Trial Attorney (Military)
What you'd do
About the Position: This position is located with the Headquarters of the Department of the Army, U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, Litigation Division at Fort Belvoir, VA. If you are currently serving in a permanent, competitive service appointment in the Federal service, and are selected for this position, the appointment will remove you from the competitive service while you occupy this position.
Major duties
Serves as the senior litigation attorney for the Military Personnel Branch of the Litigation Division. Represent the Army, its agencies, and its officials in cases challenging the legality of critical Army and Department of Defense (DOD) military personnel programs, policies, and decisions in federal, state, and foreign courts. Renders legal advice or prepares opinions concerning matters not in litigation but which, because of their nature, require prompt action to avoid litigation. Confers, gives guidance, and advises other attorneys within the Division, the field, and in other agencies concerning litigation strategy and the defense or implementation of agency policy in litigation. Participates in the formulation of Army-wide policy and represents the Army at high level policy discussions. Serves as the division’s expert on class action litigation, to include, the law and policy related to class actions filed in federal district court. Examines and analyzes complaints and petitions that fall under the Military Personnel Branch’s purview to include tort claims, contract claims, and Privacy Act claims. Serves as the Acting Branch Chief in the absence of the Chief. Serves as an expert in bankruptcy and other insolvency proceedings handled by Litigation Division to assist the primary bankruptcy attorney in the General Litigation Branch.
What you need to qualify
Who May Apply: US Citizens Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position. KSA's: Skill in identifying and researching highly technical and complex legal issues. Skill in providing legal, technical, and policy guidance. Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs. Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education Requirements: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) AND active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation. As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted with your application materials. Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As noted below, proof of such membership and good standing must be submitted with your application materials. Experience: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-15 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 4 years of professional legal experience , acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience. Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QA's) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position. If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal government you must have completed one year at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade level as the position being filled. NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of the Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/sf/.
Before you apply
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