The incumbent serves as trial attorney and legal advisor, and as such, performs a variety of legal functions, under technical guidance, requiring an understanding of U.S. shipping laws, Commission regulations, rules and orders, investigative techniques, civil litigation, as well as the procedural and evidentiary rules for developing a complete record in formal administrative proceedings.

Duties

The following are the duties at the full performance GS-14 level. If you are selected at a lower grade level, you will have the opportunity to learn to perform all these duties, and will receive training to help you grow in this position, Informally review and prepare evidentiary materials in conjunction with investigators and other professionals to accurately determine whether there is sufficient basis to warrant enforcement action and/or institution of a formal proceeding. Prepare Memoranda of Legal Review containing incisive, accurate analyses, conclusions and recommendations of actions that may be taken by the Commission on alleged violations or other matters involving questions of policy or interpretations of statutes or regulations warranting the application of the penalty provisions of the shipping statutes. Prepare formal recommendations for specific action to be taken by the Commission, including Orders of Investigation and Hearing; Orders to Show Cause; and Orders issued to regulated and other entities, to submit data, documents, including rulemaking documents for review by the Bureau and the Commission. Prepare interrogatories, requests for production of documents, and requests for admission directed to parties or related persons in final form for review by the Office or Bureau Director. Such requests will be clearly designed to elicit all relevant information necessary to prosecute a case that has resulted in a formal proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge. Participate in formal proceedings before an Administrative Law Judge or the Commission as lead trial counsel, or, as may be needed, with additional assigned Enforcement attorneys, is responsible for presenting Enforcement's positions in such proceedings, interviews witnesses, prepares written testimony, assists in preparation of exhibits and oral testimony of Commission witnesses, conducts direct and cross examination of hearing witnesses. Participate in and furnish high level accurate advice with respect to formal administrative proceedings before the Commission or an Administrative Law Judge involving the full range of issues which fall within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

Requirements

Qualifications

You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement: Candidates must meet the following by the close of the announcement: Minimum educational requirements include a professional law degree (LLB 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. 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. Applicants must possess excellent research and oral and written communication skills. In addition to the above minimum requirements, you must meet the following: GS-13: You must have professional law experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. GS-14: You must have professional law experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service.

Education

Education Documentation:

• Law school transcripts are required at the time of application (unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but an official transcript is required if you are selected.)
• If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.
• 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 Accreditationwebsite.

Contacts

• Address Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance 800 North Capitol Street, NW Washington, DC 20573 US
• Name: Nick Hornung
• Phone: 2025234684
• Email: [email protected]