General Attorney

US Department of Energy Headquarters; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy's Office of Hearings and Appeals seeks an attorney to perform professional legal work, including conducting administrative hearings, reviewing and adjudicating appeals, mediations, and preparing rulings in a wide range of complex matters.

Applicants must hold an ABA-accredited law degree and be an active member in good standing of the bar in a U.S. jurisdiction, with GS-11 or GS-12 level specialized experience demonstrated in the resume.

Qualifications

• Must have ABA-accredited law degree and bar admission in good standing.
• GS-11 requires 2 of 3: legal research, drafting legal documents, applying laws to questions.
• GS-12 requires 2 of 3: complex legal research, drafting comprehensive opinions, independent legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Conduct administrative hearings.
• Review and adjudicate administrative appeals.
• Conduct mediations and facilitations.
• Prepare rulings and decisions in complex legal matters.

Skills

Legal research

Legal analysis

Oral advocacy

Case preparation

Education

ABA-accredited law degree (LL.B./J.D.)

Active bar in a state/DC/PR

Tools

Legal databases

Job description

This position is part of the Office of Hearings and Appeals at the Department of Energy (DOE). This position has promotion potential to the General Attorney, GS-15. At this level, you will perform a broad variety of professional legal work that involves the conduct of administrative hearings, the review and adjudication of administrative appeals, the conduct of mediations and facilitations, and the preparation of rulings and decisions in a wide array of complex legal matters.

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

Basic Requirements:

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-11 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-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting 2 of 3 of the following:

• Conducting legal research using legal search databases, statutes, judicial precedents, and administrative decisions to analyze factual and legal issues.
• Drafting legal documents, such as legal memoranda, briefs, motions, pleadings, advisory opinions, or regulatory comments, clearly synthesizing facts, applicable law, and conclusions.
• Interpreting and applying laws, regulations, and policies to resolve routine to moderately complex legal questions or business disputes.
• Assisting in case preparation or transaction reviews, such as gathering and examining evidence, preparing witness examination outlines, participating in pre-trial or administrative proceedings, or reviewing contracts, settlement agreements, or filings for legal sufficiency.

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 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, appellate or trial briefs, 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.
• 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.

"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.