Attorney-Adviser (General)

DutiesActs as the subject matter expert and primary advisor to the Staff judge Advocate on all matters related to the Claims system.The incumbent is responsible for all claims against the Army resulting from property damage, injury, or death where the claim arises on Fort Belvoir or in any portion of the Fort Belvoir claims region.The incumbent serves as Chief of Claims Division, responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising the Claims Branch.Reviews monthly claims report for processing time, the number of claims on hand, the number of claims paid, and the amount recovered from third parties.The incumbent is responsible for all claims matters that require coordination with U.S. Army Claims Service prior to payment or final and irrevocable settlement.Serves as the principal Claims Attorney for Fort Belvoir and its associated claims region, as designated by the U.S. Army Claims Service.The incumbent maintains membership in good standing as a member of the bar of a highest court of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.Serves as Labor Counselor and Employment Law Attorney. Represents the command in third-party administrative, quasi-judicial, and judicial proceedings on civilian personnel, labor relations, and equal employment opportunity matters.Represents the command as a litigation attorney for civilian personnel, labor relations, and equal employment opportunity litigation cases arising at Fort Belvoir.Incumbent establishes case strategy and tactics; prepares prehearing motions and petitions; identifies relevant witnesses and documents via discovery procedures, including interrogatories and depositions.Acts as the command representative responsible for appeal preparation or presentation of the command position.Provides oral and written advice and technical legal guidance to key government officials, and, upon request, to other major command officials concerning all aspects of the law of federal employment and federal labor-management relations.Provides advice and prepares opinions on legal issues or factual questions, some of which lack clearly applicable precedents or contain complex factual scenarios.Advises the command regarding implementation of telecommuting as an option for civilian workforce management.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentAppointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.A two year trial/probationary period may be required.This position requires the incumbent be able to obtain and maintain a determination of eligibility for a Secret security clearance for access for the duration of employment.This position requires the incumbent to maintain active bar membership, 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. QualificationsWho 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.Ability to supervise or lead others.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 in good standing with 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-14 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 3 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 .
Education
Only degrees from an accredited college or university recognized by the Department of Education are acceptable to meet positive education requirements or to substitute education for experience. For additional information, please go to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and U.S. Department of Education websites at and .Additional informationPLEASE NOTE THAT REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATION, TIME IN GRADE, AND EXPERIENCE MAY BE WAIVED BY THE APPLICABLE AUTHORITY AND THE REQUIREMENTS SHOULD NOT DETER ANY INDIVIDUAL FROM APPLYING FOR THE POSITION.Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.Direct Deposit of Pay is required.If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.This is a Professional Services Career Field position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.Recruitment and relocation incentives may be authorized.Student loan repayment may be authorized.Salary negotiations, including an advanced in hire, for candidates new to Federal service or who would otherwise qualified, may be authorized.Credit for prior non-Federal experience and certain military service for leave accrual rates may be authorized. 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.
Review our benefitsEligibility 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.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Your application package (resume and supporting documents) will be evaluated for basic qualification requirements and for the skills needed to perform the duties of the position, as described in this vacancy announcement and identified by the Selecting Official.
Veteran's preference requirements do not apply to attorney positions in the excepted service, however the principles of veteran's preference will be followed to the extent which is administratively feasible.