General Attorney

Southwestern Power Administration • Tulsa, OK

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The General Attorney position is located at the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) Headquarters Office in the Office of General Counsel and primarily practices Federal administrative law. The attorney reports to the General Counsel and receives assignments under broad general policy or in response to day-to-day SWPA and Department of Energy (DOE) issues.

The position provides legal advice and representation to SWPA, including in administrative proceedings and Federal power marketing law matters. The attorney reviews documents for legal sufficiency, advises SWPA management and staff, develops legal and policy positions with the Department of Justice (DOJ), and prepares and presents matters in administrative and judicial proceedings. The position may involve rotational assignments among SWPA program or regional offices and requires a high-risk security clearance. A trial period of up to two years may apply.

Requirements

• Be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; written documentation is required.
• Have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service, in the public or private sector.
• Specialized experience must include legal research on policies, regulations, and compliance questions; researching precedent or opinions; and drafting legal memoranda and guidance.
• Specialized experience must include advising clients, reviewing documents for legal sufficiency, and providing written feedback.
• Specialized experience must include preparing and assessing evidence; preparing briefs, pleadings, exhibits, and other case documents; interviewing and deposing witnesses; and engaging in discovery for trials or administrative hearings.
• Specialized experience must include serving as lead attorney representing an agency or organization in proceedings before administrative bodies.
• Be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Meet suitability requirements for Federal employment based on a background investigation.
• Meet the high-risk security clearance and associated requirements.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
• A trial period of up to two years may be established; prior Federal experience in like positions may count toward completing it.
• Limit the resume to no more than two pages; only the first two pages will be reviewed if more are submitted.
• Submit application documents through the online application system; documents sent by email or mail will not be accepted.
• May be required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) upon entry and annually thereafter.
• May be required to file financial statements and/or a procurement integrity certification upon reporting and annually thereafter.
• Overtime may be required on short notice, including nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to receive credit.

Nice To Haves

• Applicants are encouraged to answer four short, free-response essay questions in the questionnaire; answers are not scored or rated.
• A recruitment or relocation incentive may be available, subject to signing an employment agreement.
• Salary negotiation may be available for candidates new to Federal service.
• Newly appointed Federal employees may request credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service in determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and not guaranteed.
• The position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave.

Responsibilities

• Review documents drafted by SWPA program offices for legal sufficiency and provide written feedback.
• Advise SWPA management and staff, offering opinions and recommendations on legal matters.
• Identify legally significant issues and independently consult with SWPA, DOE, and other federal agency employees to develop workable solutions to complex problems.
• Lead SWPA legal proceedings before administrative bodies, including the Merit Systems Protection Board, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, Federal Labor Relations Board, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
• Prepare the groundwork for DOJ attorneys handling litigation involving Federal administrative law and collaborate with DOJ to define SWPA's legal and policy positions.
• Prepare pleadings, exhibits, and other necessary documents for administrative trials, hearings, and Federal court proceedings; interview and depose witnesses; and engage in discovery.
• Prepare contracts and discuss the legal implications of proposed courses of action.
• Exchange information, provide legal counsel, persuade others to adopt views and take actions, and represent SWPA in administrative and judicial trials and hearings.
• Provide legal advice, case preparation, and/or litigation in Federal power marketing law matters.
• Potentially serve on rotational assignments providing representation among SWPA program or regional offices as needed.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type.
• Annual leave accrual based on years of Federal service, at a rate of 4, 6, or 8 hours per pay period.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed