Assistant General Counsel

Summary The Secretary of the Senate's Executive Office is seeking an Assistant General Counsel. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL. Learn more about this agency Duties This is professional work providing legal advice and assistance to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of the Senate and the 26 department heads of the offices under the Secretary of the Senate. Work is supervised and assigned by the General Counsel to the Secretary and may include reviewing material for legal soundness and accuracy, advising offices of the Secretary of legislation or regulations affecting their departments, drafting proposed legislation, policy, or guidance, assisting the Secretary with annual testimony preparation, and general legal and ethics advice as required. Work is further bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments. This position plays a critical role in preserving the legal, procedural, and institutional integrity of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL. Requirements Conditions of employment For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa Qualifications PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENTWork is performed in an office environment and requires the use of normal safety precautions to avoid everyday risks and discomforts. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software, and communication methods such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Consistent, reliable, and timely attendance is necessary to fulfill duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary of the Senate. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSWork requires a Juris Doctorate degree and a minimum of five years of experience, and the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:A basic understanding of the Senate as an institution is preferred, along with a willingness to learn more about the legislative process and the Senate's history and operations. Strong legal research skills sufficient to quickly learn the U.S. Constitution, statutes, rules, standing orders, and precedents of the Senate and general legal principles necessary to advise the Secretary of the Senate.Knowledge of or familiarity with applicable statutes, rules, and general legal principles specifically related to historic preservation, government ethics, procurement, contracting, lobbying, fiscal, tort, or appropriations law preferred.Knowledge of or familiarity with legislative processes sufficient to advise staff on legislation affecting their departments, to draft proposed legislation, and to assist the Secretary in preparing testimony to appropriations and oversight committees preferred.Knowledge of research methods and information sources relevant to the administration of the U.S. Senate.Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload. Proven ability to utilize legal software and case management systems efficiently.Skill in establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear legal drafting and effective advocacy.LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTSLicensed and in good active standing to practice law in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and access. Education See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications. Additional information The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email [email protected] with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position. 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. 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.