General Attorney

We are truly honored that DOE has been named Americas #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As a General Attorney you will:

• Provide analyses interpretations and opinions on a variety of cases and issues that range from relativity routine and straight forward to extremely complex controversial sensitive unusual highly publicized and difficult involving the issuance of NETL legal and policy documents which may substantially broaden or restrict NETL activities or have an important impact on major energy and related industries and the public.
• Provide legal advice and determinations in the application of advanced theories principles concepts and processes which require theoretical expertise applicable to a wide variety of situations uses and problems in the law and legal procedures of Federal state and local governments. Issues are often unusually delicate involve large sums of money have widespread interest and/or are contested by extremely capable legal talent and are the subject of widespread interest. Issues may present a case of first impression calling for creative legal analysis and investigation and evaluation of various alternative approaches for the improvement or development of laws codes and legal procedures. Legal positions are likely to affect relations with Federal state local and foreign governments and energy and related industries.
• Provide guidance legal assistance and support to various NETL offices. Performs extensive legal research in special situations and provides recommendations to the supervisor based upon the legal principles involved as determined by the research.
• Develop for supervisory approval legal solutions to situations in which the law has not been clearly defined by judicial precedent or administrative rulings and NETL policies have not been fully developed.
• Recommend to supervisor or senior attorney defenses when NETL policy making documents are the subject of litigation due to a claim of insufficiency under general administrative law requirements.
• Prepare and review related legal briefs.
• Address legal and contractual issues associated with federal procurements and federal research and development grants and cooperative agreements.
• Provide negotiation of agreements.
• Provide legal advice and analysis concerning environmental law labor law and federal agency ethics.
• Provide litigation and litigation support.
• Give legal support to Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See .
• If selected your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination as determined by a completed background investigation.
• If selected you may be required to complete a one year trial period.
• The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements up to a Top Secret DOE Q clearance.
• GS-12 and above are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement OGE-450 Executive Branch Personnel Confidential
• If selected you must self-identify if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A Schedule C or non-career SES political appointee as OPM approval is required prior to finalizing your selection.
• Proof of current active member in good standing in the bar of a State District of Columbia territory of the United States or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with DOE.
• This position is NOT included in a Bargaining Agreement.

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

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:

• One year of professional (attorney) legal experience and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work. The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.

GS-13 Qualifications:

• One year of professional (attorney) legal experience and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work.; AND
• One additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-12 level in the Federal service.

GS-14 Qualifications:

• Three years of professional (attorney) legal experience and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work.; AND
• One additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-13 level in the Federal service.

GS-15 Qualifications:

• Four years of professional (attorney) legal experience and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work.; AND
• One additional year of professional (attorney) experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to that of an attorney at a level of difficulty comparable to the GS-14 level in the Federal service.

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.