Trial Attorney/Senior Trial Attorney

Summary The Personnel Appeals Board's General Counsel Office (PAB/OGC) is seeking an experienced attorney to join its team at either the PA-II or PA-III level. PAB/OGC attorneys conduct investigations regarding a wide range of personnel and labor matters and may represent GAO employees, other charging parties, or the PAB/OGC in administrative proceedings before the PAB. Responsibilities PAB/OGC attorneys perform functions similar to attorneys who handle investigation and litigation functions at the FLRA, the EEOC, and OSC. PAB/OGC attorneys conduct investigations regarding a wide range of personnel and labor matters and may represent employees, other charging parties, or the PAB/OGC in administrative proceedings before the PAB. PAB/OGC attorneys also provide advice and counsel to GAO employees on issues within the jurisdiction of the PAB. A PAB/OGC attorney's typical work assignments may include the following: Investigations Investigate charges filed with the PAB/OGC alleging prohibited personnel practices, discrimination, retaliation, prohibited political activity, and unfair labor practices. Creating investigation plans, drafting requests for information and documents and conducting interviews of GAO officials, employees and other persons to obtain relevant information. Significant level of interactions with charging parties, counsel for GAO, and witnesses. Conducting legal research, analyzing the factual evidence and legal requirements of each case, and recommending appropriate action to the PAB General Counsel. Drafting the statement of investigation. Litigation Litigation before the PAB. Handling all aspects of case litigation including, interactions with counsel for GAO, the preparation of the petition for relief, drafting written discovery, taking and defending depositions, motions practice, drafting pre- and post-hearing briefs, and representing the petitioner at pre-hearing conferences, motion hearings, and the evidentiary hearing. Handling all aspects of settlement negotiations, including the drafting of settlement agreements. Advice and Counsel Prepare legal memoranda on issues within the jurisdiction of the PAB, including on complex legal issues involving the interpretation of federal and GAO personnel laws, rules and regulations. Provide advice to GAO employees on issues within the jurisdiction of the PAB. Draft comments on proposed changes to GAO regulations and policies. Represent the PAB/OGC at speaking engagements before GAO employee groups on matters within the jurisdiction of the PAB. For more information regarding the job's requirements please contact Darian Jackson, at jacksond@gao.gov. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a United States citizen. You must be able to meet and maintain the suitability and security requirements for the position. You must submit a financial disclosure report. You must be registered with the Selective Service, as applicable. You must complete a two-year probationary period unless you previously completed a trial or probationary period at GAO after October 1, 1980. You must remain an active member in good standing of the bar in any United States jurisdiction while in this position. If contacted for an interview, you will be required to submit a writing sample. If selected, you will be required to provide your official law school transcript that supports your claim that you meet the education requirements for the position. Qualifications You must meet the qualification requirements by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You must be an active member in good standing of a bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. To qualify for the Trial Attorney, PA-II level, you must have a minimum of three years post J.D. experience as a practicing attorney which demonstrates: researching federal employment and labor laws that address prohibited personnel practices, discrimination, retaliation, prohibited political activity, and/or unfair labor practices; identifying and gathering evidence through investigations and/or discovery; preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents; and interacting with opposing counsel. To qualify for the Senior Trial Attorney, PA-III level, you must have a minimum of four years post J.D. experience as a practicing attorney which demonstrates: researching federal employment and labor laws that address prohibited personnel practices, discrimination, retaliation, prohibited political activity, and/or unfair labor practices; identifying and gathering evidence through investigations and/or discovery; preparing pleadings, motions, briefs, and other litigation-related documents; and interacting with opposing counsel. This position will be filled at either the PA-II or PA-III level. Education You must meet the education requirements by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement. You must have a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Additional Information Salary ranges by location: Your salary range will be determined by your band level. Additional selections: We may use this announcement to hire for similar positions. Equal employment opportunity: The U.S. Government Accountability Office's policy is to provide equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Reasonable accommodation: GAO provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, please email ReasonableAccommodations@gao.gov.