General Attorney

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • Jacksonville, FL

3d

About The Position

The General Attorney serves as Assistant District Counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, providing legal services in support of the District’s missions throughout Florida, including flood risk management, navigation, coastal storm risk management, ecosystem restoration, and regulatory activities. The attorney advises District leadership and program personnel on complex legal matters and supports the advancement of District projects and initiatives.

The position’s work includes environmental law, including the USACE Regulatory Program; administrative law; and litigation. Other potential areas include government contracting, construction law, real estate, fiscal law, information law, and torts. The attorney researches and analyzes legal issues, interprets statutes, regulations, and policies, prepares legal documents and opinions, and provides practical, legally supportable recommendations. The role also includes representing the District in litigation and administrative proceedings and supporting the Department of Justice in federal court cases.

The position requires collaboration with attorneys, technical specialists, District personnel, and other federal agencies, as well as clear oral and written communication of legal issues and recommendations. This position has a 10% temporary duty or business travel requirement, requires pre-employment and annual financial disclosure, and has a two-year trial period. Multiple positions may be filled. Relocation or recruitment incentives may be authorized, and PCS allowances may be authorized subject to applicable rules and agency determination.

Requirements

• Successfully complete a full course of study at an American Bar Association-accredited law school and hold a first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
• Be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; provide a copy of bar credentials.
• Be fit to practice law. If fitness to practice or conduct has been challenged, submit a notarized sworn statement describing the facts and circumstances, dated within three months of the application date; this requirement does not apply to current USACE attorneys.
• For GS-12, have two or more years of professional legal experience, including relevant research and analysis, interpretation and application of law, legal drafting, client advice, or assistance with litigation or administrative proceedings; alternatively, an advanced law degree such as an LL.M. or graduation in the top 25% of an ABA-accredited law school may substitute for one year of required professional legal experience after admission to the bar.
• For GS-13, have two or more years of professional legal experience, including independently analyzing complex legal issues, preparing substantive legal documents, advising clients on legal risks and courses of action, or managing or substantively supporting litigation or other complex matters; alternatively, an advanced law degree such as an LL.M. or graduation in the top 25% of an ABA-accredited law school may substitute for one year of required professional legal experience after admission to the bar.
• If employed as a federal government attorney, meet the time-in-grade requirement: one year at the next lower level within 30 days of the announcement closing date, or prior service at the same or higher grade.
• Provide transcripts if qualifying based on education. Foreign education used to meet requirements must be evaluated and deemed equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program or receive full credit from an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Complete a background investigation and meet any resulting suitability or fitness determination.
• Submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 450) upon entry and annually thereafter.
• Complete a two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Use direct deposit for pay.
• Demonstrate practical experience and mature judgment in solving legal problems; experience interpreting statutes and regulations in relevant legal areas; and experience drafting or reviewing legal documents for soundness and accuracy.
• Demonstrate litigation representation and advocacy experience, including complex factual matters, research, evaluation of expert testimony or information, preparation of records and pleadings, discovery, hearings or trials, alternative dispute resolution, and representation before external agencies, stakeholders, or the public.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership and team members, including when legal advice differs from what is desired, and work effectively with clients, experts, witnesses, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Assistant District Counsel and provide legal advice and advocacy in environmental law, including the USACE Regulatory Program, administrative law, litigation, and other areas affecting District operations.
• Advise District leadership and program personnel proactively; identify and evaluate legal risks and develop practical, legally supportable solutions.
• Research and analyze complex legal issues; interpret statutes, regulations, and policies; and prepare legal opinions, memoranda, and other legal documents.
• Advise and represent the District in litigation and administrative proceedings, including matters arising under federal environmental and regulatory laws.
• Support the Department of Justice in federal court litigation by developing litigation strategy, drafting pleadings and motions, preparing administrative records, addressing discovery, and preparing for hearings and trials.
• Communicate complex legal issues and recommendations clearly, orally and in writing, to leadership, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with attorneys, technical specialists, District personnel, and other federal agencies to resolve legal issues and promote consistent legal positions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Relocation or recruitment incentive may be authorized.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to applicable rules and agency determination.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree