General Attorney

US Department of Energy Headquarters; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Science, Office of Chief Counsel seeks a general attorney to represent assigned site offices, including the Oak Ridge Site Office, as principal attorney advising in procurement, ethics, and administrative matters (EEOC, MSPB, OHA, and OSC cases).

You must meet all qualifications by the closing date. Basic requirements include ABA-accredited law degree and active bar membership; GS-12 through GS-14 qualifications describe specialized experience for federal service.

Qualifications

• J.D. or LL.B. from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in US state, DC, Puerto Rico, or territory.
• GS-12/GS-13/GS-14 specialized experience requirements described.

Responsibilities

• Represent assigned site offices as principal attorney in procurements, ethics, and admin matters (EEOC, MSPB, OHA, OSC).
• Provide independent legal advice on interpretation and application of laws and regulations.
• Draft formal legal documents, opinions, briefs, and regulatory comments as needed.

Skills

Legal research

Administrative litigation

Drafting legal documents

Independent legal advice

Education

J.D. or LL.B. from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

The Office of Science, Office of Chief Counsel seeks a general attorney to represent assigned site offices, including the Oak Ridge Site Office, as principal attorney advising in numerous legal aspects, such as procurements, ethics, and administrative matters (including EEOC, MSPB, OHA, and OSC cases).

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements:

All applicants MUST:

1. Meet the minimum education requirements of successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) with a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); AND
2. Must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

GS-12 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 1 of 2 of the following:

• Legal training and experience in handling administrative litigation cases and related issues.
• Drafting legal documents, such as legal memoranda, briefs, motions, pleadings, advisory opinions, or regulatory comments, clearly synthesizing facts, applicable law, and conclusions.

GS-13 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Conducting complex legal research by analyzing federal or state statutes, regulations, court decisions, and administrative precedents to resolve complicated, contested, or novel legal and factual questions.
• Drafting comprehensive legal documents, such as formal legal opinions, memoranda, pleadings, motions, or settlement agreements, that present well-reasoned analyses and actionable conclusions.
• Providing independent legal advice and guidance to management, program clients, or corporate officials on the interpretation and practical application of laws, administrative procedures, and governing regulations.

GS-14 Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-13 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting ALL of the following:

• Handling contested proceedings or transaction reviews, such as representing a client or organization in administrative hearings, civil proceedings, or alternative dispute resolution (ADR); participating in witness examination and case preparation; or reviewing and negotiating complex contracts, permits, or regulatory filings for legal sufficiency.
• Drafting comprehensive legal documents, such as formal legal opinions, memoranda, pleadings, motions, or settlement agreements, that present well-reasoned analyses and actionable conclusions.
• Providing independent legal advice and guidance to management, program clients, or corporate officials on the interpretation and practical application of laws, administrative procedures, and governing regulations.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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.