Attorney Advisor

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠The FMC is the federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The FMC is dedicated to ensuring a competitive and dependable international ocean transportation system that supports the U.S. economy and safeguards the public from unfair or deceptive practices.

Join the FMC and be part of a mission-driven organization during an important and exciting time in the maritime industry. Please refer to the qualifications and required documents for applicable education requirements. Applicants must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. You must submit a copy of both your law school and college transcript with your application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position. 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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home.

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov) As an attorney-advisor, you will assist in the adjudication of complex proceedings, often involving multiple parties, extensive records, discovery disputes, and expert economic evidence. Your work will have an impact upon common carriers, shippers, and the public in general. Preference for candidates with strong legal research and writing skills and litigation, decision-writing, or clerkship experience.

• Conducts comprehensive legal research independently, including examination of applicable laws, statutes, regulations, administrative and court decisions, and other materials to recommend decisions resolving factual and legal issues. Able to conduct research on complex discovery issues, motions, and international law when needed.
• Reviews extensive factual records, often consisting of thousands of pages of exhibits. Independently evaluates the factual basis for the most complex allegations of Shipping Act violations. Identifies additional information that may be necessary to make a legal determination of the merits of the claim. Evaluates expert witness testimony. Recommends disposition of complex discovery disputes that arise between the parties.
• Applies extensive knowledge and experience to analyze the most complex legal issues by evaluating the factual basis and applying legal principles derived from rules, regulations, and case law precedent where there is no existing guidance. Communicates reasons for proposed disposition of cases to Administrative Law Judge's or Small Claims Officers primarily in writing. Provides justifications for recommended decisions with citations to relevant facts in evidence and sound legal authorities.
• Manage multiple competing assignments with tight timelines independently and ensure the office has sufficient resources to complete assignments on a timely basis.
• Conducts prehearing meetings with potentially challenging parties (including unrepresented pro se parties) and attorneys, either orally or in writing, ensuring that all applicable rules are followed. Trains other attorneys and staff on policies and procedures, including for hearings, ensuring that proper notice is provided. Assist with hiring new staff members and training them.
• Independently prepare reports regarding caseload and budget. Evaluate and provide training on applicable case management systems. Research and provide recommendations on complex service issues such as international service.

Candidates for all grades must meet the following by the close of the announcement:

1. Minimum educational requirements include a professional law degree (LL.B or J.D.) from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school. NOTE: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. An ABA-approved law school may allow students to receive credit for law study or activities at a foreign institution and grant credit for the J.D. degree if those studies or activities are approved in accordance with the Rules of Procedure and Criteria adopted by the ABA's Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
2. Current active membership in a bar of any State, territory, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia. Active bar association and a certificate that the member is in good standing will be verified prior to appointment and employees must maintain active bar membership in good standing while employed as an attorney with the FMC.
3. Applicants must possess excellent research and oral and written communication skills.

In addition to the above minimum requirements, you must meet the following:

For the GS-12: You must have at least two (2) years of professional legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to the GS-11 grade level.

For the GS-13: You must have at least three (3) years of professional legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level.

For the GS-14: You must have at least four (4) years of professional legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.

Professional legal education above the first professional law degree may be substituted for experience required as follows:(a) The second professional law degree (LL.M) may be substituted for one year of experience (b) The third law degree (J.S.D) may be substituted for one year of experience beyond the LL.M. 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.