Attorney Advisor

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The National Gallery of Art welcomes all people to explore art, creativity, and our shared humanity. Millions of people come through our doors each year, with even more online, making us one of the most visited art museums in the world. Our renowned collection includes over 160,000 works of art, from the ancient world to today. Admission to the West and East Buildings, Sculpture Garden, special exhibitions, and public programs is always free.

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

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

The Office of the Secretary and General Counsel (SG) provides effective, sound, and innovative legal counsel to a single client, the National Gallery of Art, as it pursues its vision to be “Of the nation and for all the people.” We ensure that the National Gallery meets the complex legal requirements and obligations inherent to an entity with a unique Federal and private status. We also play a role in risk management and mitigation. Some of the work that SG performs includes negotiating agreements, managing disputes, preparing policies, and providing legal advice on matters. In our work, we value integrity, innovation, and community, as well as the National Gallery’s educational mission.

Duties for this position include

• Research and advises on issues concerning trusts and estates, gifts and bequests, and donations, and reviews and drafts pertinent documents.
• Drafts a wide range of contracts, including agreements for conservators, educational consultants, performers, lecturers, translators, and photographers.
• Research and advise on issues related to non-profit tax issues. When appropriate, recommends and develops policies and procedures to address relevant tax questions and/or issues.
• Advises the Secretary to the Board of Trustees in researching governance issues and preparing for Committee and Board meetings.
• Advises Gallery officers and employees as to their obligations and rights on all legal aspects of their official duties.
• Research and advise on a variety of legal issues in the areas of intellectual property, administrative law, new technologies, commercial and residential leases, torts, and employment. Reviews and drafts internal Gallery policies relating to a variety of issues including but not limited to, operations, staff responsibilities and loan procedures

Basic Requirements;

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.

GS 13- Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-12 level in the Federal service or private sector, independently advising on trusts and estates for a large complex organization. Experience with gifts and bequests, contracts or taxes.

GS 14- Specialized Experience Statement: Candidates must possess at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent in responsibility to the GS-13 level in the Federal service or private sector, as subject matter expert advising on trusts and estates for a large complex organization. Experience with gifts and bequests, contracts or taxes.

OPM Qualifications Standard:

Individual Occupational Requirements: General Attorney Series 0905 Associated Group standard: None

Other Relevant Eligibility Criteria: Must be a member of State/DC bar association and have a J.D from an accredited law school. Documentation required.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.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.

Merit promotion applicants must meet the time-in-grade requirement as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. One year at the GS-12 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-13 level. OR One year at the GS-13level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-14 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

Note: Applicants who are referred to the hiring office for selection consideration may be required to submit writing and/or work samples as part of the interview/selection process. If the hiring office decides to request a writing and/or work sample as part of its selection process, the vacancy contact will reach out to you by email to: (1) inform you of this requirement; and (2) provide further instructions.