General Attorney

U.S. Department of Energy; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Energy, 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 on procurements, ethics, and administrative matters (EEOC, MSPB, OHA, OSC).

Applicants must meet all qualifications by the closing date and possess a law degree from an ABA-accredited school, as well as active bar status in a U.S. state or equivalent jurisdiction.

Qualifications

• All applicants must hold a law degree from an ABA-accredited school.
• Active bar membership in a U.S. state, D.C., or Puerto Rico is required.
• Experience with administrative litigation and regulatory matters is expected.
• Ability to draft formal legal opinions, briefs, and regulatory comments.

Responsibilities

• Represent assigned site offices, including the Oak Ridge Site Office, as principal attorney.
• Advise on procurements, ethics, and administrative matters (EEOC, MSPB, OHA, OSC).
• Provide independent legal advice to management on laws, procedures, and regulations.

Skills

Legal research

Drafting legal documents

Independent legal advice

Administrative litigation

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

• 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

• 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

• 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.