, and directives.
Draft and prepare certain Commission regulations and policies, such as government ethics policies.
Represent the Commission before administrative law judges and administrative boards.
Participate in discussions, meetings, and conferences with Commission staff and officials concerning policy and implementation of regulations and statutes.
Coordinate and consult with the Department of Justice, Office of Government Ethics, Government Accountability Office, Office of Management and Budget, General Services Administration, and other federal agencies.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave.
11 paid holidays per year.
Life and health insurance.
Long Term Care insurance.
Dental and vision insurance.
Flexible spending account program.
Retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan).
Flexible work schedules.
Teleworking.
Transit subsidies.
Fitness center.
Employee assistance and wellness programs.