Attorney-Adviser (General)

Summary

About the Position: This position is in support of the DHA Office of General Counsel, located in Falls Church, Virginia.

This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status.

Note:

• Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.
• Leave accrual negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.

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Duties

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• Prepare administrative records, litigation reports, and filings to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws
• Draft motions, agency reports, memoranda of law, and other submittals to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in bid protest cases
• Represent Defense Health Agency (DHA) in contract disputes before the Board of Contract Appeals, including drafting motions and pleadings, conducting discovery, participating in hearings, and preparing legal briefs and oral arguments
• Collaborate with Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys and Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in drafting and responding to discovery requests, preparing trial strategies, and coordinating case management through all phases of litigation
• Collect evidence and documentation, prepare memoranda of fact and law with recommended course of action, and provide direct litigation support and case coordination to DOJ attorneys and AUSAs
• Represent DHA in meetings, negotiations, conferences, presentations, hearings, or other forums, with other federal agencies, outside counsel, and private stakeholders, advancing agency interests and legal positions
• Assess and communicate litigation risks associated with potential and pending matters, providing actionable legal recommendations to agency leadership
• Conduct other litigation as assigned on behalf of DHA

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment. A background investigation and credit check are required.
• This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) or a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450) upon entry, and annually thereafter.
• This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
• Must be a graduate of a law school possessing the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a State or District of Columbia, a U.S. territory, or a U.S. commonwealth.

Qualifications

Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position:

• Skill in identifying contracting and acquisition legal issues
• Ability to prepare litigation reports and briefings
• Skill in oral and written advocacy.
• Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs.

NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Defense Health Agency considers veteran's preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active duty) to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: If currently employed as an attorney by the Federal Government must have completed 52 weeks at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade as the position being filled. Time-in grade may be waived for current federal employees at management's discretion.

The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration:

Education: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).

Bar Membership: Applicant must currently be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, territory or commonwealth of the United States (e.g., American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), or the District of Columbia. Document should be dated within three months of the date the application is submitted. If the document has been ordered, but not arrived, you may provide a screenshot of your certificate (clearly showing a time/date within the last 90 days) which validates your active status.

Experience Required for the NH-04: Applicant must have three (3) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the Bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit:

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• A two-year trial period may be required if new to federal service.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances are not authorized.
• You may claim military spouse preference.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.