This position is located in the Little Rock, Arkansas Branch Office of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Department of Agriculture. The office is physically located in the Federal Building at 700 West Capitol Street, in Little Rock. The incumbent serves as Associate Regional Attorney and supervises and manages a Branch Office, which, under the direct supervision of the Regional Attorney, provides legal services to field offices of USDA agencies administering programs within a geographical area assigned to the office.
Major Duties Include:
Supervise Attorneys and Legal Support Staff.
Provide Legal Advice to Agencies of the USDA.
Represent Agencies of the USDA before administrative tribunals.
Serve as liaison between agencies of the USDA and Department of Justice in Judicial Litigation.
Serve on USDA-OGC Management Team.
Summary
This position is located in the Little Rock, Arkansas Branch Office of the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Department of Agriculture. The office is physically located in the Federal Building at 700 West Capitol Street, in Little Rock. The incumbent serves as Associate Regional Attorney and supervises and manages a Branch Office, which, under the direct supervision of the Regional Attorney, provides legal services to field offices of USDA agencies administering programs within a geographical area assigned to the office.
Major Duties Include:
Supervise Attorneys and Legal Support Staff.
Provide Legal Advice to Agencies of the USDA.
Represent Agencies of the USDA before administrative tribunals.
Serve as liaison between agencies of the USDA and Department of Justice in Judicial Litigation.
As a Supervisory General Attorney (Associate Regional Attorney), you will be responsible for the following:
Participates in the interpretation, application, implementation and resolution of legal issues and office policies, and directing, supervising, and participates in the provision of all types of legal services for USDA agencies performing activities in the assigned area. The Associate Regional Attorney also supervises the staff of the Branch Office.
Provides oral and written advice; preparing and reviewing documents; researching and analyzing pertinent law; developing legal theories, tactics and procedures; conducting litigation and litigation-related activities; advising client agencies on dealing with special interest groups; assisting client agencies in negotiations; advising in the development of training programs for client agencies; and ensuring legal support for the operation of programs of the Department within the assigned geographical area.
Interpreting federal, state and local laws; preparing numerous types of legal documents such as deeds, easements, rights-of-way, leases, mortgages, deeds of trust, contracts, subordination agreements, assignments, and powers of attorney; preparing documents for litigation by Assistant United States Attorneys and Department of Justice Attorneys, including complaints, answers, motions, briefs, and memoranda of law, and providing litigation assistance to these attorneys and their staffs, including participating in trials.
Reports to the Regional Attorney who occupies an SES-level position. The incumbent is directly responsible for supervision of office staff and management of the Branch or Regional Office. This includes responsibility for civil rights, fair and unprejudiced employment practices, affinitive action on EEO objectives, training, promotion, awards, and career development.
Directs legal work and activities, supervises Branch or Regional Office staff and manages the resources of the office; is responsible for developing plans, preparing budget requests, establishing internal office procedures, and assigning and evaluating work; provides reports to the Regional Office and senior staff in the Washington Office as requested; ensures that written work is of the highest professional quality and is timely in relation to the issues presented; assures that oral presentations in courts, before public bodies, or in other forums are of high quality; and is responsible for personnel management and practices, equal employment opportunities, recommending promotions and employee selection, and training, motivation, and evaluation of the staff.
Communicates frequently with numerous officials including senior agency field personnel, United States Attorneys and their staffs, senior field officials in other federal departments, the Attorney General and staff for states within the assigned Branch or Regional Office area, members of federal regional councils, client agency constituents including persons and organizations, persons at high management levels in the private sector and their attorneys and persons in interest group organizations and their attorneys. Through these contacts, information is obtained and exchanged, negotiations occur, and the legal basis for client agency decisions is furnished and analyzed.
The position directs the work of GS-14 and GS-15 level attorneys and support staff that may include paralegals, legal assistants and administrative officers. The work of the organization is accomplished through supervision of non-supervisory positions.
Legal advice and opinions issued by the Associate Regional Attorney and by the Branch or Regional Office staff embrace many fields of law, may affect large areas of land, and influence to a significant degree the actions and decisions of agency officials in meeting statutory obligations. Faulty legal advice could result in unlawful actions by agency officials adverse to the statutory purposes for the programs and/or the policies of the Department, and failure to recover substantial amounts on debts due the United States.
Appointment is subject to completion of two-year initial trial period.
If you are newly hired, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" system. Federal law requires the use of E-VERIFY to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. Under this system, the new hire is required to.
If selected you must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance and a credit report inquiry.
May be subject to satisfactory completion of a two year probationary or trial period.
You must submit a written statement, in your cover letter or in a separate document, explaining your interest in working for USDA’s Office of the General Counsel, and noting any relevant course work, training, or prior experience that you believe should be considered in evaluating your application.
This position is subject to limited telework only by managerial approval and subject to change at any time from the Agency or Department.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience:
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 me with the particular competencies to successfully perform as an Associate Regional Attorney. Examples of such experience include: Responsible for supervising an entire branch; preparing numerous types of legal documents such as deeds, leases, mortgages, contracts, subordination agreements, and power of attorney; conducting litigation; applying laws administered; preparing documents for litigation; and strong oral and written communication. As a candidate you must also have demonstrated in your work experience or training that you possess or have the potential to develop the qualities to successfully supervise an area of work and others.
(Note: This experience must be demonstrated on your resume/supporting documents).
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). (Law School transcript required)
Bar Membership: An applicant must currently be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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.
Additional information
New supervisors/managers who have never held a supervisory appointment in the USDA, or documented successful completion of either a USDA agency or Department-level approved new supervisor program must complete the USDA-wide approved new supervisor training program. This training must be completed according to all regulations, within one year of beginning the appointment and before the end of their probationary period. Failure to complete the required training and assessment may result in failure to complete probation and reassignment to another position in compliance with 5 CFR Part 315, Subpart I. Employees who have previously been a supervisor within USDA and have documented completion of a new supervisor training program approved by their agency training officer are not required to complete the USDA-wide new supervisor’s training program. This documentation must be provided to their agency’s training officer.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. • Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc) should contact: USDAs TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). • Relocation expenses are not authorized. • BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND FINGERPRINT CHECK: Selection and retention in this position is contingent on a successfully adjudicated FBI National Criminal History Check (fingerprint check) and a background investigation. • Direct Deposit - Per Public Law 104-134 all Federal employees are required to have federal payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of your choosing. • E-Verify: Federal law requires agencies to use the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires. If you are selected as a newly hired employee, the documentation you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 on your entry-on-duty date will be verified through the DHS E-VERIFY' system. Under the system, the new hire is required to resolve any identified discrepancies as a condition of continued employment. • Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel. • This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Attorney positions are in the excepted service. There is no formal rating system for applying veterans preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service.
However, if you are eligible for veterans preference, you are encouraged to include that information in your application along with the supporting documentation (e.g., DD-214, SF-15, letter from the VA documenting disability, or other supporting documentation). Please visit OPMs Vet Guide for more information.
You will be evaluated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, academic record and training you described in your application package. Your application package must include: a cover letter, resume, law school transcripts, most recent performance appraisal, and a written narrative, not to exceed 1,200 words, showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed below.
You will also be evaluated on the degree to which you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed below:
Ability to set and communicate clear, well-defined expectations for outcomes and milestones.
Delegates responsibility to others based on their ability and potential. Holds self and other accountable for results.
Ability to establish effective working relationships with persons having differing interests and to manage, organize and direct others.
Knowledge of administrative law and procedures, and of litigation in Federal courts and before administrative bodies.
Knowledge of statutes, regulations, and precedents related to major USDA program areas or relevant subject matter expertise.
Mastery of the principles and techniques of legal analysis and practice. Ability to analyze complex legal problems in which precedents are frequently conflicting or non-existent and make sound decisions.
Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting an organizations vision, mission, and goals. Inherent in this qualification is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
Your application will be reviewed in order to ensure you meet the job requirements and assess your ability to perform this job. The supporting documents are reviewed to ensure that (a) minimum qualification requirements are met and (b) all required documentation have been submitted.
Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered to more accurately reflect the submitted documentation. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service.
Clicking the link below will present a preview of the application form; i.e. the online questionnaire. The application form link below will only provide a preview and does not initiate the application process. To initiate the online application process, click the "Apply Online" button to the right.
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.
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.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
All applicants must submit:
Cover Letter Highlighting relevant legal experience; career accomplishments; education; interest in USDA and the specific position.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) job information for which you are applying; 2) personal information; 3) education; 4) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 5) supervisors phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 6) other qualifications.
Law School Transcript: An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official law school transcript will be required prior to entering on duty
Bar Membership: Proof of Bar Membership.
Most recent Performance Appraisal (If applicable) signed by a supervisor with supervisors comments or narratives on performance.
Written Narrative: You must submit a written statement, not to exceed 1,200 words, showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed above.
If claiming veterans preference (if applicable), you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veterans preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veterans preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming any Veterans Preference (if applicable) you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/
Other required documents may include:
CTAP/ICTAP Required Documentation Reduction-In-Force: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from.
Workers Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g., all SF-50s) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
Office of the General Counsel
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC, 20250
USA
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for your applicant package to be complete. Our office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, your system failure, etc. Encrypted documents will not be accepted. Failure to submit required, legible documents may result in loss of consideration.
All applicants must submit:
Cover Letter Highlighting relevant legal experience; career accomplishments; education; interest in USDA and the specific position.
Resume that includes the following information: 1) job information for which you are applying; 2) personal information; 3) education; 4) work experience including the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment; and title, series and grade if applicable; 5) supervisors phone number and e-mail address for each work period listed and whether or not we may contact them for reference checks; and, 6) other qualifications.
Law School Transcript: An unofficial copy is sufficient with the application; however, if selected, an official law school transcript will be required prior to entering on duty
Bar Membership: Proof of Bar Membership.
Most recent Performance Appraisal (If applicable) signed by a supervisor with supervisors comments or narratives on performance.
Written Narrative: You must submit a written statement, not to exceed 1,200 words, showing you possess the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed above.
If claiming veterans preference (if applicable), you must submit a DD214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty, which shows dates of service and discharge under honorable conditions. If currently on active duty you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veterans preference must be verified prior to appointment. Without this documentation, you will not receive veterans preference and your application will be evaluated based on the material(s) submitted.
If claiming any Veterans Preference (if applicable) you must provide the DD214 or certification requirements (see above bullet), plus the proof of entitlement of this preference as listed on the SF-15 Application for 10-point Veterans Preference. The SF-15 should be included but is not required. Failure to submit these documents could result in the determination that there is insufficient documentation to support your claim for 10-point preference. For more information on veterans preference see http://www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/
Other required documents may include:
CTAP/ICTAP Required Documentation Reduction-In-Force: Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; AND most recent performance evaluation; AND SF-50 demonstrating your separation or the position you will be separated from.
Workers Compensation Separation: Agency certification of inability to place employee AND Notification of Separation OR Separation SF-50.
Disability Annuity Termination: Notification from OPM of disability annuity termination AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held. Military Reserve or National Guard Technician Special Disability Retirement Annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456: Certification of special disability retirement annuity from a military department or National Guard Bureau AND Separation SF-50 of the last position held.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin. You must complete this application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, contact the Agency Contact listed below well before the closing date for an alternate method. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon ET on the closing date of the announcement in order to be entered into the system prior to its closing.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact the Agency Contact to request this.
To begin, click "Apply Online" and follow the instructions to complete the Assessment Questionnaire and attach your resume and all required documents.
NOTE: You must verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the Agency's staffing system. Applicants may combine all like required documents (e.g., all SF-50s) into one or more files and scan for uploading into the application. Each file must not exceed 3MB. Grouping like documents into files will simplify the application process. Documents must be in one of the following formats: GIF, JPEG, JPG, PDF, PNG, RTF, or Word (DOC or DOCX). Uploaded documents may not require a password, digital signature, or other encryption to open.
Office of the General Counsel
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC, 20250
USA
Next steps
Your application will be reviewed to verify that you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements for the position prior to issuing referral lists to the selecting official. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. Log in to your USAJOBS account at https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login to check your application status. We expect to make a final job offer approximately 40 days after the deadline for applications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
