Public Notice for Attorney Advisor (Direct Hire)

Summary

Chief Counsel Litigation Division: This Attorney Advisor position is in the Chief Counsel, Litigation Division and is responsible for researching and analyzing legal issues, interpreting laws and regulations, preparing legal documents, advising leadership and program offices, and representing the agency in administrative or judicial proceedings, as appropriate

Duties

This Public Notice for Attorney Advisor (Direct Hire) position is located in Chief Counsel, Litigation Division. Transportation Security Administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Duties include but are not limited to: Represents TSA as primary or secondary counsel in litigation before the Merit Systems Protection Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, federal courts, and labor arbitration proceedings. Provides expert legal guidance to TSA personnel and external stakeholders on complex legal issues affecting TSA operations and workforce matters. Advises policymakers and managers on legal strategy, precedents, and arguments that support the agency's position. Conducts all phases of administrative and judicial litigation from initial case assessment through discovery, motion practice, settlement negotiations, hearings, and post-hearing actions. Develop litigation strategies; prepare pleadings, briefs, motions, discovery requests and responses, and witness examinations. Communicates legal advice and advocacy positions clearly and tailors messaging to the audience and circumstances. Adjudicates and resolves tort claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act Reviews claims and supports evidence, conducts legal and factual analyses, and evaluates issues of liability, damages, and potential settlement. Prepares written determinations and coordinates with program offices, claimants, and other appropriate stakeholders to ensure timely, legally sufficient claim resolution. Partners with the Department of Justice to protect TSA interests and unique equities in federal district and appellate court litigation nationwide. Supports cases involving constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues by providing agency expertise, developing legal positions, coordinating factual support, and assisting with litigation strategy and case management. Please note: The major duties described reflect the full performance level of this position. Typically, the lower pay bands perform the same duties but will receive more guidance and training; and/or projects/work assignments may be less complex.

Qualifications

Basic requirements for all grade levels: Applicants must have a Law Degree (e.g., J.D., LL.B.) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To qualify for the SV-I Pay Band (equivalent to GS-13), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-H or GS-12 Pay Band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience MUST include all the following: Managing a caseload of litigation matters, including preparing, filing, and gathering supporting documentation for court submission; and Providing legal advice, policy guidance, and risk assessments to program managers on the complexity of laws, rules, and court precedents; and Coordinating with multiple parties (i.e., witnesses, agency personnel) to build evidence, conduct interviews, and prepare cases for hearing or settlement. To qualify for the SV-J Pay Band (equivalent to GS-14), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-I or GS-13 Pay Band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience MUST include all the following: Developing litigation strategies and strategic solutions to address legal issues affecting major agencies or organizational programs; and Reviewing and approving formal legal briefs, pleadings, settlement agreements, and policy documents prior to distribution to senior level leadership; and Leading and coordinating projects or litigation teams in resolving difficult or sensitive legal challenges. To qualify for the SV-K Pay Band (equivalent to GS-15), you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the SV-J or GS-14 Pay Band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private sector. Specialized experience MUST include all the following: Serving as the primary legal authority and/or lead counsel for directing and litigating cases, arbitrations, or administrative proceedings; and Formulating litigation policies and establishing strategic legal frameworks that govern high level program administration; and Directing and managing legal professionals (i.e., attorney advisors, junior attorneys, or paralegal staff), which includes managing performance and mentoring staff; and Advising and briefing executive level leadership on highly sensitive legal matters, congressional inquiries or settlement decisions. Credit for experience is given based on a 40-hour workweek. Part-time experience is credited on a part-time ratio, i.e., working 20 hours per week for two months equals one month of experience. No additional credit is given for overtime. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. You must meet the qualification requirements for this position no later than the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Education

This position has a basic education requirement listed under the Qualifications section of this announcement. For positions requiring positive education requirements, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements, you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or an itemized list of college courses from an accredited college or university, which includes equivalent information from the transcript (course title, semester/quarter hours, and grade/degree earned) in your resume. The information must be provided with the application by the closing date of the announcement. If selected, the applicant must supply a transcript or certification of degree.