Clarification from the agency

Individuals interested in applying for this job opportunity must apply by emailing OPPJobApplicants@ftc.gov. Applications will not be accepted via this posting.

The Federal Trade Commission's Office of Policy Planning seeks three attorneys interested in work on competition and consumer protection policy initiatives. Attorney Advisor candidates should have excellent legal research and writing abilities and strong analytical and oral communication skills. Candidates must be able to work effectively on teams and individually, exercise sound judgment, demonstrate creative thinking and initiative, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency. More specifically, incumbents of this position perform some or all of the following duties:

• Advise the Director, the Chairman, Commissioners and staff on policy initiatives that further both the antitrust and consumer protection missions.
• Draft and review Agency amicus briefs, advocacy comments, rules, and staff reports.
• Conduct market studies using the FTC's unique 6(b) authority. This work requires researching an industry or area of interest to the Commission, drafting and negotiating the production of documents, reviewing data production, and synthesizing that information into a report.
• Identify and analyze federal, state, and local laws, legislation, and regulations that affect competition or consumer protection issues. This work requires engagement with public and expert commentary on market structures and business practices. Incumbents advise the Director on related advocacy opportunities, draft such advocacies, and manage relationships with state partners.

One candidate, if selected, may lead OPP's amicus brief efforts. Such a candidate should have a strong grasp of antitrust caselaw; consumer protection experience is also a major plus. The candidate will be expected to have the initiative to identify amicus opportunities, robust brief writing and legal research skills, and an ability to coordinate among intra- and inter-agency departments.Other candidates, if selected, may lead OPP's advocacy efforts on particular competition or consumer protection issues, such as those involving certain industries, types of laws, or professions. Candidates will also need to remain flexible to work as part of teams on major projects outside their focus areas, such as large 6(b) studies.Work may also include assignments to collaborate with other agencies, bureaus and offices where projects intersect with competition or consumer protection policy priorities, including engaging in investigations and enforcement actions.A strong background in economics, social science research, data or financial analytics, and/or public policy is beneficial, as is judicial clerkship experience.

Additional vacancies may be filled using this announcement.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory - US, PR, DC.
• This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the National Treasury Employees Union, Local 344.
• If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the two-year trial period.
• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
• This position may be subject to a two-year trial period.

Qualifications

Minimum RequirementsApplicants must have attained the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school and be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Applicants must demonstrate excellent writing skills and be able to work effectively with other people, exercise sound judgment, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency.

Additional Requirements

GS-15 Positions
For attorney appointments: active member of the bar in good standing and 60 months of legal experience after graduation from law school. At least 18 months of that experience must be for at least one year at the GS-14 level or equivalent.

Note: Legal and nonlegal experience gained in the Federal Government before completing law school does not satisfy post law school experience requirements.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated based on the overall strength of your credentials as demonstrated by your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and experience. The most qualified candidates will be selected for interviews, which will also be considered in making the final decision.

Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Federal Trade Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you are encouraged to include that information in your cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214 or other substantiating documents) to your submission.