The General Services Administration—a leader in technology modernization across the federal government—seeks a motivated attorney with an interest in learning about new technologies and areas of the law. As an Assistant General Counsel in the agency’s Technology Law Division, this attorney will provide client-centered legal support to GSA’s technology-focused components—an opportunity to serve the public and work with emerging technologies to drive innovation in a dynamic and compliant way.
Summary
The General Services Administration—a leader in technology modernization across the federal government—seeks a motivated attorney with an interest in learning about new technologies and areas of the law. As an Assistant General Counsel in the agency’s Technology Law Division, this attorney will provide client-centered legal support to GSA’s technology-focused components—an opportunity to serve the public and work with emerging technologies to drive innovation in a dynamic and compliant way.
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is leading technology modernization across the federal government. GSA partners with other agencies to transform the way they build, buy, and share technology. And, by using innovative methodologies and technologies, GSA helps federal agencies to improve the public’s digital experience with the government. For example, Login.gov—an authentication and identity verification system that is designed and developed by GSA’s Technology and Transformation Services—provides secure access to online government services, while reducing costs for taxpayers and federal agencies.
To support GSA’s commitment to advancing its technology-based programs, the agency’s General Counsel recently announced the creation of a new Technology Law Division within the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), and now seeks a highly motivated attorney to join a growing team of attorneys who are closely integrated with GSA’s technology-based programs—where attorneys sit alongside clients to drive innovation in a dynamic and compliant way.
More specifically, the Assistant General Counsel reports to the Division’s Deputy General Counsel and is responsible for:
Directly advising agency staff in GSA’s technology-focused components—namely, the Office of GSA IT, Technology Transformation Services, and the Technology Modernization Fund Program Management Office—which provide a suite of technology-based programs, including Login.gov, the Presidential Innovation Fellows Program, the Centers of Excellence, the Office of 18F, and the U.S. Digital Corps, among others.
Providing counsel on matters involving compliance with technology-related laws, regulations, standards, directives, and policies; intellectual property law; privacy law; fiscal and administrative law; and technology-related policy issues.
Participating in regular client meetings in order to provide proactive and collaborative advice that ensures GSA’s technology applications, platforms, services, and software solutions are developed and delivered in a compliant manner.
Assisting OGC’s other divisions and regions with technology-related matters.
This role requires a strong work ethic; good judgment; a self-starter attitude; interest in learning about new technologies and areas of the law; the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; comfort with working on time-sensitive, high-visibility matters; capacity to identify issues early and drive to resolution efficiently; and a desire to actively provide client-centered legal support through close collaboration and focus on achieving client goals. Overall, the Division is looking for a team player who is excited about helping GSA continue delivering the best customer experience and value in technology services to the government and the American people.
This position has job functions that must be executed within a specific geographic location. The official duty station is a federal facility, leased space, or an alternative worksite (typically the employee’s home). Positions include routine telework and remote work arrangements that are geographically specific to: Washington, DC.
Meet all eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must have registered with the Selective Service
Direct Deposit of salary check to financial organization required.
US Citizenship or National (Residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
If selected, you must meet the following conditions:
Undergo and pass a background investigation (Tier 2 investigation level). You must be granted this clearance before you can start the job.
Receive authorization from OPM on any job offer you receive, if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee
Serve a one year trial period, if required.
Have your identity and work status eligibility verified if you are not a GSA employee. We will use the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) e-Verify system for this. Any discrepancies must be resolved as a condition of continued employment.
Complete a financial disclosure report to verify that no conflict, or an appearance of conflict, exists between your financial interest and this position.
Complete a “Declaration of Federal Employment” (OF-306) to determine suitability for Federal employment.
Qualifications
For each job on your resume, provide:
the exact dates you held each job (from month/year to month/year)
number of hours per week you worked (if part time).
If you have volunteered your service through a National Service program (e.g., Peace Corps, Americorps), we encourage you to apply and include this experience on your resume.
For a brief video on creating a Federal resume, click here.
TheGS-14 salary range starts at $126,233.00 per year.
If you are a new federal employee, your starting salary will likely be set at the Step 1 of the grade for which you are selected.
GS-14: To qualify, you must possess all of the following:
Successful completion of a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association and possession of at least the initial professional law degree (J.D.); and
Bar Membership: You must be an active member of the bar; in good standing of a State, a Territory of the United States, District of Columbia or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and
Experience: Applicant must have at least 4 years of professional legal experience acquired after being admitted to the bar. Experience must include work in the fields involving compliance with technology-related laws, regulations, standards, directives, and policies; intellectual property law; privacy law; fiscal and administrative law; and technology-related policy issues. At least one year of this experience must be specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service as described below. Experience must demonstrate working on large projects, assimilating large amounts of materials quickly, balancing competing priorities, and working effectively in a team with other attorneys and support staff.
This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. It is excluded from provisions of the career transition assistance program.
Before being hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application if you have not done this. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subjected to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Travel expenses associated with interviews may be approved. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Relocation-related expenses are not approved and will be your responsibility.
On a case-by-case basis, the following incentives may be approved:
Recruitment incentive if you are new to the federal government
Credit toward vacation leave if you are new to the federal government
Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal work experience or uniformed service experience.
All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.
We are currently filling only one vacancy, but additional vacancies may be filled through this announcement in this or other GSA organizations within the same commuting area, as needed; through other means, such as reassignment, transfer, reinstatement, or a noncompetitive action, or not at all.
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.
GSA has been repeatedly named as one of the 'Best Places to Work' in the Federal Government'. LEARN MORE about why you should choose GSA.
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.
Applicants will be rated according to qualifications, general experience, specialized experience, demonstrated ability and willingness to meet requirements of position, and demonstrated interest in the practice area. Eligible candidates are evaluated on your resume to assess your overall possession of the competencies/knowledges, skills, and abilities listed below.
1. Ability to master legal concepts and technical skills in areas involving compliance with technology related laws, regulations, and standards; legal policy matters, audits, and oversight; intellectual property; fiscal law; privacy; and other relevant areas.
2. Ability to apply complex legal theories to factual issues involving interpretation and application of legislation, regulations, decisions, opinions and other legal documents and records for their solution.
3. Ability to make complex decisions and recommendations that affect the execution or management of GSA's technology-based programs.
4. Ability to advise and communicate with agency program officials and attorneys concerning the execution of their responsibilities, and resolution of problems in the subject areas.
5. Knowledge of the policy and program issuances concerning the management and programs of GSA in the assigned subject areas.
6. Ability to communicate effectively as a representative of GSA's Office of the General Counsel and the ability to draft letters, memoranda and legal opinions clearly and succinctly.
7. Knowledge of the laws applicable to the subject areas and the policy and program functions of clients of the Technology Law Division.
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.
GSA has been repeatedly named as one of the 'Best Places to Work' in the Federal Government'. LEARN MORE about why you should choose GSA.
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.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
If you are claiming veterans preference:
a. Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
b. If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:
proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit your SF-50.
Current or Former Federal Employees: Submit your latest SF-50 or similar agency form that shows the position, title, series, and grade.
College Transcripts: Submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s)/law school transcript(s) if the qualifications for this announcement have an education requirement, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. If selected, an official/sealed transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education. See Application of Qualification Standards at OPM's General Schedule Qualification Policies website for information on crediting education
Bar Membership: Submit proof of active membership in good standing (Copy of Certification) from the bar of a state, or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Bar.
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.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
GSA, Office of General Counsel
General Services Administration
OHRM, Staff Offices HR Services Center
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
ALL required documents must be submitted before the closing date. Review the following list to determine what you need to submit.
If you are claiming veterans preference:
a. Copy of your Certificate of Release or Discharge From Active Duty, DD-214 that shows the dates of your active duty service. If selected, a DD-214 showing your type of discharge (member 4 copy) will be required prior to appointment.
b. If you are claiming 10-point preference or derived preference (a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a deceased or disabled veteran), submit both of the following in addition to the DD-214:
proof of your entitlement (refer to SF-15 for complete list).
If you are active duty military- Certification on a letterhead from your military branch that includes your rank, character of service (must be under honorable conditions) & military service dates including discharge/release date (must be no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted).
If you are ICTAP/CTAP eligible - submit a, b, and c: (a) proof of eligibility including agency notice; (b) SF-50, and (c) most recent performance appraisal.
Current or Former Political Appointees: Submit your SF-50.
Current or Former Federal Employees: Submit your latest SF-50 or similar agency form that shows the position, title, series, and grade.
College Transcripts: Submit a photocopy of your college transcript(s)/law school transcript(s) if the qualifications for this announcement have an education requirement, or if you are using education to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. If selected, an official/sealed transcript will be required prior to appointment. For education completed outside the United States, submit a valid foreign credential evaluation that substantiates possession of the required education. See Application of Qualification Standards at OPM's General Schedule Qualification Policies website for information on crediting education
Bar Membership: Submit proof of active membership in good standing (Copy of Certification) from the bar of a state, or territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Bar.
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.
Submit a complete online application including any required documents prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You can modify or complete your application any time before the deadline. Simply return to USAJOBS, select the vacancy, and update your application. For more detailed instructions on how to apply, click here: Apply for a GSA Job.
To begin, click the Apply Online button on the vacancy announcement.
Sign in or register on USAJobs and select a resume and documents to include in your application.
Once you have clicked Apply for this position now, you will be taken to the GSA site to complete the application process.
Click the Apply To This Vacancy and complete all steps in the application process until the Confirmation indicates your application is complete. If you click Return to USAJobs or get timed out prior to receiving confirmation, your application will not be submitted and cannot be considered for this job.
Note: Review the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section of this announcement to determine which apply to you and must be submitted online. You may choose one or more of the following options to submit your document(s): Upload (from your computer); USAJOBS (click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process) or FAX (read the “Fax instructions” provided prior to printing the Fax Cover Sheet and faxing your information).
Need Assistance in Applying? Contact the HR representative listed on the announcement prior to the application deadline. You must receive HR approval before deviating from these instructions.
GSA, Office of General Counsel
General Services Administration
OHRM, Staff Offices HR Services Center
1800 F Street NW
Washington, District of Columbia 20405
United States
Next steps
After the closing date/deadline:
ELIGIBILITY/QUALIFICATIONS: Your application will be reviewed for all requirements.
REFERRAL TO MANAGEMENT: If you meet all the requirements, you may be referred to management for review and a possible interview.
SELECTION/TENTATIVE JOB OFFER: If you are selected, you will receive a tentative offer and start the suitability and/or security background investigation process.
FINAL JOB OFFER: Once our security office determines you can come on board, you will be given a final offer, which is typically 40 days after the announcement closes.
FINAL COMMUNICATION: Once the position is filled, we will notify you of your status. You may also check your status by logging into USAJOBS. Go to My USAJOBS and then to Applications.
Thank you for your interest in working for U.S. General Services Administration!
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
