Attorney Advisor (General) (ILU)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Executive Office for Immigration Review, U. S. Department of Justice. Incumbent serves as Attorney Advisor (General) performing duties regarding management of federal litigation, researching and analyzing federal immigration law and policy, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act, and other Immigration Law Unit duties.

Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

This job is open to

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
  
  Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.
• Federal employees - Competitive service
  
  Current or former competitive service federal employees.
• Individuals with disabilities
• Land & base management
  
  Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.
• Military spouses
• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

You may apply if you are a Status Candidate (Merit Promotion, VEOA, Land Management Eligible) and/or a Non-Competitive Hiring Authority Eligible (VRA-If GS-11 or below position, 30% Disabled Veteran, Certain Military Spouse, Schedule A, Certain Peace Corps/VISTA Employee/Volunteer, Certain Former Overseas Employee, Foreign Service Employee, CTAP/ICTAP, Interchange Agreement Employee, or if you are employed under a Miscellaneous Authority not regulated by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.)

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Serves as agency counsel for federal court litigation against the agency that relates to immigration law and policy matters, including individual and class action matters, and provides substantive assistance to DOJ counsel in order to: accurately represent the agency's equities and manage all aspects of litigation, including developing litigation strategy, coordinating agency resources, drafting pleadings, responding to discovery, negotiating settlements and attending hearings to support DOJ counsel, as needed.
• Oversees guidance related to and implementation of any federal court orders resulting from judicial and administrative proceedings against EOIR.
• Researches, analyzes and provides legal interpretation of a wide range of federal statutes including, but not limited to, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the U.S. Constitution and other applicable laws, to provide counsel to senior officials regarding immigration proceedings and/or operating procedures. Determines requirements for compliance with these statutes and regulations and disseminates guidance to agency officials.
• Advises Supervisory Attorney Advisor, Deputy General Counsel, and General Counsel on extremely complex and controversial matters before EOIR, which often critically affect the operations of the agency. Undertakes extensive legal research, drafts legal opinions and analysis responding to the questions raised and emphasizing key legal issues, and coordinates with other components within EOIR to address legal issues.
• Develops and recommends agency positions seeking further review of federal court decisions on immigration litigation matters.
• Advises the agency on what changes should be made to regulations related to immigration proceedings and agency operations so that these regulations will be legally correct and withstand judicial scrutiny.
• Reviews proposed changes in immigration laws and regulations, solicits comments, and formulates EOIR positions for presentation to Congress and/or regulatory agencies.
• Advises on matters affecting EOIR's legislative proposals and prepares the legal position of EOIR in response to requests by other government and private stakeholders.
• Provides legal assistance to other components within EOIR's Office of the General Counsel.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• Moving and Relocation Expenses are not authorized.
• Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply section).
• A one year probationary period may be required, if not already met.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
• A two-year trial period will be required.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for the Attorney Advisor (General) position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Education: Applicants must possess an LL.B., LL.M., or a J.D. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)

AND

• Licensure: Applicants must be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the U.S., or the District of Columbia. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your first license and the State from which it was issued.)

AND

Required Experience:

For GS-14: Applicants must have three (3) full years (36 months) of post J.D., LL.M., or LL.B professional legal experience.

Qualifying professional legal experience includes: Managing litigation matters, including developing litigation strategy, coordinating agency resources, drafting pleadings, responding to discovery, and negotiating settlements; Researching, analyzing and providing oral and written legal interpretation of a wide range of federal statutes including, but not limited to, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the U.S. Constitution and other applicable laws related to immigration proceedings and/or operating procedures of a federal agency; Reviewing proposed changes to laws and regulations, soliciting comments, and formulating agency positions; Preparing oral and written legal opinions and analysis responding to the legal and policy questions raised and emphasizing key legal issues; and, Strong oral communication and negotiation skills in order to build effective working relationships with all levels of agency personnel, as well as the ability to represent the agency and persuade individuals, attorneys, government officials and others to accept legal decisions, or changes in policy, procedures, laws and regulations.

For GS-15: Applicants must have four (4) full years (48 months) of post J.D., LL.M., or LL.B professional legal experience.

Qualifying professional legal experience includes: Managing litigation matters, including developing litigation strategy, coordinating agency resources, drafting pleadings, responding to discovery, and negotiating settlements; Researching, analyzing and providing oral and written legal interpretation of a wide range of federal statutes including, but not limited to, the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the U.S. Constitution and other applicable laws related to immigration proceedings and/or operating procedures of a federal agency; Reviewing proposed changes to laws and regulations, soliciting comments, and formulating agency positions; Preparing oral and written legal opinions and analysis responding to the legal and policy questions raised and emphasizing key legal issues; and, Strong oral communication and negotiation skills in order to build effective working relationships with all levels of agency personnel, as well as the ability to represent the agency and persuade individuals, attorneys, government officials and others to accept legal decisions, or changes in policy, procedures, laws and regulations.

(Your resume must CLEARLY demonstrate this experience)

Preferred Experience:

The ideal candidate will have experience with the following:

• Managing federal litigation, including drafting complex legal pleadings, coordinating discovery and representing clients in settlement negotiations.
• Providing legal counsel on a variety of complex legal issues affecting agency operations and legal compliance, including by written and oral presentations.
• Providing legal recommendations to senior officials in order to assess litigation and policy risks.
• Drafting and reviewing regulatory changes in compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Working with other government offices to achieve positive outcomes in litigation, policy and operational matters.

NOTE: Qualifying experience is calculated only after receipt of J.D., LL.M. or LL.B.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your assessment questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s). Ensure that your resume contains your full name, address, phone number, email address, and employment information. Each position listed on your Resume must include: From/To dates of employment (MM/YYYY-MM/YYYY or MM/YYYY to Present); agency/employer name, position title, grade level(s) held, if applicable; hours, if less than full time; and duties performed. In addition, any experience on less than a full time basis must specify the percentage and length of time spent in performance of such duties.

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here.

Education

ARE YOU USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation by clicking here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. (Note: If you are selected for this position based on education, an official transcript will be required, prior to your first day.) You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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. For further information, click here.

Translated transcripts are required.

Additional information

This position is open to Competitive Merit Promotion, Non-Competitive, and Special Hiring Authority eligibles. You must meet the requirements for one of the following categories to be eligible.

1. A current permanent competitive service employee; former Federal employee who achieved career status in the competitive service; or former Federal employee who served on a career conditional appointment without achieving career status in the competitive service who was separated less than three years ago. You must submit an SF-50 that reflects career or career-conditional (Tenure field is 1 or 2); AND status in the competitive service (Position Occupied field is 1).

2. A Veteran applying under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA), must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing an honorable discharge. To be eligible, a veteran must be honorably separated and either a preference eligible or have substantially completed 3 or more years of active service. NOTE: Current career/career conditional federal employees applying under VEOA must submit a qualifying SF-50 to show they meet time-in-grade.

3. A 30% or more Disabled Veteran: You must submit your DD214, a completed SF-15, and letter from the VA dated 1991 or later.

4. Military spouses are eligible if their active duty military spouse: 1) receives a Permanent Change of Station move; 2) has a 100% disability rating; or 3) died while on active duty. Please submit supporting documentation.

5. Schedule A: The DOJ welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal opportunity to be hired and advanced based on merit. To be considered for a Schedule A appointment, you must submit proof of your disability. This proof may be in the form of documentation obtained from licensed medical professionals, state or private vocational rehabilitation specialists, or any Government agency that issues or provides disability benefits. You must submit valid documentation regardless of the date of determination of your disability. Proof of disability documentation needs to specify that you are eligible to apply using Schedule A. It does NOT need to detail your specific disability, medical history or need for accommodation. To view sample Schedule A proof of disability letters click here.The Schedule A letter must be separate from any Veterans' Preference documentation.

6. A Former Peace Corps or VISTA Volunteers Appointment. Please submit documentation to be considered.

7. Other non-competitive authorities (please see announcement language for applicable authorities).

8. A current or former Land Management Bureau employee who has served at least 24 months under a time-limited competitive appointment who is eligible for appointment under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

• Benefits
  
  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 benefits
  
  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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants applying under merit promotion procedures will be rated in accordance with the EOIR's Merit Staffing plan. Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration.

You will be rated based on the following knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs) or competencies:

• None

NOTE: In order to be rated as meeting the minimum qualifications, we must be able to determine from your application package that you have the education and/or specialized experience that is required. Your resume MUST contain your full name, some form of contact information (phone number, email address and/or living address), and the following employment information:

• Employer name and location for each position held.
• From and to dates (MM/YY-MM/YY or from MM/YY to "present") for each position held. The month and year is required to fully credit your time.
• For part-time positions, please include number of hours worked per week, positions that do not include this information will be assumed as full-time (40 hours a week).
• Grade/levels held for each federal position. (Ex. GS-11; IR-06; FV-G; etc.)
• Detailed descriptions of experience under each position held. (Applicants must provide specific supporting examples to show that they meet the qualifications of the position shown in the announcement.)
• Any submitted documents not required or requested for this vacancy will not be considered (i.e. training certificates, case filings, letter of recommendations, etc.).

(ALL INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION PRIOR TO FINAL SELECTION.)

• Benefits
  
  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 benefits
  
  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.
• Required Documents
  
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  
  To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing date of this announcement, which includes:
  
  1. Your Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. (Please see the How You Will Be Evaluated section)
  
  2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
  
  3. Transcripts, if qualifying based on education. (Must include your name, college name and address, courses, dates attended, major and degree, cumulative grade point average (GPA), any honors received, and date the degree was awarded/conferred.)
  
  4. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable to you.
  
  • Current and Former Federal Employees: Must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service (block 24 must contain a 1 or 2 and block 34 must contain a 1), highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade. If your current grade is not your highest permanent grade, submit an additional SF-50 showing your highest grade. Examples of qualifying SF-50s: Promotion, WIG, new appointment, and SF-50s dated more than one year. You may have to submit multiple SF-50s. If your eligibility for both merit promotion and/or time-in-grade cannot be determined, your application will be rated ineligible.
  • If you are a veteran and you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a DD214,"Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and separation under honorable conditions. Active Duty Service Members expected to be released or discharged from active duty service may submit a written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Without this documentation, you will not receive tentative veterans' preference and your application will be evaluated based on the job application materials submitted. Veterans' preference must be verified prior to appointment.
  • If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on service-connected disability, award of the Purple Heart, or derived preference, in addition to the DD214 or certification requirements described in the above bullet, you must also submit an SF15, "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference," and required documentation that is acceptable proof of your claim for preference. (e.g. An official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying the veteran's service-connected disability and combined disability rating.) For more information on Veterans' Preference click here.
  • Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP/ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), most recent performance appraisal, SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, full performance level, and duty location with your application. For more information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility click here.
  • Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.
  
  Note: Multiple selections may be made from this announcement. Salaries above are an approximation.
  
  
  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
  
  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
  schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
• How to Apply
  
  You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement.
  
  * To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire, which can be previewed here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12527958.
  
  * Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
  
  * It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
  
  * To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  * To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  
  If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact cedric.simon@usdoj.gov
  
  You must submit a complete application by the close of the announcement.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Cedric Simon
  
  Phone
  
  703-756-8576
  
  Email
  
  cedric.simon@usdoj.gov
  
  Address
  
  Office of the General Counsel
  
  5107 Leesburg Pike
  
  Falls Church, VA 22041
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
  
  You will be notified of your application status at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You may check your application status by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking "Application Status".
  
  The amount of notices that each applicant receives may vary. The four points of notification are:
  
  • Application Received or Application Incomplete
  • Minimum Qualification Requirement Met/Not Met
  • Eligible (Application Referred) or Ineligible (Application Not referred)
  • Selected or Not Selected
  
  Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
• Fair and Transparent
  
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package by the closing date of this announcement, which includes:

1. Your Resume showing relevant experience; cover letter optional. (Please see the How You Will Be Evaluated section)

2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.

3. Transcripts, if qualifying based on education. (Must include your name, college name and address, courses, dates attended, major and degree, cumulative grade point average (GPA), any honors received, and date the degree was awarded/conferred.)

4. Other Supporting Documents, if applicable to you.

• Current and Former Federal Employees: Must submit your most recent non-award Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing you are/were in the competitive service (block 24 must contain a 1 or 2 and block 34 must contain a 1), highest grade held (or promotion potential) on a permanent basis, position title, series and grade. If your current grade is not your highest permanent grade, submit an additional SF-50 showing your highest grade. Examples of qualifying SF-50s: Promotion, WIG, new appointment, and SF-50s dated more than one year. You may have to submit multiple SF-50s. If your eligibility for both merit promotion and/or time-in-grade cannot be determined, your application will be rated ineligible.
• If you are a veteran and you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a DD214,"Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," which shows dates of service and separation under honorable conditions. Active Duty Service Members expected to be released or discharged from active duty service may submit a written document from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions within 120 days after the certification is submitted. The certification letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. Without this documentation, you will not receive tentative veterans' preference and your application will be evaluated based on the job application materials submitted. Veterans' preference must be verified prior to appointment.
• If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on service-connected disability, award of the Purple Heart, or derived preference, in addition to the DD214 or certification requirements described in the above bullet, you must also submit an SF15, "Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference," and required documentation that is acceptable proof of your claim for preference. (e.g. An official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying the veteran's service-connected disability and combined disability rating.) For more information on Veterans' Preference click here.
• Surplus or displaced employees eligible for CTAP/ICTAP priority must provide: proof of eligibility (RIF separation notice, notice of proposed removal for declining a transfer of function or directed reassignment to another commuting area, notice of disability annuity termination), most recent performance appraisal, SF-50 documenting separation (as applicable), and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, full performance level, and duty location with your application. For more information about CTAP/ICTAP eligibility click here.
• Any other supporting documentation required for verification as described in the announcement.

Note: Multiple selections may be made from this announcement. Salaries above are an approximation.


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You must submit a complete application package by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement.

* To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire, which can be previewed here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12527958.

* Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.

* It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

* To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.

* To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact cedric.simon@usdoj.gov

You must submit a complete application by the close of the announcement.

Agency contact information

Cedric Simon

Phone

703-756-8576

Email

cedric.simon@usdoj.gov

Address

Office of the General Counsel

5107 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22041

US

Next steps

Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview. You will receive notice via email once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).

You will be notified of your application status at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You may check your application status by accessing the USAJOBS website and clicking "Application Status".

The amount of notices that each applicant receives may vary. The four points of notification are:

• Application Received or Application Incomplete
• Minimum Qualification Requirement Met/Not Met
• Eligible (Application Referred) or Ineligible (Application Not referred)
• Selected or Not Selected

Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request