Attorney-Adviser (General)

Summary

About the Position: This position is in support of the DHA Office of General Counsel, located in Falls Church, Virginia. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. Note: Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Leave accrual negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.

Responsibilities

Prepare administrative records, litigation reports, and filings to ensure compliance with applicable federal and state laws

Draft motions, agency reports, memoranda of law, and other submittals to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in bid protest cases

Represent Defense Health Agency (DHA) in contract disputes before the Board of Contract Appeals, including drafting motions and pleadings, conducting discovery, participating in hearings, and preparing legal briefs and oral arguments

Collaborate with Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys and Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in drafting and responding to discovery requests, preparing trial strategies, and coordinating case management through all phases of litigation

Collect evidence and documentation, prepare memoranda of fact and law with recommended course of action, and provide direct litigation support and case coordination to DOJ attorneys and AUSAs

Represent DHA in meetings, negotiations, conferences, presentations, hearings, or other forums, with other federal agencies, outside counsel, and private stakeholders, advancing agency interests and legal positions

Assess and communicate litigation risks associated with potential and pending matters, providing actionable legal recommendations to agency leadership

Conduct other litigation as assigned on behalf of DHA

Qualifications

Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position: Skill in identifying contracting and acquisition legal issues Ability to prepare litigation reports and briefings Skill in oral and written advocacy. Ability to effectively, professionally, and ethically manage a heavy caseload of clients with complex legal needs. 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 Defense Health Agency considers veteran's preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veteran's preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documents (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. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at http://www.opm.gov/). TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENTS: If currently employed as an attorney by the Federal Government must have completed 52 weeks 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 as the position being filled. Time-in grade may be waived for current federal employees at management's discretion. The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD). Bar Membership: Applicant must currently be a member in good standing of the Bar of a state, territory or commonwealth of the United States (e.g., American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), or the District of Columbia. Document should be dated within three months of the date the application is submitted. If the document has been ordered, but not arrived, you may provide a screenshot of your certificate (clearly showing a time/date within the last 90 days) which validates your active status. Experience Required for the NH-04: Applicant must have three (3) or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the Bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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/.