Senior Level Attorney Advisor (Copyright)

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) mission is to promote innovation and competition by providing quality examination and issuance of patent and trademark applications, guiding domestic and international intellectual property policy, and delivering intellectual property information and education worldwide. Educational requirement is a law degree and membership in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.

If you are energized by complex legal and policy work and ready for a meaningful challenge, we invite you to join a dynamic, skilled, and collaborative team in the Office of Policy and International Affairs. The Office of Policy and International Affairs develops, communicates, and helps ensure consistency in copyright policy to support the USPTO's mission and to advance clear, effective copyright administration. In addition, the office develops and administers policies and guidance that inform copyright-related practices and procedures.

As a Senior Level Attorney Advisor for Copyrights, you would

• Provide expert legal and policy analysis on complex domestic and international copyright issues.
• Review domestic legislation on substantive copyright law and administrative matters that is consistent with Administration goals.
• Make presentations to, and secures comments from, high-profile private sector groups, trade and bar associations, and others with an interest in copyright matters.
• Coordinates with the senior level attorney advisor (copyright) responsible for international matters in providing assistance regarding bilateral and multilateral negotiations to obtain and realize the Administration's objectives in foreign policy and trade arenas where exceptionally sophisticated or complex copyright issues are involved.
• Directs and advises other attorneys on a wide range of intellectual property matters, with an emphasis on copyright matters, public awareness and education campaigns, and the electronic management of copyrighted materials.
• Renders advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both substantive work and administrative matters. Develops performance standards; evaluates work performance of team members; prepares and conducts performance appraisals.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be serving in a position in Schedule Policy/Career of the excepted service. You will obtain competitive status after two years of service in this position [if applicable]. Your employment in this position will be at-will. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals of adverse actions concerning performance, discipline, and other matters arising under chapters 23, 43, and 75 of title 5, U.S.C will not be available to an individual serving in this position. Prohibitions on prohibited personnel practices will be enforced by the Office of General Counsel and not the Office of Special Counsel. To meet the minimum requirements for a Senior Level position, candidates must be a recognized subject matter expert with directly related experience. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. Candidates must demonstrate their experience meets the Professional Technical Qualifications for this position in their two-page resume and this experience must have been at a sufficiently high level of difficulty to clearly show the candidate possesses the required subject matter expertise and technical qualifications set forth below.

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.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to the position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQS): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

PTQ 1: Expertise related to copyright law, the U.S. legislative process, and providing expert legal advice regarding copyright law and policy, including writing and reviewing complex legal documents as it pertains to leadership positions and with managing resources in a technical, legal, or government organization.

PTQ 2: Demonstrated experience to effectively communicate with high-ranking officials both within and outside the federal government, including Members of Congress, international organizations, and stakeholders regarding highly complex and sensitive issues pertaining to domestic copyright law and policy.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs).