OPLit attorneys promote, advocate for, and protect the agency's legal interests in benefit program litigation arising under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. OPLit attorneys primarily handle federal court cases challenging agency policies, procedures, and benefit/disability claim determinations. OPLit attorneys partner with the DOJ to directly represent SSA in federal district and circuit courts.
Summary
This position is remote from home eligible.
OPLit attorneys promote, advocate for, and protect the agency's legal interests in benefit program litigation arising under Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. OPLit attorneys primarily handle federal court cases challenging agency policies, procedures, and benefit/disability claim determinations. OPLit attorneys partner with the DOJ to directly represent SSA in federal district and circuit courts.
Provides legal services on all legal matters within the incumbent's area of responsibility.
Defends or advises on a wide variety of Social Security program-related, non-program or personnel matters.
These matters involve application of complex statutory and regulatory provisions, and may involve difficult challenges to statute, regulations and/or administrative policies,
[cont.] as well as complex procedural (e.g., jurisdictional) and substantive (e.g., statutory and/or constitutional) issues.
Analyzes and interprets difficult and complex statutes, regulations, policies, and decisions, and conducts research on a variety of subjects.
Addresses the legal ramifications of litigation and legal matters regarding program, non-program, and/or personnel matters, including implications for nationwide uniformity.
Responsible for preparing legal opinions and memoranda, and Agency materials, as well as applying authoritative knowledge in accomplishing Agency goals.
Provides legal advice regarding litigation strategy for complex and difficult cases, including challenges to statutes, regulations, and/or administrative policies,
[cont.] and may be responsible for conducting litigation in administrative and court tribunals.
These cases require considerable factual development and legal research and analysis, and are conducted at the administrative level (including but not limited to the Merit Systems Protection Board,
[cont.] the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Federal Labor Relations Authority and labor arbitrators), and before Federal courts.
The decisions, particularly at the appellate level, can serve as national precedent. Defensibility determinations are made in terms of the prior administrative process and adherence to precedential case law;
[cont.] and numerous distinct legal materials are required to be prepared and filed in defense of the Commissioner's position. Certain preeminent cases will require the development of new strategies, approaches and/or interpretations.
Job offers are contingent on background / security investigation results.
Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Applicant must submit proof of Bar membership.
Law School Transcript with degree and date conferred.
Selectees are required to serve a 2 year trial period.
THESE POSITIONS ARE IN THE EXCEPTED SERVICE.
INCUMBENT MAY BE PROMOTED NONCOMPETITIVELY PROVIDED WORK AT THE HIGHER LEVELS CONTINUES TO EXIST, AND THE INCUMBENT HAS DEMONSTRATED THE ABILITY TO PERFORM IT AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT TIME-IN-GRADE AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.
This vacancy will follow the principle of veteran preference as far as administratively feasible in accordance with 5 CFR 302.101(c).
Qualifications
Applicants must hold a law degree from a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association. Applicants must be a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Applicants must provide one of the following to show that they are a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
1. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the clerk of the highest court (e.g., Supreme Court) of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted; or
2. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar Association of the state/jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted; or
3. A copy of a bar membership card or a screenshot from a state bar website with a valid date that shows a current bar membership.
An example of #1 or #2 would be the certificate of admission an applicant received upon his/her swearing-in ceremony from the clerk of the highest court of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where admitted, or from the State Bar Association of the state where admitted.
For purposes of applying, we only require proof that an applicant is a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Once selected for the position, an applicant must provide proof of an ACTIVE bar membership before he/she can enter on duty. Holding an ACTIVE bar membership is a continuing requirement of the position. You can provide #3 above both as proof of membership in good standing, and as proof of an ACTIVE bar membership.
Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position.
SSA has discretion to determine what grade level and salary may be offered.
For GS-11: Requires 1 year of professional legal experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the Federal service, OR a second professional law degree (LL.M) that requires one full year of graduate study. You may also be eligible for a GS-11 if you have the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and your record shows superior law student work or activities as demonstrated by one of the following: (a) academic standing in the upper-third of the law school graduating class, (b) work or achievement of significance on your law schools' official law review, (c) special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school, such as election to the Order of the Coif, (d) winning of a moot court competition or membership on the moot court team that represents the law school in competition with other law schools, (e) full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-time, intermittent, or casual participation, (f) significant summer law office clerk experience, and (g) other equivalent evidence of clearly superior achievement.
For GS-12: Requires 2 years of professional legal experience working as an attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-11 grade level in the Federal service.
For GS-13: Requires 3 years of professional legal experience working as an attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service.
Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Salary: GS-11 $56,983 - $74,074 PLUS LOCALITY PAY
GS-12 $68,299 - $88,792 PLUS LOCALITY PAY
GS-13 $81,216 - $105,579 PLUS LOCALITY PAY
Promotion Potential: GS-14 (This is not a career-ladder position.)
We will consider individuals for the GS-11, GS-12 or GS-13 level based on qualifications and/or experience. NOTE: This is NOT a career ladder position.
Other Information:
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is a permanent, excepted service position that is being filled on a full-time basis. Flextime and/or alternate work schedules may be available.
As a condition of employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
Occasional overnight travel is required.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Veterans who are preference-eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous service may apply. This includes veterans who were separated a few days before the full 3-year period.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
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.
Your application will be compared to the requirements for the position. It is your responsibility to include all information in your application that is needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. If there is insufficient/unclear information and/or documentation, your application will be found ineligible.
The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 08/19/2022.
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button at the end of the process.
If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact Taylor Legg at Taylor.K.Legg@ssa.gov.
Individuals with disabilities may also call us via Federal Relay using the (voice) contact telephone provided.
Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.
Applicants considered for selection may be required to provide additional writing samples or official transcripts. Reference checks and background investigations will be necessary for selected candidates.
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.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference or qualify on the basis of education.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 4 copy) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15). Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VETERANS: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veterans' preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. The updated CFR language is available here. Other qualifying eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: If you are qualifying on the basis of education or satisfying an educational requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts with the course title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. To qualify, the degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at a U.S. college or university. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
PROOF OF CURRENT BAR MEMBERSHIP: Proof of active Bar Membership (e.g., screen print of your profile from a bar web site which reflects your name and active status, a letter from the bar certifying that you are licensed and authorized to practice law, OR copy of a recent bar card.)
Please submit the required documents and information requested below.
Please note that this announcement is open to attorneys who are members of a bar in good standing only. If you have passed the bar but have not been sworn in or do not have proof of being sworn in, you are not eligible to apply and your application will not be considered.
Cover Letter.
Resume (the resume should provide: 1) personal information (full name, mailing address, work and home phone numbers); 2) education; 3) work experience (paid and unpaid, including clerkships/internships). Show job title, including series and grade if Federal employment, detailed duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (mm/dd/yy), hours per week, and salary; 4) other qualifications (skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses). Please note that providing the mm/dd/yy for all work experience is critical for evaluating your application. If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes. We recommend applicants build a resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Please refer to How to Build a Resume for instructions.
J.D. Law school transcript only (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; Self-Prepared transcripts are NOT acceptable)
Proof that you are a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Acceptable forms of proof are:
a. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the clerk of the highest court (e.g., Supreme Court) of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted; or
b. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar Association of the state where the applicant is admitted; or
c. A copy of a bar membership card or a screenshot from a state bar website with a valid date that shows a current bar membership.
An example of #1 or #2 would be the certificate of admission an applicant received upon his/her swearing-in ceremony from the clerk of the highest court of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where admitted, or from the State Bar Association of the state where admitted.
For purposes of applying, we only require proof that an applicant is a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Once selected for the position, an applicant must provide proof of an ACTIVE bar membership before they can enter on duty. Holding an ACTIVE bar membership is a continuing requirement of the position. You can provide #3 above both as proof of membership in good standing and as proof of ACTIVE bar membership.
If applicable, proof of veteran's preference (DD-214 member 4 copy). This document MUST show character of service. If you are claiming 10-point preference, you MUST also submit with your DD-214 a completed SF-15 along with the required documentation specified on the reverse side of the SF-1 Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
One current substantive legal writing sample that reflects your own work, no more than 15 pages in length. Your sample must be sanitized or redacted to prevent possible Privacy Act violations. Writing samples will be critiqued based on your ability to analyze a legal problem and clearly and concisely articulate legal rationale.
List of three professional references. (We will not contact references without first obtaining your permission to do so).
If applicable, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement MUST submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to include all information needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. If there is insufficient information or if you do not include all of the required documents in #1-7 above, you will be found ineligible. This office will not solicit for additional information.
OGC
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Result of qualifications review; (3) Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (4) Selected/Not Selected for the position. Due to the high volume of application received, we will be unable to provide status updates to applicants via email or telephone.
The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SSA PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PERSONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, PARENTAL STATUS, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, AND CONDUCT NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement to claim certain types of preference or qualify on the basis of education.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD 214 member 4 copy) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15). Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 and the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF 15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. For more information visit the Vet Guide.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO VETERANS: The Office of Personnel Management has published the end date for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as August 31, 2010. To receive veterans' preference for service during the Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom era, you must have served for more than 180 days between September 11, 2001 and August 31, 2010 OR be in receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal. The updated CFR language is available here. Other qualifying eligibility for preference (e.g., disability) remains unchanged.
PROOF OF EDUCATION: If you are qualifying on the basis of education or satisfying an educational requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts with the course title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. To qualify, the degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at a U.S. college or university. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services.
PROOF OF CURRENT BAR MEMBERSHIP: Proof of active Bar Membership (e.g., screen print of your profile from a bar web site which reflects your name and active status, a letter from the bar certifying that you are licensed and authorized to practice law, OR copy of a recent bar card.)
Please submit the required documents and information requested below.
Please note that this announcement is open to attorneys who are members of a bar in good standing only. If you have passed the bar but have not been sworn in or do not have proof of being sworn in, you are not eligible to apply and your application will not be considered.
Cover Letter.
Resume (the resume should provide: 1) personal information (full name, mailing address, work and home phone numbers); 2) education; 3) work experience (paid and unpaid, including clerkships/internships). Show job title, including series and grade if Federal employment, detailed duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (mm/dd/yy), hours per week, and salary; 4) other qualifications (skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses). Please note that providing the mm/dd/yy for all work experience is critical for evaluating your application. If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes. We recommend applicants build a resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Please refer to How to Build a Resume for instructions.
J.D. Law school transcript only (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable; Self-Prepared transcripts are NOT acceptable)
Proof that you are a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Acceptable forms of proof are:
a. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the clerk of the highest court (e.g., Supreme Court) of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted; or
b. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar Association of the state where the applicant is admitted; or
c. A copy of a bar membership card or a screenshot from a state bar website with a valid date that shows a current bar membership.
An example of #1 or #2 would be the certificate of admission an applicant received upon his/her swearing-in ceremony from the clerk of the highest court of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where admitted, or from the State Bar Association of the state where admitted.
For purposes of applying, we only require proof that an applicant is a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Once selected for the position, an applicant must provide proof of an ACTIVE bar membership before they can enter on duty. Holding an ACTIVE bar membership is a continuing requirement of the position. You can provide #3 above both as proof of membership in good standing and as proof of ACTIVE bar membership.
If applicable, proof of veteran's preference (DD-214 member 4 copy). This document MUST show character of service. If you are claiming 10-point preference, you MUST also submit with your DD-214 a completed SF-15 along with the required documentation specified on the reverse side of the SF-1 Preference will be granted based on the documents received.
One current substantive legal writing sample that reflects your own work, no more than 15 pages in length. Your sample must be sanitized or redacted to prevent possible Privacy Act violations. Writing samples will be critiqued based on your ability to analyze a legal problem and clearly and concisely articulate legal rationale.
List of three professional references. (We will not contact references without first obtaining your permission to do so).
If applicable, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement MUST submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to include all information needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. If there is insufficient information or if you do not include all of the required documents in #1-7 above, you will be found ineligible. This office will not solicit for additional information.
OGC
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Result of qualifications review; (3) Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (4) Selected/Not Selected for the position. Due to the high volume of application received, we will be unable to provide status updates to applicants via email or telephone.
The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SSA PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PERSONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, PARENTAL STATUS, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, AND CONDUCT NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
