This position is located in the Benefits Review Board. The Board, consisting of Members appointed by the Secretary of Labor, is an independent adjudicatory body with exclusive nationwide jurisdiction to consider and decide appeals raising substantial questions of law or fact taken by any party-in-interest from decisions with respect to claims of employees under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions, and the Black Lung Benefits Act (the Acts).

Duties

- This position is inside a bargaining unit. - Position subject to a 5-day minimum on-site work requirement. Independently reviews assigned cases to verify the briefing schedule is complete, there are no outstanding motions, and all relevant documents necessary for the disposition of the appeal are contained in the record. Thoroughly researches statutes, regulations, decisions, legislative history and other legal authorities on the points of law involved, and provides a logical analysis of each case, discussing the issues and evidence that are relevant to its disposition. Advises the Board and builds on, or extrapolates from, existing precedent or applies rules of statutory construction in a logical manner to arrive at a reasoned analysis of the factual or legal issues raised. Provides support for, and may attend, oral argument in those novel cases where the parties appear before the Board; makes case recommendations to the Board by written memorandum, or by outline discussed at oral presentation; prepares written decisions and orders that are in line with instructions and votes of the Board Members; may assist in preparing dissenting or concurring opinions, typically in novel or complex cases; redrafts decisions and orders when instructed; and prepares a final decision and order for approval and signature by the Board. Acts as a mentor to lower-grade attorney staff, offering guidance and advice in case development and processing, and in drafting memoranda and decisions and orders; may provide technical review of the work products of lower-grade attorney staff; and ensures that final decisions are in proper format and free of typographical errors. Coordinates work or project assignments; monitors case work in progress; identifies and resolves potential problems that may adversely impact case completion objectives; and reviews the group's final products to ensure legal quality, legal consistency, and conformity with policy. Serves as a liaison to the Clerk's Office, providing legal input and advice when needed to assist the Office in preparing cases to be processable. Maintains accurate records reflecting case assignment, due dates, and other information to ensure the timely assignment and processing of cases. On an ongoing basis, determines the appropriate classification (Type I, II, or III) for cases referred to the Office of General Counsel, assessing cases based on complexity, novelty, the number of issues presented, and the estimated time required to prepare a draft decision or order. Alerts the Associate General Counsel of possible complex or novel issues that may be encountered. Assigns cases to staff attorneys to ensure timely disposition. Counsels, guides, and instructs newly assigned attorneys on matters of style, critical points of law, precedents, and general Board policy. Incumbent may be assigned special projects including, but not limited to, developing, compiling, or revising (1) policy and procedural directives, (2) instructional materials that provide legal research references, and (3) staff training aids.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Requires a trial period if the requirement has not been met.
• Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.

Qualifications

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. To qualify for an attorney position, applicants must possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.); be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the U.S.; and have acquired the amount of experience indicated below. For the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have three (3) years of progressively responsible legal experience, post-law school, of a professional nature which demonstrates the ability to perform the work at this level. At least one year of qualifying experience, at this level, must be Specialized Experience as defined below. Specialized experience for this position is described as having a working knowledge of the Black Lung Benefits Act; the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions; or similar litigation experience through appellate or federal law, such as workers' compensation experience. Candidates should have experience working independently to review and analyze cases, making recommendations, and drafting legal opinions or arguments. NOTE: An LL.M. may be substituted for a maximum of one year of experience. Applicants also must supply the following documents below. Bar Certificate: You must be a member in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory, or possession of the U.S. Transcripts: You must provide a copy of your law school transcript to be considered for this position. Verification of your academic degree(s) is necessary to determine your qualifications or eligibility for this position; you will be required to submit an official transcript for verification purposes before you are hired. However, unofficial transcripts may be submitted during the application phase of the process. Please note that your J.D. or LL. B degree must be conferred before you can begin working. Writing Sample: In addition to your transcripts, you must also provide an unedited legal writing sample that is no more than ten (10) pages long with your application in order to receive further consideration.

Education

An LL.B or J.D. is a requirement for this position. If you do not submit sufficient academic documentation necessary to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements described in this announcement, your application will be deemed incomplete and you will be ineligible for further consideration for this vacancy.

Any applicant falsely claiming an academic degree from an accredited school will be subject to actions ranging from disqualification from federal employment to removal from federal service.

If your education was completed at a foreign college or university, you must show comparability to education received in accredited educational institutions in the United States and comparability to applicable minimum course work requirements for this position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education for more information.

Contacts

• Address Office of the Secretary of Labor 200 Constitution Avenue NW Washington, DC 20210 US
• Name: Nekeysha Garcia
• Phone: 404-302-5863
• Email: [email protected]