Student Trainee (Legal)

Summary

This position is part of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The Student Trainee (Legal) will work in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) assisting with providing legal advice and guidance to the Director and to the Agency, so that the Agency's program and operations are carried out according to the requirements of the law.

This job is open to

• Students
  
  Current students enrolled in accredited educational institutions from high school to graduate level. Includes internships, pathways and other student programs.

Clarification from the agency

Open to current students accepted for enrollment or enrolled and seeking a degree or certificate at an accredited educational institution on at least a half-time basis (as determined by the educational institution) and possess a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.

Duties

Work closely with attorney-advisers in the General Counsel's Office on a variety of legal matters of concern to OGC and the Agency.

Attend briefings, review legal documents, conduct legal research, draft memoranda and make presentations on issues central to OGC's work.

Participate in OGC meetings during which current issues relating to USTDA and its activities are presented and discussed.

Legal interns will work across all regions and technical sectors USTDA operates in (primarily clean energy, transportation, healthcare, and digital infrastructure), as well as administrative law.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by background investigation.
• Direct Deposit of pay is required.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.

Qualifications

Applicants must carefully review the information in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for important information and instructions pertaining to the multi-hurdle assessment process for this position.

Eligibility Requirements:

In order to be eligible for the Pathways Not-to-Exceed Internship Program, the following qualifications must be met:

• Be a U.S. citizen;
• Be at least 16 years of age;

Qualifications Requirements:

First-year (second semester), second-and third-year law students pursuing their J.D. are encouraged to apply. Superior research and writing skills, an eye for detail, a desire to work as part of a team of professionals.

A degree seeking student in the field of Law and have completed one to two years of study toward law degree.

Enrolled in a school that has been accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Enrolled at least half-time as defined by your school.

Be in good academic standing (i.e., must have at least a 3.0 GPA or its equivalent).

GS-07: Completed one full academic year of graduate level education toward a law degree.

GS-09: Completed two full academic years of graduate level education toward a law degree.

Education requirements must be met prior to appointment. Updated transcript is required to verify requirements have been met.

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.

A combination of education and/or experience may substitute for the specialized experience requirement.

Education

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Only education from institutions which are accredited or preaccredited/candidate for accreditation may be used to meet education requirements.

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, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Additional information

Temporary appointees with appointment of one year or less who work less than 130 hours per month are not eligible to enroll in a Federal Health Benefits plan, are not covered by the Federal Employee Retirement System, and are not eligible for Federal life, supplemental dental or supplemental vision insurance.

Telework Suitability:

The duties of this position are suitable for occasional telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval and if they meet the eligibility criterion in the 2010 Telework Act.

Stipulations of Employment:

Appointees must sign a Participant Agreement that sets forth the expectations for the Pathways Program.

The duration of an excepted service appointment in the Pathways Program is a trial period.

This is a temporary internship to complete project work that is temporary in nature. The appointment is not-to-exceed 1 year or less and can be extended without further competition based on the need of the organization for the work to continue and provided the individual continues to meet the Pathways eligibility requirements.

Must maintain half-time enrollment status and 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Student must meet eligibility requirements throughout the duration of your appointment under the Pathways Internship Program.

This internship has an anticipated start date of January or Spring 2025. All U.S. Citizens who have been accepted for enrollment or are enrolled and seeking a degree (diploma, certificate, etc.) in a qualifying educational institution on a full or half-time basis; have at least a cumulative (overall) 3.0 grade point average; and remain in good academic standing. The applicants selected will be offered an excepted appointment not-to-exceed (NTE) 1-Year. This appointment may be extended if intern continues to meet requirements of the Pathways Program.

Work Schedule:

This position will have a part time work schedule. Student trainees may have the option to work a hybrid (in-person and telework) schedule physically based at USTDA headquarters.

Miscellaneous:

USTDA uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

• 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.

Veterans Preference:

TDA is not required to apply Veterans Preference in filling this Excepted Service position. However, the agency will follow the principles of Veterans Preference to the extent administratively feasible. Applicants eligible for Veterans Preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume, and attach supporting documentation to their submissions (e.g., DD-214 Form, SF-15, or other substantiating documents).

Once this announcement closes, applications will be reviewed to ensure all required documentation has been received. Applicants who "self-certify" that they meet the minimum qualification standards, selective placement factors (if applicable) and other eligibility requirements as well as providing the required documents by the closing date of the announcement will be referred to the selecting official who may conduct their own assessment for further consideration and interviews. NOTE: Veterans' Preference does not apply to this position.

The selectee's eligibility will be verified prior to extending a tentative job offer. After making a tentative job offer, all preemployment and suitability requirements will be conducted prior to a final job offer.

• 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.
  
  All applicants are required to submit the following:
  
  
  • Resume, which include work experience, training, education, and any awards relevant to the qualifications and requirements of the position.
  • Cover letter (desired, but not required).
  • Law School transcript(s), if qualifying based on education or if this position has a basic education requirement.
  
  
  It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement.
  
  
  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
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.
  
  The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration or when the announcement reaches 150 applicants.
  
  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
  • You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • You may preview the Assessment Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12553657
  
  If you have questions about this job, please contact the HR Office representative listed in the "Agency Contact Info" section of this vacancy announcement. Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Mountain Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you may request an alternate application method from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon EST on the closing date of the announcement.
  
  Agency contact information
  
  Michael Robie
  
  Phone
  
  303-969-7246
  
  Email
  
  Michael_Robie@ibc.doi.gov
  
  Address
  
  US Trade and Development Agency
  
  1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100
  
  Arlington, VA 22209
  
  US
  
  Next steps
  
  For status updates on your application, please follow the directions listed above in the How to Apply section. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. If you are selected for an interview for this position, you will be contacted directly. A final job offer for this position is typically made within several weeks after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. After confirming a job offer, all other applicants will be notified of their non-selection.
• 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

All applicants are required to submit the following:

• Resume, which include work experience, training, education, and any awards relevant to the qualifications and requirements of the position.
• Cover letter (desired, but not required).
• Law School transcript(s), if qualifying based on education or if this position has a basic education requirement.

It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement.


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

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration or when the announcement reaches 150 applicants.

• To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account.
• You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
• You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
• To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• You may preview the Assessment Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12553657

If you have questions about this job, please contact the HR Office representative listed in the "Agency Contact Info" section of this vacancy announcement. Applying online is highly encouraged. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m., Mountain Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you may request an alternate application method from the Agency Contact listed in the vacancy. All hardship application packages must be complete and submitted no later than noon EST on the closing date of the announcement.

Agency contact information

Michael Robie

Phone

303-969-7246

Email

Michael_Robie@ibc.doi.gov

Address

US Trade and Development Agency

1101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1100

Arlington, VA 22209

US

Next steps

For status updates on your application, please follow the directions listed above in the How to Apply section. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. If you are selected for an interview for this position, you will be contacted directly. A final job offer for this position is typically made within several weeks after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. After confirming a job offer, all other applicants will be notified of their non-selection.

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