Supervisory Attorney Advisor

Office of the Secretary of Transportation•Washington, DC

About The Position

This position is in the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Federal Financial Assistance, Acquisition, and Fiscal Law. The Supervisory Attorney Advisor assists with the supervision and management of legal matters involving the Department’s administrative operations, including fiscal issues, procurement, federal financial assistance, innovative financing, and public-private partnerships. The role supports the Assistant General Counsel for Federal Financial Assistance, Acquisition, and Fiscal Law in monitoring the Department’s activities in these areas and supervising the office’s attorneys and administrative staff, as well as temporarily assigned honors attorneys, law clerks, and interns. Under the Assistant General Counsel’s supervision, the position reviews and assigns projects, directs and evaluates performance, considers recommendations, provides advice and assistance, approves or overrules proposed actions, and carries out other appropriate supervisory functions. The position ensures the office provides effective legal advice and recommends appropriate ways to develop or implement new or amended departmental policies. It also helps ensure policies are consistent with the intent of the law and are administratively sound, efficient, and economical. The attorney conducts legal research and analysis, holds necessary conferences and consultations, prepares memoranda and opinions, and maintains contact with Department officials and others affected by the legal and policy positions. The role provides expert written or oral counsel, opinions, or decisions on legal matters within the office’s purview. The ideal candidate is motivated, self-reliant, and able to work in a challenging, fast-paced environment. They can manage multiple projects, cases, and issues simultaneously; exercise initiative; address difficult legal and policy problems creatively; and set priorities. The position involves travel and may require a background/security investigation and a two-year trial period.

Requirements

At least one year of experience equal to or equivalent to GS-14 for qualification at GS-15.
Graduation from an American Bar Association-accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D., or completion of an equivalent structured, multi-year apprenticeship under a practicing attorney or judge.
Current, active membership in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
U.S. citizenship or U.S. national status.
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.
Knowledge of state and federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements.
Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
Effective oral communication, including clear and convincing presentations, audience awareness, listening, and appropriate responses.
Clear, concise, organized, and convincing written communication.
Ability to manage multiple projects, cases, and issues; exercise initiative; address difficult legal and policy problems; and set priorities.
Submit an online application, resume, and required documents by the announcement’s closing date.
Meet applicable background/security investigation requirements and comply with federal ethics and conflict-of-interest rules.
Retain and use a government contractor-issued travel card for official business only.

Responsibilities

Assist the Assistant General Counsel in monitoring and overseeing the Department’s federal financial assistance, acquisition, and fiscal law activities.
Help supervise the work of attorneys and administrative staff, including temporarily assigned honors attorneys, law clerks, and interns.
Review and assign projects; direct and evaluate performance; act on recommendations; provide advice and assistance; and approve or overrule proposed actions.
Ensure the office provides effective legal advice and recommend appropriate approaches to developing or implementing departmental policies.
Help ensure policies are consistent with the intent of the law and are administratively sound, efficient, and economical.
Conduct legal research and analysis, hold conferences and consultations, and prepare memoranda and opinions.
Maintain contact with Department officials and others affected to support understanding of relevant legal and policy positions.
Provide expert written or oral counsel, opinions, or decisions on legal matters within the office’s purview.