Attorney-Advisor (General) (2024)

Department of the Interior

Office of the Solicitor

Intermountain Region

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Summary

With an emphasis on high ethical standards, excellence in public service and the delivery of superlative advice and counsel, DOI Solicitor's Office performs the legal work for the United States Department of the Interior, and manages the Departmental Ethics Office and Departmental FOIA Office. With more than five hundred employees, more than four hundred of which are attorneys, the Office strives to provide sound legal services to fulfill the Department's diverse and wide-ranging mission.

Learn more about this agency

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Overview

  • Accepting applications
  • Open & closing dates

    05/08/2024 to 05/29/2024

  • Salary

    $90,833 - $165,931 per year

  • Pay scale & grade

    GS 12 - 14

  • Help

    Location

    1 vacancy in the following location:

    • Phoenix, AZ
  • Remote job

    No

  • Telework eligible

    Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

  • Travel Required

    Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

  • Relocation expenses reimbursed

    No

  • Appointment type

    Term - 5 years. May be extended for additional time periods.

  • Work schedule

    Full-time -

  • Service

    Excepted

  • Promotion potential

    14

  • Job family (Series)

    0905 Attorney

  • Supervisory status

    No

  • Security clearance

    Not Required

  • Drug test

    No

  • Position sensitivity and risk

    Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

  • Trust determination process

    Credentialing

    Suitability/Fitness

  • Announcement number

    SOL-IMR-24-VN-055 (EXC)

  • Control number

    790279300

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Duties

As an Attorney-Advisor with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Intermountain Region, Phoenix Field Office located in Phoenix, AZ your specific duties will include:

  • Providing advice on and legal services for matters pertaining to the Bureau of Reclamation.
  • Providing advice and legal services on contractual matters, regulatory compliance, environmental liability, water rights, endangered species issues, and general law.
  • Providing advice on and legal services on matters relating to laws and regulations of general applicability to Federal agencies, such as the Freedom of Information Act, Federal Advisory Committee Act, federal appropriation laws, property acquisition, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
  • Providing litigation support on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior and various Interior agencies, including the Bureau of Reclamation, to the Department of Justice, and reviewing and analyzing draft legislation and agency policy guidance.
  • Knowledge of contracts and cooperative agreements; federal and state litigation procedure; federal environmental laws; real property laws; the ability to analyze legal requirements and succinctly provide advice and counsel to technical/non-legal professionals; and the ability to interact and negotiate with outside entities, including Tribes, States, and local governmental entities, regarding contracts, agreements, and other matters.

Salary Range
GS-12: $90,833 to $118,079
GS-13: $108,012 to $140,419
GS-14: $127,638 to $165,931

First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level.

This vacancy may be used to fill additional positions as vacancies become available.

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Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Key Requirements:

  • Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
  • Must be an active member of the bar.
  • Selectee may be subject to serving a 2-year trial period.
  • You will be required to have federal payments made by Direct Deposit.
  • Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service system, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See http://www.sss.gov/.

Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?

  • A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
  • If selected for this position, you may be required to file one or more financial statements and/or a procurement integrity certification of compliance upon reporting and annually, some of which may be subject to public disclosure.
  • Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
  • Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
  • Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.

Qualifications

Basic Qualification Requirements
Applicants must be law school graduates with LL.B. or J.D. degrees AND applicants must be an active member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.

Applicants must also meet one of the following:--possess at least 1-year of professional legal experience following law school graduation; OR--have a second professional law degree; OR--meet any of the criteria indicated below:(a) academic standing in top one-third of law school graduating class;(b) graduation with academic honors;(c) significant participation on the law school's law review;(d) significant participation in the law school's moot court competition;(e) significant participation in a clinical legal aid program;(f) significant summer law office clerk experience; or(g) other equivalent evidence of clearly superior achievement.

GS-12/13/14: In addition to meeting the basic qualification requirements described above, applicants must also have the following additional years of professional legal experience for the grade level indicated:
--GS-12 = 1 year
--GS-13 = 2 years
--GS-14 = 3 ½ years

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions and is available at OPM's website:https://www.opm.gov/qualifications/standards/indexes/num-ndx.asp

All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Education: If this position requires specific educational course work to qualify, or you are qualifying based in whole or part on education, you are required to provide transcripts as proof of meeting the requirements.

Foreign Education: Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the specific educational requirements as stated above. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

Additional information

Read more

  • 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 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.

In order to better assess your qualifications for this position, when preparing your resume and cover letter, please address your experience or familiarity with the following areas of legal work: water law; reclamation law; contracts, financial assistance, cooperative agreements, and the Federal Acquisition Regulations; the federal Indian trust responsibility and statutes relating to interactions between the federal government and Tribes; federal environmental laws; and laws of general applicability to federal agencies, such as the Administrative Procedure Act, Freedom of Information Act, Federal Advisory Committee Act, Federal Tort Claims Act, and federal appropriation laws. In addition, please address your experience or familiarity with researching and writing legal memoranda and opinions, and providing legal advice or recommendations to clients, judges, and/or senior attorneys.

Applicants who are found to be qualified and referred to the selecting official for consideration may be asked to provide a writing sample. Instructions will be included in the email communication sent to qualified candidates.

Once the application process is complete, we will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your resume, supporting documentation and responses to the online questionnaire will be made.

Please note applicants must meet the all qualifications requirement and submit all required documentation by closing date of the announcement for consideration for this position. Failure to meet all qualifications requirement and/or submit all required documents will result in an ineligible for consideration rating.

Applicants who are found to be qualified and referred to the selecting official for consideration may be asked to provide a writing sample. Instructions will be included in the email communication sent to qualified candidates

Basis of Rating: Applicants will not be rated or ranked. All applicants that meet the basic eligibility and qualification requirements of the position will be referred to the selecting official for consideration

To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12409437

  • 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 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.

  • 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 submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit documentation may result in not receiving consideration for this position.

    Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume

    Current & Former Federal Employees

    If you are a current or former Federal employee, please submit the following by the closing date of this announcement:

    • a copy of a recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level, step and salary; and
    • your most recent performance appraisal (if you do not have your most recent performance appraisal, please submit an explanation as to why it is unavailable)
    All Applicants

    You

    must

    meet the qualifications and submit

    all

    required documents by closing date of the announcement. NOTE: Documents

    will not

    be accepted after the closing date and you will be marked ineligible for consideration.

    You

    must

    submit proof that you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Such proof can include a current active bar card, a screen print from a bar website that reflects you are an active member of the bar or a letter/certificate from the bar certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Documents (bar card, screen print, letter/certificate) must be dated within 3 months of the closing date of the announcement. If using a screen print, make sure it is clear when the screen print was taken. For bar cards that do not have a date on them, please also submit a screen print or letter/certificate certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law dated within 3 months of the announcement closing date.

    You

    must

    submit transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted at the time of application, but official transcripts will be required before entry on duty.

    A 1-2 page cover letter is required expressing your interest and qualifications for this position.

    If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, by the closing date of this announcement. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans preference and that your character of military service is honorable. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must submit documentation that supports your claim (e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability; or receipt of a Purple Heart). If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.

    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.

  • Agency contact information

    Veronica Nunez

    Email

    veronica.guerreronunez@bsee.gov

    Learn more about this agency

    Next steps

    You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.

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

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

Help

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit documentation may result in not receiving consideration for this position.

Your resume must contain information sufficient to make a valid determination that you fully meet the specialized experience requirements as stated in this vacancy announcement and OPM qualification standards for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. It is strongly recommended that you use the USAJobs Resume Builder as it was designed to ensure that your resume includes the standard information needed. The Resume Builder is available at: https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/How_to_create_your_resume

Current & Former Federal Employees

If you are a current or former Federal employee, please submit the following by the closing date of this announcement:

  • a copy of a recent SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action" documenting tenure, position title, occupational series, grade level, step and salary; and
  • your most recent performance appraisal (if you do not have your most recent performance appraisal, please submit an explanation as to why it is unavailable)
All Applicants

You

must

meet the qualifications and submit

all

required documents by closing date of the announcement. NOTE: Documents

will not

be accepted after the closing date and you will be marked ineligible for consideration.

You

must

submit proof that you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Such proof can include a current active bar card, a screen print from a bar website that reflects you are an active member of the bar or a letter/certificate from the bar certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law. Documents (bar card, screen print, letter/certificate) must be dated within 3 months of the closing date of the announcement. If using a screen print, make sure it is clear when the screen print was taken. For bar cards that do not have a date on them, please also submit a screen print or letter/certificate certifying you are licensed and authorized to practice law dated within 3 months of the announcement closing date.

You

must

submit transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted at the time of application, but official transcripts will be required before entry on duty.

A 1-2 page cover letter is required expressing your interest and qualifications for this position.

If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, by the closing date of this announcement. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans preference and that your character of military service is honorable. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must submit documentation that supports your claim (e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability; or receipt of a Purple Heart). If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.

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.

Help

How to Apply

Read more

Agency contact information

Veronica Nunez

Email

veronica.guerreronunez@bsee.gov

Learn more about this agency

Next steps

You can track the progress of your application package via your USAJobs account. You will receive an acknowledgment from USAJobs that your submission was successful, once we have received your on-line assessment questionnaire, resume and any supporting documentation. You will be notified of the status of your application via your USAJobs account after we conduct a qualification review of your complete application package. You will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration. We may verify all information you provide in your resume and questionnaire responses, through reference and/or background checks, and/or verification of your education. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the Human Resources Office posting this announcement.

Read more

Fair & Transparent

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

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

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/790279300. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Attorney-Advisor (General) (2024)

FAQs

What do you say when asked why do you want to be a lawyer? ›

Explain what first sparked your interest in the law or what's behind your passion for the profession. Don't be afraid to be genuine and honest here. If your interest was first piqued by watching a courtroom drama or reading about a famous court case, use this as your starting point.

How to spot a lousy lawyer in a lateral interview? ›

Typically a bad lawyer in a lateral interview will not talk with a lot of enthusiasm about what they're doing. They will be unfocused a lot of times they won't make eye contact. You can also see if the person's had a lot of positions. That's usually not a good sign.

What is the most common complaint that clients have about attorneys? ›

The most common disciplinary complaints filed against lawyers are for: Neglect. Lack of communication. Misrepresentation/Dishonesty.

Does a lawyer have to do what the client wants? ›

When an attorney is representing the client, they are essentially an agent of the client and must make decisions that the client wants.

How to answer tell us about yourself? ›

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

What are your strengths law interview? ›

Identify key strengths and experiences using real, relevant examples. Don't just say that you're a great problem solver; instead tell the interviewer how you demonstrated this skill in a student mooting competition.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? ›

Sample Responses

"In five years, I see myself as an important part of this organization, having grown in my role and contributing to the company's success. I want to improve my skills in [mention specific skills relevant to the job], and take on more responsibilities, working with my team to reach our goals."

What is a general interview question? ›

Why did you decide to apply for this position? What is your greatest strength? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you know about this company/organization?

What's the best interview question to ask? ›

What skills and strengths can you bring to this position? Can you tell me about your current job? What could your current company do to be more successful? Can you tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with a boss or colleague?

What do you want in a general counsel? ›

They are calm, consistent, and confident. The term “never let them see you sweat” should be part of every general counsel job description. While you can be human (see #2 and #4 on this list), emotional outbursts, wavering, or negativity of any kind are to be strictly avoided.

What should you wear to a lawyer interview? ›

Standard attire for law firm interviews is business formal. This is the most strict and conservative work place attire. Your goals should be to look polished and professional -- not unique, cute, memorable or trendy. Your interviewer should remember you for your answers to questions -- not your attire.

What is the first question you should ask a potential lawyer? ›

Here is a handy checklist of basic questions to ask before you hire a lawyer: What is your experience in this field? Have you handled matters like mine? What are the possible outcomes of my case? What are my alternatives in resolving the matter?

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