General Attorney, GS-0905-13/14 (FPL 14)

Minimum Qualification Requirements for GS-13: 1. You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, AND 2. Proof of admission to the Bar of the highest court of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and current membership in such Bar as would permit the practice of law. You must be a member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar, AND 3. Has three years professional legal experience, at least one of the three years MUST be at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled, OR Has two years professional legal experience, at least one of the two years MUST be at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled, PLUS a second professional law degree (LL.M.) which requires one full year of graduate study OR Has two years professional legal experience, at least one of the two years MUST be at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled, PLUS record shows superior law schoolwork or activities as demonstrated by one of the following: Academic standing in the upper third of the law school graduating class. Work or achievement of significance on his/her law school’s official law review. Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif. Winning of a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools. Full-time or continuous participation, for one year or two semesters of law school, in a legal aid program (as opposed to one-time, intermittent, or casual participation). Significant summer law office clerk experience after beginning law school. Other equivalent evidence of clearly superior achievement. NOTE: For purposes of counting the number of years of legal experience after graduating from law school, equivalent writing and legal analysis performed as a judicial law clerk will be considered even if the applicant was not admitted to the bar at the time. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-13: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments. Experience independently preparing written legal advice on the interpretation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including the statute, regulations, policy, and/or related federal or state court cases that identify the issues, distinguish relevant from irrelevant facts, and make judgments as to strategy and approach. Experience engaging in administrative litigation-related activities, including three or more of the following activities: drafting pleadings and/or responses; creating the agency record; identifying, locating, contacting, and preparing witnesses; locating and compiling documentary support for the case; negotiating with the parties as appropriate; conducting direct and/or cross-examination at hearings; presenting legal arguments; and/or preparing written motions, briefs, and other documents as required. Experience providing oral legal advice on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including briefings on legal issues and options, or making presentations on legal issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Minimum Qualification Requirements for GS-14: 1. You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, AND 2. Proof of admission to the Bar of the highest court of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and current membership in such Bar as would permit the practice of law. You must be a member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar, AND 3. Has four years professional legal experience, at least one of the four years MUST be at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled, OR Has three years professional legal experience, at least one of the three years MUST be at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled, PLUS a second professional law degree (LL.M.) which requires one full year of graduate study OR Has three years professional legal experience, at least one of the three years MUST be at the level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at the grade immediately below the one being filled, PLUS record shows superior law schoolwork or activities as demonstrated by one of the following: Academic standing in the upper third of the law school graduating class. Work or achievement of significance on his/her law school’s official law review. Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif. Winning of a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools. Full-time or continuous participation, for one year or two semesters of law school, in a legal aid program (as opposed to one-time, intermittent, or casual participation). Significant summer law office clerk experience after beginning law school. Other equivalent evidence of clearly superior achievement. NOTE: For purposes of counting the number of years of legal experience after graduating from law school, equivalent writing and legal analysis performed as a judicial law clerk will be considered even if the applicant was not admitted to the bar at the time. AND Specialized Experience for the GS-14 One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-13 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience serving as a lead attorney in preparing written legal advice on the interpretation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including the statute, regulations, policy, and/or related federal or state court cases that identify the issues, distinguish relevant from irrelevant facts, and make judgments as to strategy and approach. Experience serving as a lead attorney in administrative litigation-related activities, including three or more of the following activities: drafting pleadings and/or responses; creating the agency record; identifying, locating, contacting, and preparing witnesses; locating and compiling documentary support for the case; negotiating with the parties as appropriate; conducting direct and/or cross-examination at hearings; presenting legal arguments; and/or preparing written motions, briefs, and other documents as required. Experience independently providing oral legal advice on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, participating in briefing ED leadership on legal issues and options, or making presentations on complex legal issues involving the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
The position is telework eligible consistent with the Agency’s telework and remote work program policy. This position is located in the Office of General Counsel (OGC), Division of Educational Equity (DEE) in Washington DC. The incumbent performs legal research, exercises independent judgement, renders opinions regarding matters within the purview of the division, and provides advisory guidance and reviews documents prepared by lower grade attorneys.