Associate General Counsel

U.S. Department of Labor; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Labor’s Benefits Review Board seeks an Associate General Counsel for the Black Lung Division A in the Office of General Counsel. You will provide general and administrative direction to the Division's Staff Attorneys and help shape appellate strategy.

The BRB reviews appeals under the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, and you will lead complex cases, advise Board Members, and develop legal standards for adjudication.

Qualifications

• Must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
• Be a member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or possession.
• GS-15 level requires four years of post-law school legal experience, including at least one year of specialized experience at GS-14 level.

Responsibilities

• Lead subordinate staff in the Black Lung Division A and provide direction to Staff Attorneys.
• Apply analytical, research, and writing skills to appellate matters and case reviews.
• Advise BRB Members on adjudication and develop legal standards for adjudication of cases.

Skills

Legal writing

Legal research

Staff leadership

Analytical skills

Education

J.D. or LL.B.

Job description

Serve in a key advisory role at the Benefits Review Board (BRB) as Associate General Counsel for its Black Lung Division A in the Office of General Counsel, with responsibility for providing general and administrative directions to the Division's Staff Attorneys. The BRB reviews appeals of decisions under the Black Lung Benefits Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (and its extensions - including the Defense Base Act).

This position is outside the bargaining unit.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

To qualify for an attorney position, applicants must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S.; and have acquired the amount of experience indicated below for each grade level.
GS-15 grade level: Applicants must have four (4) years of post-law school legal experience of a professional nature which demonstrates the ability to perform the work at this level. At least one year (52 weeks) of qualifying experience must be specialized experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position at a level close to the work of this job that has given you the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the job.

Specialized Experience: One year (52 weeks) of post-J.D. specialized experience at or equivalent to, the GS-14, in or directly related to this position.
Specialized Experience that is qualifying for this position is described as the following:
Having a working knowledge of the Black Lung Benefits Act, as amended, 30 U.S.C §§901-944, or the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, 33 U.S.C. §§901-950, and its extensions, or similar experience through appellate or federal law, such as workers' compensation experience. Candidates will have demonstrated the ability to lead subordinate staff; apply analytical, research, and writing skills; evaluate and review cases; and provide advice and recommendations to Board Members or equivalent on the appropriate adjudication of cases.
NOTE: An LL.M. may be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience.

Transcripts: You must provide a copy of your law school transcript to be considered for this position. Verification of your academic degree(s) is necessary to determine your qualifications or eligibility for this position, you will be required to submit an official transcript for verification purposes before you are hired. However, unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application phase of the process.
Writing Sample: In addition to your transcript applicants must also provide an unedited legal writing sample that is no more than ten (10) pages long with your application in order to receive further consideration. The writing sample can a portion of a brief or memorandum.