Want to do appellate litigation and work on agency decisions in a small and vibrant independent regulatory agency? The STB Office of the General Counsel (OGC) may be the place for you. The STB issues decisions and rules primarily regarding railroad regulatory matters. Because the agency has independent litigating authority, our lawyers represent the agency in federal courts of appeal in cases involving complex statutory and administrative issues.

Duties

The major duties of this position are: Partnering with the General Counsel in directing the work of the Office, which includes sharing the responsibility for the overall Office management and the supervision and review of the work of the Office's attorneys and other staff. This work includes the most important legal determinations and business of the Board. Advising and assisting the Board with respect to legal matters concerning the duties, functions, and activities of the Board, the interpretation of federal laws applicable to or affecting the Board or its activities (including the Interstate Commerce Act), the preparation or review of rules, regulations, orders, and opinions, and other documents. Defending Board actions on judicial review through pleadings, motions, briefs, and oral arguments. Representing the Board's interest in other court matters, including government interest and Trails Act matters. Providing compliance oversight on the Freedom of Information Act, Federal Records Act, Paperwork Reduction Act, and Ethics issues and legal advice regarding general law matters (such as personnel, procurement, and budgeting issues) for the Board.

Requirements

Qualifications

The Office of Personnel Management has not issued qualification standards for attorney positions. However, successful candidates must possess the following minimum qualifications before the closing date of this posting: A professional law degree (LL.B, J.D., LL.M.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA); Current membership in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia. Proof of bar membership will be required before entering on duty. All candidates being considered must demonstrate through their application documents: excellent research and writing skills, incisive legal analytical ability, strong oral advocacy, and presentation skills. If transcripts are not submitted at the time of application, a copy of the transcript must be submitted at the time of selection. AND B. Specialized Experience In order to be deemed qualified, GS-15 candidates must have at least four years of professional law experience, of which at least one year must be specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal Service performing the following: Analyzing complex legal and factual issues affecting federal regulatory and administrative law matters (such as those involving transportation economics, competition, environmental law) and rendering opinions on such matters; Directing/conducting litigation addressing federal regulatory and administrative law issues, including developing legal strategies, and drafting/supervising the production of legal pleadings/motions/briefs; to include conducting oral arguments, managing litigation deadlines. Reviewing legal decisions in complex adjudications and rulemakings; reviewing policy statements, guidance documents, public notices, briefing materials, data requests, and memoranda or reports; Collaborating with technical and subject-matter experts to prepare documents, reports, and analysis; Providing legal advice to an institution's leadership and staff; Handling complex matters under short time constraints; and Providing leadership and/or supervision to other attorneys or professionals. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: 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.

Education

You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

You must provide your transcripts to support your educational claims. Transcripts may be unofficial copies, but they must come from an accredited college or university, and they also must include the courses' names and number of credit hours. To search the database of accredited institutions visit: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that 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 U.S. accredited college or university. For further information visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Contacts

• Address Surface Transportation Board 395 E Street SW Washington, DC 20423 US
• Name: Jennifer Miles
• Phone: 202-245-0347
• Email: [email protected]