Attorney Advisor (Senior Counsel)

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as an Attorney Advisor (Senior Counsel) in the International Affairs, Food Assistance and Farm and Rural Programs Division providing legal advice and services to the Secretary, other officials and agencies of USDA on various matters including food and nutrition programs.

The incumbent provides expert leadership and legal assistance on various programs, with responsibility for advising on complex statutory, regulatory, administrative, and litigation matters.

For consideration, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for attorney positions: Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the America Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (J.D.

or equivalent) (Law School transcript required); AND Currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants should have a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible litigation experience including serving as lead or first-chair litigation counsel with demonstrated responsibility for directing case strategy, representing a client in federal court, and managing all phases of litigation.

This experience should be clearly documented in the cover letter and resume.

GS-15: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the (GS-14) level in the Federal service or equivalent responsibility in the private sector/pay systems that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies to successfully perform as Senior Counsel.

Examples of such experience include: Mastery, knowledge, and a comprehensive understanding of federal programs.

Demonstrated responsibility for directing case strategy, representing a client in federal court, and managing all phases of litigation.

Ability to plan and assign priorities to tasks and assignments to further develop knowledge of complex subject-matter areas.

Works independently to determine methodologies, milestones, goals, and termination points for most assignments.

Completes assignments with an understanding of management requirements and meets organizational objectives. NOTE: This experience must be demonstrated on your resume/supporting documents.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

• Serves as a senior attorney providing authoritative legal advice and litigation support on complex, high-impact matters involving the federal nutrition programs.
• Develops and advises on litigation strategy for complex cases coordinating closely with the Department of Justice.
• Advises senior leadership on litigation risk.
• Provides expert legal counsel on administrative law and statutory interpretation.
• Provides guidance, mentoring, training, and technical legal expertise to OGC and client agencies.
• Exercises substantial independent judgment on matters of national importance with minimal supervision.