General Attorney

Full Job Description

This position is part of the Office of Hearings and Appeals at the Department of Energy (DOE). This position has promotion potential to the General Attorney, GS-15.

At this level, you will perform a broad variety of professional legal work that involves the conduct of administrative hearings, the review and adjudication of administrative appeals, the conduct of mediations and facilitations, and the preparation of rulings and decisions in a wide array of complex legal matters.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Basic Requirements: All applicants MUST: 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 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-12 Qualifications: One year of professional (attorney) legal experience and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar and advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform complex legal work.

The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.

GS-11 Qualifications: Advanced educational attainments that clearly indicate the ability to independently perform legal work and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar.

The educational background should include course work beyond the first professional degree in a field directly related to the work for which he/she is being considered.

"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. Major Duties:

At the full performance General Attorney, GS-0905-15, you will: Serve as an Administrative Judge who presides 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: whistle blower 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.