Attorney Advisor

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position
• You must successfully pass a background investigation
• You must be able to obtain Top Secret security clearance
• You will be required to undergo periodic drug testing
• Proof of Bar membership is required
• Law School Transcript
• Writing Sample (no more than 10 pages)
• Financial disclosure is required
• Selective Service registration required
• Completion of two years trial period may be required
  
  

Qualifications

Applicants applying for the GS-14 must also have 4 or more years of post J.D. legal experience, 2 of which include specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level.

• Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Experience in analytical and evaluative methods/techniques for assessing program development for executing and improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Experience providing advice on a variety of ethics and standards of conduct issues including, but not limited to gifts, conflicts of interest, political activities, teaching speaking-writing activities, travel, outside employment, employee involvement misuse of position, ethics training requirements, financial disclosure reporting, and misuse of government time and property.
• Experience in the substantive nature of agency programs and activities, missions, policies/objectives, management principles/processes.
  
  

Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 5 or more years post J.D. attorney/legal experience two of which include specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level.

• Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Experience in analytical and evaluative methods/techniques for assessing program development for executing and improving organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
• Experience providing advice on a variety of ethics and standards of conduct issues including, but not limited to gifts, conflicts of interest, political activities, teaching speaking-writing activities, travel, outside employment, employee involvement misuse of position, ethics training requirements, financial disclosure reporting, and misuse of government time and property.
• Experience in the substantive nature of agency programs and activities, missions, policies/objectives, management principles/processes.
• Provide expert legal and policy advice and audience to the highest level of management on ethics and standards of conduct issues.
  
  

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including the following, by closing date of this announcement:

• Be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of graduation, and
• Be a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
  
  

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 Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

Education

This Is An Excepted Service Appointment. Education Requirements Include

Unofficial Transcripts must be submitted with your application packages. A professional law degree, J.D., LL.B., and /or LL.M. You must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a current active member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar. for an attorney position.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.

Special Instructions For Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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.

Additional information

DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully pass a background investigation for Top Secret Security Clearance as a condition of placement into this position.

DHS uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

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• Help Help 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.
  
  

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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.