Law Clerk / Attorney-Adviser (General)

Who May Apply: US Citizens Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position. KSA’s: Skill in identifying and researching highly technical and complex legal issues. Skill in providing legal, technical, and policy guidance. Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs. Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education Requirements for Law Clerk GS-0904-11: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) within 90 days of application. Education Requirements for Attorney-Adviser GS-0905-11/12/13: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.). Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant’s graduation. As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted with your application materials. Bar Membership: To be considered for the Attorney-Adviser GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 level, applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As noted below, proof of such membership and good standing must be submitted with your application materials. If no Bar Membership is possessed, you will still be considered for the Law Clerk GS-0904-11 position. Experience for Law Clerk GS-0904-11: In addition to the requirements above, applicants who have NOT yet passed a state bar exam are qualified to be hired as GS-0904-11 Law Clerk for their first assignment and then noncompetitively converted to a GS-0905 attorney after admission to the bar and submission of required documentation. Bar membership must be obtained within 1 year of appointment to the position. Experience for Attorney-Adviser GS-0905-11: In addition to the requirements above, applicants who have passed a state bar exam are qualified to be hired as GS-0905-11 Attorney-Adviser for their first assignment. Experience for Attorney-Adviser GS-0905-12: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-12 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess a year of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience. Experience for Attorney-Adviser GS-0905-13: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-13 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess two or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience. Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QA’s) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position. If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal Government you must have completed one year at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade level as the position being filled. NOTICE OF VETERAN’S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran’s preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of the Defense considers veterans’ preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans’ preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty”) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, “Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference”, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/sf/.
About the Position: This position is located with U.S. Army Legal Services Agency Office of Soldiers Counsel Fort Sam Houston, TX. A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized. This is a developmental position to the full performance GS-13 grade level. If you are currently serving in a permanent, competitive service appointment in the Federal service, and are selected for this position, the appointment will remove you from the competitive service while you occupy this position.