Senior Counsel for Employment

Full Job Description

The Secretary of the Senate's Senate Chief Counsel for Employment Office is seeking a Senior Counsel for Employment.

The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions.

Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier.

Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties.

Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise permitted by the Chief Counsel or required by the Office of the Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires juris doctorate degree, and a minimum of eight years of experience defending employment claims and advising employers regarding compliance with federal employment laws (or state law equivalents).

Employment law experience representing private sector employers and/or congressional employing offices is preferred.

Work requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of federal employment laws, labor laws, constitutional law, and rules of court.

Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred. Demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex legal issues.

Demonstrated ability to write coherent, accurate, and persuasive legal briefs and motions for trial and appellate courts.

Knowledge of modern legal practices, including the Electronic Discovery Reference Model, and research resources, including LEXIS and/or WESTLAW.

Knowledge of and experience using electronic discovery platforms. Ability to operate a computer and utilize applicable software packages.

Ability to provide accurate legal advice and to exercise independent judgment in defending clients at trial and appellate court levels.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Senators, staff of the Office of the Vice President, Chiefs of Staff, Administrative Directors, and Senate Officers.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining and implementing the client’s best defense strategy in lawsuits. Ability to professionally handle confidential/sensitive matters and materials.

Ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to pay careful attention to detail.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individual clients, with large groups, with colleagues, and before courts and administrative tribunals.

Ability to assign, direct, and review work of subordinate staff. Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Licensed and in good active standing to practice law from a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. Major Duties:

This is supervisory, professional work in the Office of Senate Chief Counsel for Employment.

Serve as defense attorney in labor and employment law matters to offices of United States Senators, the Vice President, Committees, Senate Officers, and other Senate employing offices.

Work requires litigating cases as first chair in trial and appellate courts, the Supreme Court, and at administrative hearings; advising clients of their legal obligations; giving employment law seminars; and doing legal research and writing.

Work requires high-level thinking in the application of law to facts and requires the use of independent judgment. Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S.

Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.