General Attorney

Summary This position is in the Office of Chief Counsel for NETL. As a General Attorney you will engage in the full spectrum of federal agency legal practice, including federal procurement and grant/financial assistance law, coordinating between Finance, Acquisition, and NETL Legal Division, providing legal advice concerning mission readiness. Will also be engaged in providing administrative law, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), labor and employment law advice, litigation, and litigation support. Learn more about this agency Duties We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy The following are duties at the full performance level of this position GS-15. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties: Provide support to NETL financial assistance activities including counseling programs during the planning of Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcements, and reviewing for legal compliance award review and selection procedures, and terms and conditions for financial assistance awards made pursuant to a Funding Opportunity Announcement. Be responsible for provision of a full range of legal services required to support the programs, projects and functions assigned to the Laboratory and affiliated offices, including: Interpreting and applying federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements and agency policy. Address legal and contractual issues associated with federal procurements and federal research and development grants and cooperative agreements. Provide negotiation of agreements. Provide legal advice and analysis concerning environmental law, labor law and Federal agency ethics. Provide litigation assistance and litigation support. Give legal support to Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act programs. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. 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. If selected, your appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. If selected, you may be required to complete a two year trial period. The vacancies filled through these appointments have varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret DOE "Q" clearance. GS-12 and above are required to submit a Financial Disclosure Statement, OGE-450, Executive Branch Personnel Confidential If selected, you must self-identify if you are or were (within the last 5 years) a Schedule A, Schedule C, or non-career SES political appointee as OPM approval is required prior to finalizing your selection. Proof of current active member in good standing in the bar of a State, District of Columbia, territory of the United States, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with DOE. This position is NOT included in a Bargaining Agreement. Qualifications You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Basic Requirements: All applicants MUST: Must be a current, active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: GS-13 Qualifications: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-12 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience in leading legal compliance or the enforcement of state or federal laws, regulations, or policies that apply to public entities including but not limited to elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education programs. Experience with serving as a technical authority or subject matter expert civil rights laws, administrative law, or some other comparatively complex body of law. Experience providing legal advice and developing legal strategies, opinions, and guidance on complex legal issues. GS-12 Qualifications: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-11 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience in analyzing legal compliance or the enforcement of state or federal laws, regulations, or policies that apply to public entities including but not limited to elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education programs. Experience with investigative, analytical, and evaluative techniques to support or lead compliance-driven casework. Experience communicating complex legal information clearly and effectively through written memoranda and oral briefings to staff and supervisors. GS-11 Qualifications: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-09 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience in assisting with legal compliance or the enforcement of state or federal laws, regulations, or policies that apply to public entities including but not limited to elementary, secondary, or post-secondary education programs. Experience conducting legal research and drafting legal documents or portions of legal opinions. Experience communication information through written memoranda and oral briefings to staff and supervisors. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy. New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. A trial period of up to 2 years for the purpose of assessing the ability of an individual to adequately perform in an attorney position will be established for appointments under these authorities. Previous Federal experience in like positions MAY count toward the completion of this requirement. Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available. EEO Policy: https://www.energy.gov/justice/eeo-complaint-process Reasonable Accommodation Policy: https://https://www.energy.gov/hc/department-energy-reasonable-accommodation-program Veterans Information: https://https://www.energy.gov/careers/veterans-military-spouses Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at [email protected]. Expand Hide  additional information 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. Benefits 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. Review our 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.