Attorney Advisor

Job Title

Attorney-Advisor

Job Description

As an attorney-advisor, you will assist in the adjudication of complex proceedings, often involving multiple parties, extensive records, discovery disputes, and expert economic evidence. Your work will have an impact upon common carriers, shippers, and the public in general. Preference for candidates with strong legal research and writing skills and litigation, decision-writing, or clerkship experience.

Duties

Conducts comprehensive legal research independently, including examination of applicable laws, statutes, regulations, administrative and court decisions, and other materials to recommend decisions resolving factual and legal issues. Able to conduct research on complex discovery issues, motions, and international law when needed.

Reviews extensive factual records, often consisting of thousands of pages of exhibits. Independently evaluates the factual basis for the most complex allegations of Shipping Act violations. Identifies additional information that may be necessary to make a legal determination of the merits of the claim. Evaluates expert witness testimony. Recommends disposition of complex discovery disputes that arise between the parties.

Applies extensive knowledge and experience to analyze the most complex legal issues by evaluating the factual basis and applying legal principles derived from rules, regulations, and case law precedent where there is no existing guidance. Communicates reasons for proposed disposition of cases to Administrative Law Judge's or Small Claims Officers primarily in writing. Provides justifications for recommended decisions with citations to relevant facts in evidence and sound legal authorities.

Manage multiple competing assignments with tight timelines independently and ensure the office has sufficient resources to complete assignments on a timely basis.

Conducts prehearing meetings with potentially challenging parties (including unrepresented pro se parties) and attorneys, either orally or in writing, ensuring that all applicable rules are followed. Trains other attorneys and staff on policies and procedures, including for hearings, ensuring that proper notice is provided. Assist with hiring new staff members and training them.

Independently prepare reports regarding caseload and budget. Evaluate and provide training on applicable case management systems. Research and provide recommendations on complex service issues such as international service.