This position serves as an Attorney-Advisor (GS-0905) in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). OGC provides legal services to the Commission under the Shipping Act and related statutes, including the agency's competition oversight role (akin to antitrust merger review), and represents the agency in federal district and circuit courts.
In addition to the above minimum requirements, you must meet the following: GS-12: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of two (2) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. GS-13: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. GS-14: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of four (4) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. GS-15: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of five (5) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. Specialized experience is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Examples of specialized experience include experience working on complex rulemaking or policy proceedings; reviewing and editing policy statements, position papers, and other decisional documents; conducting appellate litigation; and providing legal guidance to attorneys and other professionals. Specialized experience can also include experience in civil and administrative litigation in courtroom or agency adjudication settings, including researching and writing briefs, reviewing and editing orders, discovery and trial practice. 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.
The duties of an Attorney-Advisor cover a broad legal practice including both the shipping statutes and general administrative law. The major duties of this position are: Prepare rulemakings to implement statutory provisions, including provisions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022. Practice before federal district and circuit courts and administrative agencies, including writing and reviewing briefs and presenting oral arguments. Provide advice and recommendations to the Commission on legal and policy matters, including review of antitrust-exempt agreements. Provide advice and draft decisions in adjudications before the Commission. Provide technical and policy assistance to other government agencies engaged in bilateral and multilateral international negotiations or discussions on shipping matters. Draft opinions on the legal implications of the Freedom of Information Act, Government in the Sunshine Act, fiscal and appropriations law, procurement law, and other general law issues, such as personnel issues, as needed.