ATTORNEY-ADVISER (GENERAL)

Full Job Description

About the Position: Serves as an Attorney-Adviser (GS-0905-13) in the Staff Judge Advocate Legal Assistance division located at West Point, NY.

If you are currently serving in a permanent, competitive service appointment in the Federal service, and are selected for this position, the appointment will remove you from the competitive service while you occupy this position.

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

KSA's: Skill in identifying and researching highly technical and complex legal issues. Skill in providing legal, technical, and policy guidance.

Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs. Ability to supervise or lead others.

Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education Requirements: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B.

or J.D.) Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation.

As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted.

Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S.

territory or common wealth of the United States (e.g., American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), or the District of Columbia.

As noted below, an official certificate, dated at any time, may be submitted with the application.

However, in the event the applicant is selected for further consideration during the hiring process, the applicant must provide an official certificate dated within three (3) months of the date of the application.

GS-13 Experience: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-13 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 2 years of professional legal experience , acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience.

Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QAs) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position.

If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal government you must have completed one year 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 level as the position being filled.

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 Department of the Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring.

Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (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.

The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/sf/.

Major Duties:

• Provides legal advice, counseling, drafting and execution of wills and codicils.
• Responsible for providing direct attorney services to a client population of 190,000 including USMA cadets, active duty service-members, family members, and retirees.
• CLA works with the SVC to determine client eligibility and whether representation is allowed or coordination with a CLA and/or SVC from another installation is necessary to ensure the victim and/or client receives services.
• Incumbent will act as advisory council or counsel for consultation to cadets in certain matters.
• Counsels and assists cadets in the preparation for appearances before various boards, including honor, academic, and medical separation boards, as well as in certain Article 10, USCC Reg 351-1 proceedings.
• Obtains and reviews evidence, explaining any nuances to the client, and working with the client to present an ethical defense, if one exists.
• Serves as the (CSRA) Supervisor for the Legal Adviser Division for Army Civilians and/or Military employees.