Senior Counsel

Securities and Exchange Commission • Washington, DC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking General Attorneys (Senior Counsel) in the Litigation and Administrative Practice Group in Washington, DC. The Group provides legal and policy advice to the Commission and the SEC’s divisions and offices on matters involving privileges, contracts, appropriations, intellectual property, employment, labor law, and professional responsibility. It also defends the Commission in litigation related to these areas.

Multiple positions are available across the Labor, Employment, and Litigation; FOIA and Litigation; and Intellectual Property practice groups. Senior Counsel conduct legal research, prepare memoranda, advise the Commission on applicable laws and regulations concerning agency management and operations, and represent the agency in administrative and court litigation. Duties vary by practice group and include legal advice and litigation on labor and employment matters; FOIA, privacy, administrative-law, tort-claims, and related matters; or intellectual property, contracts, procurement, appropriations, real estate, and leasing. Intellectual property responsibilities include advising on and protecting the Commission’s IP rights and representing the agency in related disputes.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• J.D. or LL.B. degree.
• Active membership in good standing of the bar in a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• At least three years of post-J.D. work experience independently identifying legal issues, providing legal analyses and solutions or recommendations, and preparing legal documents such as pleadings, motions, and agreements.
• Within the qualifying experience, at least two years representing federal agencies or clients in litigation; providing written and oral legal advice; and drafting legal memoranda, legal documents, and reports pertaining to litigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with or exempt from Selective Service.
• Must complete a pre-employment security investigation; favorable background investigation results may be a condition of employment or selection to another position.
• The position may be subject to drug testing.
• Must report to the listed duty station(s).
• Must submit transcripts or other documentation supporting educational claims.
• Must meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare memoranda.
• Advise the Commission on applicable laws and regulations concerning the management and operation of the agency.
• Represent the agency in administrative and court litigation.
• Provide legal advice to the Commission and its operating divisions and offices on labor and employment law issues.
• Represent the agency in all phases of administrative and federal court litigation, including discovery, hearings, and appeals.
• Represent the Commission in litigation relating to FOIA, FTCA, constitutional claims, and related matters, including cases in which the Department of Justice represents the Commission.
• Provide legal advice on FOIA, the Privacy Act, the Federal Records Act, FTCA, APA, and the Right to Financial Privacy Act.
• Advise on policies, procedures, and agreements concerning protection of the Commission’s non-public information.
• Provide legal advice and guidance on intellectual property issues, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, licensing, data rights, and artificial intelligence.
• Oversee trademark filings; monitor and respond to infringements; issue cease-and-desist communications; draft, negotiate, review, and advise on IP licenses and related agreements; and pursue administrative actions or domain-name dispute proceedings as necessary.
• Represent the agency in patent and intellectual-property disputes, coordinating with the Department of Justice and outside counsel where appropriate.
• Provide legal and policy advice on matters including procurement, appropriations, real estate, leasing, and intellectual property, and defend the Commission in administrative and federal court litigation.

Benefits

• Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with access to benefits for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.

What This Job Offers

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