Attorney (Litigation)

In order to qualify, you must meet the Basic Requirements and the Experience Requirements described below. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience. A copy of your unofficial transcripts must be provided with your application.

Basic Requirements (applicable to all grade levels):

A. Education: Possess a J.D., LL.B., or higher degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. (If selected, you must submit a copy of your official transcripts.)

AND

B. Bar Membership: Licensed and in good standing to practice law as an Attorney under the laws of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States.

In addition to meeting both of the Basic Requirements above, you must meet the experience requirements for the applicable grade level.

Experience Requirement for the GS-12 Level:
You must have at least 1 year of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney. This experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-11 federal grade level, which involves completion of projects providing legal advice, analysis, research, or work involving litigation skills of average difficulty under continued supervision. This must include activities such as: (1) drafting briefs, motions, or other legal documents in preparation for trial or administrative hearing; (2) conducting legal research; (3) developing strategies and plans to prioritize, organize, and manage cases; and (4) assisting with written discovery, assisting with taking or defending depositions or otherwise making preparations for fact or expert witness testimony, negotiating settlement agreements, and/or assisting with or making oral argument in a court or administrative hearing.

Experience Requirement for the GS-13 Level:
You must have at least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney. At least one year of this experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-12 federal grade level, which involves completion of projects providing legal advice, analysis, research, or work involving litigation skills of average difficulty with some supervision. This must include activities such as: (1) drafting briefs, motions, or other documents in preparation for trial or administrative hearing; (2) conducting legal research; (3) developing strategies and plans to prioritize, organize, and manage cases; or (4) handling written discovery, assisting with taking or defending depositions or otherwise making preparations for fact or expert witness testimony, negotiating settlement agreements, and/or assisting with or making oral argument in a court or administrative hearing

Experience Requirement for the GS-14 Level:
You must have at least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience working as a practicing attorney. At least one year of this experience must be comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-13 federal grade level, which involves providing legal advice, analysis, research, and/or work involving litigation skills of average and above average difficulty with only moderate supervision. This must include activities such as: (1) drafting briefs, motions, or other documents in preparation for trial or administrative hearing; (2) conducting legal research; (3) developing strategies and plans to prioritize, organize, and manage cases; or (4) handling written discovery, assisting with taking or defending depositions and otherwise making preparations for fact or expert witness testimony, negotiating settlement agreements, and/or assisting with or making oral argument in a court or administrative hearing.

In addition, you must provide a cover letter summarizing your evidence of the following competencies:

1. Legal Writing: Writes clear, concise, persuasive legal documents.
2. Legal Analysis: Researches, analyzes, and explains complex legal issues such as constitutional, jurisdictional, and administrative-law topics.
3. Planning and Coordinating: Plans and organizes projects or cases; gathering information and examining facts for investigations or research; develops strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of matters.
4. Litigation: Participates in court proceedings or other forums requiring comparable skills, including by making preparations for fact and expert witness testimony; handling written discovery; drafting filings; assisting with taking and defending depositions; negotiating settlements; and assisting with or making oral argument in a court or administrative hearing.

We recommend your cover letter include examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the functions, activities, or services you delivered; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed, and the results of your actions.

Part-time or unpaid experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

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

Promotion Potential: If you are selected at the GS-12, you may be promoted without further competition to the GS-13 level once you have served 12 months at the GS-12 level and met performance requirements. If you are selected at the GS-13, you may be promoted without further competition to the GS-14 level once you have served 18 months at the GS-13 level and met performance requirements. Selection at either the GS-12 or the GS-13 level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.