Trial Attorney

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The Litigation & Enforcement Division of the Office of Chief Counsel handles a wide range of investigatory and litigation activities relating to motor vehicle safety as well as defensive litigation, rulemaking, and counseling.

MANDATORY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

In order to qualify for this position, candidates must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have a professional law degree, and must currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

As a Trial Attorney, you will:

• Represent or assist in representing the agency in a wide range of investigatory and enforcement activities pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
• Represent or assist in representing the agency in a range of litigation over rules and regulations, such as motor vehicle safety standards and fuel economy regulations, and other agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act, Vehicle Safety Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other statutes.
• Represent the agency before administrative tribunals such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

As a Trial Attorney in the Litigation and Enforcement Division you will have opportunities to be involved with a diverse portfolio of high-profile and innovative legal issues including enforcing the Nation's motor vehicle safety laws and the laws governing fuel economy. Attorneys in the Litigation and Enforcement Division lead investigations into potential violations of law and seek civil penalties or other sanctions when warranted. Attorneys work in close partnership with technical experts on recalls and on investigations of potential safety defects in motor vehicles and noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Attorneys also prepare regulations related to enforcement and advise on a wide range of other legal issues.

With the Department of Justice, attorneys in the Litigation and Enforcement Division also participate in a range of litigation over rules and regulations, such as motor vehicle safety standards and fuel economy regulations, and other agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act, Vehicle Safety Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other statutes. Attorneys in this Division also represent the agency in personnel cases before administrative tribunals such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

This position is perfect for a professional looking to grow with a great Federal agency. We are seeking highly qualified individuals who are willing to meet the challenges of public service and support our mission. NHTSA is looking for someone who is highly motivated and who can communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, at all levels of the organization.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, a customer/client service-oriented approach, creativity and initiative, and sound legal and practical judgement.

To qualify, your experience should include experience and education equal or equivalent to the following:

Grade 13 - Possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and be in good standing of a bar. Applicant must have 2 years of relevant professional legal experience.

• Conducting legal research and drafting legal analysis to support senior attorneys and managers.
• Drafting routine legal documents, discovery materials, or specific sections of pleadings and briefs for civil litigation or administrative proceedings.
• Assisting with the mechanics of civil litigation, enforcement activities, or investigations under the guidance of senior counsel.

Grade 14- Possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and be in good standing of a bar. Applicants must have 3 years of relevant professional legal experience.

• Performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers.
• Composing pleading, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil litigation; AND
• Conducting civil litigation

Grade 15- Possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and be in good standing of a bar. Applicants must have 4 years of relevant professional legal experience.

• Independently performing legal analysis
• Composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil litigation.
• Briefing clients or senior leadership on legal issues.
• Conducting highly complex civil litigation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Oral Communication- Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, considering the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others , attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
2. Written Communication- Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
3. Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence- Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.
4. Problem Solving- Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.

For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.