The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services to the Commission, ensuring that all agency actions comply with the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and related regulations. OGC represents the Commission in federal courts and before administrative bodies in litigation involving enforcement appeals, challenges to Commission actions, derivatives industry bankruptcies, employment matters, and other administrative proceedings.
Summary
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) provides legal services to the Commission, ensuring that all agency actions comply with the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and related regulations. OGC represents the Commission in federal courts and before administrative bodies in litigation involving enforcement appeals, challenges to Commission actions, derivatives industry bankruptcies, employment matters, and other administrative proceedings.
Applications will be accepted from current federal employees serving on a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service, former federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, persons eligible under special hiring authorities including Schedule A and VEOA, and CTAP/ICTAP eligible candidates in the local commuting area.
This position is located within the Office of Proceedings (Proceedings) and serves as a Paralegal Specialist (Adjudications Clerk).
Provide legal support to CFTC Administrative Judges (AJs) by managing adjudications dockets and case files, coordinating hearings, communicating with parties on procedural matters, and performing targeted legal research and drafting assignments.
Maintain dockets for reparations, wage garnishment, statutory disqualification, and related adjudications assigned to AJs, from initial filing through final disposition, ensuring accurate entries and tracking of case milestones.
Review complaints, answers, motions, and other filings for completeness, timeliness, and compliance with the Commission’s rules and Part 12 requirements, routing compliant filings to the appropriate AJ.
Monitor deadlines for service, responsive pleadings, discovery, prehearing submissions, and hearings; prepare and issue routine notices regarding status, procedural requirements, and upcoming deadlines using established formats.
Coordinate with the Division of Enforcement and other offices to incorporate necessary information into new adjudications and to ensure alignment with related enforcement matters when appropriate.
Establish and maintain electronic and paper case files for each AJ matter, organizing pleadings, exhibits, orders, correspondence, and discovery materials.
Conduct targeted legal and procedural research in support of AJs, including locating relevant sections of Part 12, the CEA, and prior Commission or AJ decisions.
Verify accuracy and appropriate citation format of record and legal citations in orders and decisions by the AJs.
Serve as a primary point of contact for parties and their representatives, including pro se litigants, providing information on filings logistics, scheduling, and procedural steps without offering legal advice.
Coordinate logistics for in person and virtual hearings before the AJs, including scheduling dates, arranging court reporters, managing exhibits, and ensuring that notices of hearings and deadlines are properly prepared and served.
Apply Commission and Office policies on records retention, privacy, and access; coordinate with records staff to archive or close files consistent with Federal Records Act and internal requirements.
May be required to serve a probationary/trial period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
Subject to time-in-grade requirements, if applicable
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency (knowledge, skills and abilities) in the following areas:
· Compliance
Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring derivatives data for compliance with regulations and guidance.
· Data Integrity
Ability to analyze data and take corrective action when data is missing, incomplete, or inaccurate.
· Oral/Written Communication
Skill in expressing information to individuals or groups effectively, both orally and in writing; making clear and convincing presentations; listening and responding appropriately.
· Mathematical Reasoning
Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions. Solves practical problems using mathematical and statistical techniques.
Qualifications
For the GS-11 Specialized experience is defined as: For the GS-11, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is defined as:
Managing adjudication dockets and case files across diverse proceedings, ensuring precise tracking of case milestones, meeting required deadlines, and following agency regulations and internal procedures.
Conducting legal and procedural research to support administrative decision‑makers, reviewing filings for completeness and timeliness, preparing clear summaries of findings, and verifying legal citations in orders and decisions.
Coordinating logistics for both in‑person and virtual proceedings.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of related graduate level education and specialized experience.
To be creditable, education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university. You must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criterion, see www.ed.gov.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 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. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
This is a Bargaining Unit Position located in the National Treasury Employee Union (NTEU) Chapter 337.
Relocation: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Probationary/Trial Period:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary or a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
Your performance and conduct;
The needs and interests of the agency;
Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Time-in-Grade: You must meet time-in-grade requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement, if applicable.
More than the number of positions listed may be filled through this vacancy announcement.
The overall salary range is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade. A new hire's direct and overall experience are critical factors in determining a salary offer, therefore, it is important that your resume fully reflects all of your work experience. Note that the upper end of each range is typically applicable only to candidates with significant years of work experience and qualifications Please review the CFTC Compensation Program website for additional information.
The law prohibits public officials from appointing, promoting, or recommending their relatives. The law prohibits requesting, making, transmitting, accepting, or considering political recommendations for employment or other personnel actions for non-political positions. This includes recommendations from Members of Congress, Congressional employees, elected state or local officials, and political party officials and any recommendation based on party affiliation.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
This recruitment will utilize the following assessment tools: SME Evaluative Review
Your application will be evaluated through an SME Evaluative Review. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will independently review your resume to assess how well your experience demonstrates the required competencies for this position. SMEs will assign scores based on the strength, relevance, and clarity of the information provided in your resume. These individual evaluations will then be combined to determine your final score or rating category.
To qualify for this position, your resume must demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. For the first level of review, your resume is the key evaluate your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience. Your resume cannot exceed more than 2 pages.
When the application process is complete, we will review your resume and other supporting documentation, to ensure you meet the hiring eligibility and qualification requirements listed in 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.
Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
Cover letter (optional);
Most recent performance appraisal (optional);
SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements, if applicable;
Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded; unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
If you want consideration under a Veteran’s hiring authority (VEOA, 30%+ disabled, etc.), submit your supporting documents: DD‑214 (Member 4 preferred or any copy showing dates and character of service), VA letter, SF‑15, and any other required proof. Active-duty members must provide an official statement of service from their command.
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
ICTAP/CTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
These links provide information on eligibilities for various hiring authorities:
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.
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume showing all relevant and related experience (two pages max). If selected, your resume will be used to determine your initial pay setting decision;
Cover letter (optional);
Most recent performance appraisal (optional);
SF-50 showing you meet time in grade requirements, if applicable;
Transcripts (unofficial final copy with date degree was awarded; unofficial copy is accepted for application package, but an official copy is required prior to firm offer letter being extended;
Schedule A, Persons with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u).
If you want consideration under a Veteran’s hiring authority (VEOA, 30%+ disabled, etc.), submit your supporting documents: DD‑214 (Member 4 preferred or any copy showing dates and character of service), VA letter, SF‑15, and any other required proof. Active-duty members must provide an official statement of service from their command.
Other Special Hiring Authorities: If you are claiming eligibility under a Special Hiring Authority, you must submit supporting documents to receive consideration.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must score 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility with your application to receive selection priority. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.ICTAP
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP). Provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the CFTC with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If CFTC has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must rate equivalent to the Well Qualified or better category using established rating criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp.
ICTAP/CTAP Candidates MUST submit: 1. A copy of their agency reduction-in-force notice; 2. A copy of your most recent Performance Rating; 3. A copy of your most recent SF-50 noting current or last position held, the grade level, and the duty location; and 4. A copy of your notice of proposed removal for declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area or documentation showing you were separated as a result of RIF or declining a directed reassignment or transfer of function outside the local commuting area.
These links provide information on eligibilities for various hiring authorities:
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.
RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit.
YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
Please notify us if your contact information changes after the closing date of the announcement. Also, note that if you provide an email address that is inaccurate or if your mailbox is full or blocked (e.g., spam-blocker), you may not receive important communication that could affect your consideration for this position.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
