Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer)

Qualification requirements in this vacancy announcement are based on the Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel Attorney and Law Clerk Hiring Process and Advancement Guidelines. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has no Group Coverage Qualification Standard for this series. Basic Requirements for All Grade Levels: EDUCATION: You must be a graduate with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school; and BAR MEMBERSHIP: You must have a bar membership in one of the 50 United States, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. AND In addition to meeting the basic requirements, applicants must also meet the additional experience requirements. Minimum Requirements: The career ladder for attorney positions in OGC is generally GS-11 to GS-15. The minimum qualifications for hiring at each grade level (or equivalent) are as follows: GS-11: J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in one of the 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. (The requirement that an applicant possess a J.D. may be waived if his or her bar membership is in a state that allows individuals to “read for the law” rather than pursue a formal academic degree). GS-12: GS-11 qualifications plus one year legal experience, or additional relevant experience that distinguishes an entry-level attorney from the GS-11. This may include: a superior academic record; specific course work or an internship in the relevant legal area; another graduate or doctoral degree. Individuals hired into Legal Intern positions at the GS-11 may be reassigned to GS-12 attorney positions upon admission to the bar, irrespective of time-in-grade. GS-13: Two years of legal experience or relevant professional experience (legal or non-legal). Relevant non-legal professional experience could include, for example: experience in a non-attorney position within the Department, with resulting insight into the client’s mission could warrant a higher grade. When relying on non-legal professional experience, hiring managers must articulate in writing how the cited experience enhances the applicant’s skills to warrant the higher grade. GS-14: Typically requires a minimum of three years of relevant legal experience. On the rare occasion, two years of relevant legal experience may, in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her designee, suffice. GS-15: Typically requires a minimum of four years of relevant legal experience. On the rare occasion, three years of relevant legal experience may, in the opinion of the General Counsel or his or her designee, suffice. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Specialized Experience Requirements: Applicants must meet the General Professional Experience requirements set forth above and the below specialized experience by the closing date of the announcement. Specialized experience equips applicants with particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. For this position, specialized experience includes knowledge of appropriations law. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to accurately identify and quickly analyze relevant and critical issues related to fiscal law and internal financial controls. Applicants must demonstrate a record of strong interpersonal skills, good judgment and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client bureaus. Applicants may be hired at any of the grades shown in this announcement, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications. You are encouraged to identify the grade level(s) or salary for which you wish to be considered.
This vacancy is for an Attorney Advisor in the Office of the Secretary, Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Office of the Assistant General Counsel for Transactions and Technology, General Law Division (GLD) within the Department of Commerce. GLD provides legal support and advice on diverse legal matters affecting the administrative operations of the Department. Ideal candidates will possess the ability to work efficiently and effectively on a wide variety of legal matters.