ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (GENERAL)

Duties As a senior attorney, advises the 319th Reconnaissance Wing Commander, as well as subordinate and tenant unit commanders and managers, on a host of general law matters.
Assesses and evaluates for legal compliance, legal sufficiency, and/or advisability, local policies and practices, proposed actions and decisions, official conduct and authority, commercial transactions, draft documents and publications, investigations, responses to inquiries, public statements, plans, and initiatives.
For the most complex installation legal issues, prepares for and represents the AF/installation and its legal interests in correspondence, meetings, negotiations, and judicial and administrative hearings, involving federal, state, and local (and overseas, foreign) officials, parties with adverse interests, and commercial entities.
Advocates AF positions and defends AF legal interests in meetings and negotiations with outside officials and entities, in order to reach agreements that permit the unconstrained execution of the AF mission and preserve command prerogatives.
Provides legal assistance to active duty military, dependents, eligible Department of Defense (DoD) civilians, retirees, and other DoD cardholders, consistent with Air Force Instructions (AFIs) and legal office policy.
In line with professional responsibility standards, counsels clients on various personal civil legal matters, such as marriage, divorce, paternity, child support, child custody, consumer law, real property or automobile purchase, sale, or lease, bankruptcy, financing, immigration, citizenship, redress for personal injury, estate planning, probate, and taxes.
Requirements Conditions of Employment U.
S.
Citizenship is required If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations.
If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement.
More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.
com/regulatory/ Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.
sss.
gov.
Employee must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.
S.
state, territory, or commonwealth.
Employee must adhere to the Air Force Rules of Professional Conduct.
Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.
Employee may be required to work overtime.
Employee may be required to travel for temporary duty away from home station.
Employee may be required to file an Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and annually thereafter.
Mobility is a condition of employment.
The employee must sign an Air Force-wide mobility agreement.
Attorney appointments are subject to serve a one-year probationary period.
Candidates are not required to have active duty service or veterans’ preference to be referred and considered.
All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
Qualifications GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.
S.
commonwealth, U.
S.
territory, or the District of Columbia.
On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
EXPERIENCE: In addition to the basic requirement, you must have professional legal experience in excess of two (2) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities of the position, such as: Position requires knowledge of a wide range of legal concepts, principles, and practices in highly specialized and complex legal fields of practice.
Position requires knowledge of statutory and case law, regulations, and regulatory and administrative decisions.
Position is required to ensure accuracy and professionalism of all legal opinions and documents prepared.
Position requires analytical skills and ability to recognize, analyze and discern key legal points of a factual situation; ability to plan and conduct thorough legal research with available resources and to quickly and accurately identify key facts, assess their significance, and correctly apply pertinent legal standards and principles; and the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, in both formal and informal settings, provide well-reasoned analyses and clear conclusions on complex issues with little advance preparation, and clearly convey legal issues or decisions to personnel not in the legal profession.
Difficult legal or factual questions are often involved because of the absence of clearly applicable precedents.
Furthermore, it is often highly arguable which precedents are applicable to the case at issue because of the complexity of the facts or the different possible constructs which may be placed on either the facts or the laws and precedents involved.
Position deals with Type I and II cases, and Type II cases occupy enough work time to warrant crediting Type II for this factor.
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.
Knowledge of applicable law pertaining to the specialized areas of legal practice, as determined by the SJA, in order to provide legal advice and counsel to command and management and represent AF interests.
2.
Sufficient knowledge of federal, state, and local law, as it impacts the private individual, to provide personal legal assistance to eligible beneficiaries across the typical range of the AF legal assistance practice.
3.
Skill in recognizing and analyzing key legal issues in a factual situation and applying well-reasoned analysis to reach clear, concise conclusions.
4.
Ability to research legal issues, analyze complex factual situations in light of general legal principles and the results of research, and prepare legal opinions.
5.
Ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of individuals, in and outside the legal profession, both orally and in writing, in both formal and informal settings.
6.
Ability to prepare cases for trial and/or try cases before a court, administrative body, or an official having quasi-judicial power.
At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia.
On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.
e.
, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.
g.
, professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.
S.
state, territory, or commonwealth.
The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.
Additional information Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Click here for more information.
Current Federal Civilian employees may apply for temporary and term positions and if selected, a break in service may be required prior to appointment to the position.
Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date.
Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or retention incentives may or may not be used.
If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
Tax Law Impact for PCS: On 22-Dec-2017, Public Law 115-97 - the "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017" suspended qualified moving expense deductions along with the exclusion for employer reimbursements and payments of moving expenses effective 01-Jan-2018 for tax years 2018 through 2025.
When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable.
Visit GSA Bulletin FTR 20-04 here for additional information.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How You Will Be Evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position.
Please follow all instructions carefully.
Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire.
If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job.
Applications who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
Benefits A career with the U.
S.
government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application.
Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration.
Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.
Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.
e.
, month/year to month/year or month/year to present).
If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.
e.
GS-0301-09.
Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc.
, on your resume.
License: At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.
S.
commonwealth, U.
S.
territory, or the District of Columbia.
On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date.
Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave.
At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge (honorable/general) and type of separation (i.
e.
separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference.
If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring.
Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim Veterans Preference must submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service, and a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed.
(SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.
opm.
gov.
) NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: 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.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 03/04/2024 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12327209 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire.
Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.
Your Resume (your latest resume will be used to determine your qualifications).
If you submit more than one copy of your resume, only the most recent (latest) version will be reviewed.
The latest timestamp will be used to determine which version of your resume is "most recent.
" It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, you will not be considered for this vacancy.
For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.
e.
, hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present).
If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
Ensure your resume contains your full name.
2.
A complete Application Questionnaire 3.
Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section).
Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
4.
Optional Documents: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.
e.
, resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.
You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully.
You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here.
Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Agency contact information Total Force Service Center Phone 1-800-525-0102 Email DO.
NOT.
EMAIL@CALL.
ONLY Address Grand Forks AFB 226 Steen Blvd Bldg 101 Grand Forks AFB, ND 58205 US Next steps Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent.
After a review of your complete application is made you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the hiring official.
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application.
Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration.
If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.
If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS.
Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request Required Documents The following documents are required and must be provided with your application.
Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration.
Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.
Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming.
Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.
e.
, month/year to month/year or month/year to present).
If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.
If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.
e.
GS-0301-09.
Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume.
Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc.
, on your resume.
License: At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.
S.
commonwealth, U.
S.
territory, or the District of Columbia.
On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date.
Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave.
At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge (honorable/general) and type of separation (i.
e.
separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference.
If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt.
NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring.
Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim Veterans Preference must submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service, and a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed.
(SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.
opm.
gov.
) NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: 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.
Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.
S.
Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency Applications will be accepted from U.
S.
Citizens (U.
S.
citizenship required at time of application).
THIS IS AN EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT.
PERSON RECEIVING AN EXCEPTED SERVICE APPOINTMENT DO NOT RECEIVE COMPETITIVE SERVICE STATUS