General Attorney

As a GS-12 General Attorney you will:

• Assist Administrative Judges who preside over administrative hearings.
• Draft decisions resolving adjudicatory matters such as requests for evidentiary hearings petitions for review of agency action and complaints alleging retaliation for engaging in protected activity as well as requests for extension of time discovery protective orders and other motions.
• Analyze evidence testimony and legal arguments.
• Research applicable law and legal precedents and draft decisions for management review. Cases include but are not limited to: whistleblower cases under 10 CFR Part 708 alleging improper action against a contractor employee who reports of violation of the law waste fraud mismanagement or matters of health/safety; security clearance cases under 10 CFR Part 710 concerning whether to deny or revoke a security clearance for a federal or contractor employee; and Human Reliability Program cases under 10 CFR Part 712 ensuring the physical/mental suitability of individuals with access to certain materials nuclear explosive devices facilities and programs.
• Manage complex or precedential cases in which DOE procedural regulations do not provide for Administrative Judges including but not limited to requests and appeals of Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act determinations issued by DOE offices.
• Serve as a mediator regarding disputes between and among agency and contractor employees.
• Handle complex or precedential special duties relating to office work and will provide mentorship and guidance to and serve as a legal resource for other office attorneys.

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

• 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 two year trial period.
• Obtain and maintain a Q security clearance. Failure to obtain and maintain the required security clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• GS-13 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.
• This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) subject to applicant testing and random drug testing.
• Occasional travel may be required.

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-11 Qualifications:

• 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:

• 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.