General Attorney (Trade Regulation)

Summary The Bureau of Consumer Protection investigates and litigates civil actions to enforce federal consumer protection laws. For more information visit, https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc. Duties The positions are located in the Southeast Region. The Southeast Regional office ("SER") has responsibility for the Commission's consumer protection mission. SER's consumer protection attorneys investigate and litigate cases to protect consumers against deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair practices across a broad range of products and services in both the traditional and digital economy, build state and local partnerships, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. Headquartered in Atlanta, SER serves the residents of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. As a General Attorney (Trade Regulation), you will: - Make initial determinations as to whether matters should be investigated. - Determine legal theories and plans for investigations and litigation and carry them out. - Recommend whether cases should be closed, resolved informally or through administrative or federal court settlements, or litigated administratively or in federal court. - Investigate matters and engage in all aspects of civil litigation, including preparing cases for trial by securing and preparing evidence; conferring with witnesses; deposing witnesses; drafting motions and legal briefs; drafting and responding to discovery requests; participating in pretrial conferences; examining and cross-examining witnesses; trying cases; and negotiating settlements. - Prepare and prosecute difficult, complex, and important cases. - Confer with government agencies, public authorities and attorneys, business people and other members of the public, providing them with information on matters of law, Commission procedure and policy. Requirements 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. The position may be subject to completion of a two-year trial period. Trial periods are an extension of the hiring process. 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. This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the National Treasury Employees Union, Local 344. Qualifications Minimum Requirements Applicants 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. Note: Legal and nonlegal experience gained in the Federal Government before completing law school does not satisfy post law school experience. 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 Education This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications. Additional information This position is in the Excepted Service (Schedule A). Individuals applying for this announcement are required to complete and submit an online application and all supporting documentation through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. 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.