This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/518583200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
The mission of the Office of the General Counsel is to provide legal advice and counseling to the Secretary and central executive officials, and to directors and administrative staff who manage the Smithsonian’s (SI) museums and programs. The legal issues presented include the protection of SI's unique trust status within the federal structure in legislative enactments, executive regulations and operations, and judicial opinions.
Learn more about this agency12/04/2018 to 12/18/2018
$126,148 - $189,600 per year
SL 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
No
Permanent
Full-Time
Excepted
00
No
No
EX-19-04
518583200
The incumbent is expected to serve as a senior legal professional with primary responsibility in the areas of litigation, with a special emphasis on employment litigation and tort litigation, in which the Smithsonian is a party, and advice on employment law and personnel matters and policy.
The incumbent coordinates the work of the Office of the General Counsel attorneys and paralegals in the area of employment and tort litigation; coordinates third-party discovery; and serves as an expert and resource in other areas of litigation, offering advice and counsel to attorneys on ongoing litigation matters. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice, the incumbent defends the United States and the Smithsonian Institution in Federal courts; and represents the Smithsonian in administrative proceedings including before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, and the Office of Special Counsel. In consultation with the General Counsel or designee, distributes employment and tort litigation and third party discovery requests among the attorneys assuring that matters are handled properly and all deadlines are met.
Serves as an expert in the field of employment and personnel law. Keeps abreast of laws, rules, and regulations affecting Federal and Trust employment. Provides advice to all Smithsonian units, in particular to the Office of Human Resources, Office of Protection Services, and Smithsonian Facilities, on legal issues involving employment and personnel (i.e., workers compensation, labor relations, Rehabilitation Act advice, compensation, union grievances, etc.). Coordinates with the Office of Equal Employment and Minority Affairs, Office of Inspector General, and Office of Human Resources, Labor and Employee Relations, concerning investigations, policies, and other matters.
Participates with the General Counsel and other Associate General Counsels in developing solutions to complex legal and/or administrative problems. This often requires creativity and an innovative approach to unprecedented problems. The incumbent normally provides advice directly to senior management officials on issues within the incumbent's primary areas of responsibility subject to the settlement and other authority of the General Counsel or designee.
Works with and advises the General Counsel in formulating legal policy, guidelines, and interpretations for the Office of General Counsel staff, and for official opinions to the Secretary, the Board of Regents, the Congress, the Department of Justice, and the Comptroller General of the United States.
As the legal advisor assigned to special projects, the incumbent normally assumes full responsibility for coordinating and monitoring the work of others at all levels within the Institution. Examples include coordinating responses to requests for information, subpoenas, and litigation discovery requests, identifying witnesses and coordinating testimony in pending litigation, and coordinating the issuance of special Smithsonian announcements and policies.
Confers and/or negotiates, as required, on important legal and policy questions with top administrative personnel in federal, state, local, and foreign governments, and with private parties. As required, deals directly with counsel from other agencies on behalf of the Institution, particularly the Government Accountability Office, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Justice.
Performs other duties as assigned.
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There is no OPM qualification standard established for positions in the General Attorney 0905 series, and agencies may establish their own standards for these Excepted Service positions. The Office of Human Resources, Office of General Counsel, Office of the Inspector General, and Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management established the following qualifications criteria for Smithsonian attorney positions:
A. Qualified candidates must (1) possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Association of Law Schools, and (2) be a member in good standing of the Bar of a State or the District of Columbia.
B. In addition to degree requirements above, candidates must possess the following:
One year of specialized experience at the GS-15 grade level or equivalent. The experience includes working as a licensed attorney with relevant responsibilities in litigation, with a special emphasis on employment litigation and tort litigation.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary experience advising senior management and must have the ability to apply legal concepts to meet business objectives and develop practical solutions.
Applicants must also demonstrate the necessary skill in interpreting and applying applicable employment and personnel laws, regulations and policies; interpreting current developments in employment and tort law; and advising on related policy initiatives, providing expert advice and conferring with counsel from other agencies.
Applicants must also demonstrate skill in defending the Smithsonian in court and administrative proceedings, identifying and preparing witnesses, coordinating testimony, preparing pleadings, responding to subpoenas, conducting discovery, and negotiating settlements that are in the best interests of the Smithsonian.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The incumbent serves under the direction of the General Counsel and carries out the functions of the Office of General Counsel with special emphasis on oversight of pending litigation in which the Smithsonian is a party and employment/personnel law.
Assignments are typically performed without preliminary instructions or discussions about the problems that may be encountered. Typically, there is no review of work in progress, including advising senior officials, or in litigation activities. Performance is reviewed in terms of overall effectiveness.
SECURITY LEVEL
This position has been reviewed to determine the level of POSITION SENSITIVITY. Based on the nature of the work, the position has been determined to be Public Trust/HIGH RISK. This designation will require (1) a pre-employment Security Agency Check (SAC) for the prospective incumbent; and (2) a subsequent comprehensive background investigation and favorable adjudication in order to continue in the position.
EEO
The Smithsonian Institution does not discriminate against any employee or any applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization or other non-merit factors.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
The Smithsonian provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the contact person listed in this announcement. The decision on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
RELOCATION
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The qualifications listed in this document will be used along with your resume and your responses to the questions posed in the electronic application process to determine the candidates who will move forward in the evaluation process. When crafting your responses to the questions, please provide concise, detailed information on your background and experience.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to the major duties and qualifications criteria listed for this position.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page. Please Note:
After you apply and the position has closed, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. We usually have a large response to senior level positions and it may take some time to effectively review application packages. We will contact you by email as decisions are made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/518583200. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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