Attorney-Adviser

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠This position is in Region 2, Office of Regional Counsel. About Region 2: https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-2

This is an office-centered position--you must physically report to one of the duty stations stated in this announcement on a regular basis (location TBD after candidate selected). You must:
(1) possess a J.D. or LL.M. degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university or equivalent apprentice experience as allowed per state law; and
(2) be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; and
(3) be an active member of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction in good standing.
NOTE: Bar membership and licensure are not required at the time of application, but you must be admitted to the bar and obtain your license before entry on duty.

For information about accreditation requirements, visit Accreditation. At the advertised grade, you will:

• Provide legal advice, perform legal research, prepare legal documentation, and make policy recommendations in coordination with Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training HQ agents, management, and civil technical staff, to ensure national consistency in criminal case development.
• Draft legal memoranda and, as necessary, brief Regional and Office of Criminal Enforcement, Forensics, and Training management in support of initiating significant criminal case development and prosecutions.
• Perform the full range of litigation activities to prepare for and support significant criminal case development and prosecution.
• Perform liaison and specialized teamwork with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to represent and leverage EPA resources.
• Conduct negotiations, facilitates informal dispute resolution, and performs Regional representational work as needed to develop and advance criminal cases.

When entering a federal job at a grade level lower than the highest promotion potential level, you may be promoted to more complex duties and work more independently, as your career progresses. NOTE: Career ladder promotions are not automatic, and all eligibility and qualifications requirements must be met in order to progress to the next grade level.

One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position. NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.

In addition to the educational requirements, you must meet the minimum grade-specific qualifications as described below:

To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level defined as performing legal analysis and research to formulate recommendations to clients or supervisors; and composing pleadings, briefs, and/or other documents involving legal issues in counseling, enforcement, or litigation..

You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully:

• Criminal Law*
• Critical Thinking
• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Attention to Detail*
• Decision Making
• Interpersonal Skills
• Strategic Thinking*
• Negotiation

*You will be evaluated on these critical competencies.

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.

*If you have part-time work experience, read this: Part-Time Experience.