General Attorney

Social Security Administration

Location
California-Los Angeles
Description
<div id="jobDescriptionText" class="jobsearch-jobDescriptionText" dir="ltr"><div> <div> <h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Duties</b></h2> <ul> <li>Provides legal services on all legal matters within the incumbent's area of responsibility.</li> <li>Defends or advises on a wide variety of Social Security program-related, non-program or personnel matters.</li> <li>These matters involve application of complex statutory and regulatory provisions, and may involve difficult challenges to statute, regulations and/or administrative policies,</li> <li>[cont'd] as well as complex procedural (e.g., jurisdictional) and substantive (e.g., statutory and/or constitutional) issues.</li> <li>Analyzes and interprets difficult and complex statutes, regulations, policies, and decisions, and conducts research on a variety of subjects.</li> <li>Addresses the legal ramifications of litigation and legal matters regarding program, non-program, and/or personnel matters, including implications for nationwide uniformity.</li> <li>Responsible for preparing legal opinions and memoranda, and Agency materials, as well as applying authoritative knowledge in accomplishing Agency goals.</li> <li>Provides legal advice regarding litigation strategy for complex and difficult cases, including challenges to statutes, regulations, and/or administrative policies,</li> <li>[cont'd] and may be responsible for conducting litigation in administrative and court tribunals. These cases require considerable factual development and legal research and analysis, and are conducted at the administrative level</li> <li>(including but not limited to the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the Federal Labor Relations Authority and labor arbitrators), and before Federal courts.</li> <li>The decisions, particularly at the appellate level, can serve as national precedent.</li> <li>Defensibility determinations are made in terms of the prior administrative process and adherence to precedential case law; and numerous distinct legal materials are required to be prepared and filed in defense of the Commissioner's position.</li> <li>Certain preeminent cases will require the development of new strategies, approaches and/or interpretations.</li> </ul> </div> <div> <h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Requirements</b></h2> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Conditions of Employment</b></h3> <ul> <li>U.S. Citizenship required</li> <li>Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt (www.sss.gov)</li> <li>Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required</li> <li>Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background / security investigation results</li> <li>Relocation expenses will not be paid</li> <li>All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement</li> <li>Applicant must submit proof of Bar membership</li> <li>Law School Transcripts must include degree name and date conferred</li> <li>Selectees are required to serve a 2-year trial period</li> <li>THESE POSITIONS ARE IN THE EXCEPTED SERVICE</li> <li>INCUMBENT MAY BE PROMOTED NONCOMPETITIVELY PROVIDED WORK AT THE HIGHER LEVELS CONTINUES TO EXIST, THE INCUMBENT HAS DEMONSTRATED THE ABILITY TO PERFORM IT AND PROVIDED FURTHER THAT TIME-IN-GRADE AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.</li> </ul> <div> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Qualifications</b></h3> <div> Although not required for Sacramento and San Francisco, California bar membership is preferred. (California bar membership is required for Los Angeles <b>ONLY.</b>) Candidates should have a strong desire to serve the public; have excellent research, writing and communication skills; and have strong litigation experience or aptitude. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds, qualities, and experiences to apply. <br> <br> Applicants <b>must hold a law degree</b> from a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association. Applicants must be a member <b>in good standing</b> of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Applicants must provide one of the following to show that they are a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. <br> <br> 1. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the clerk of the highest court (e.g., Supreme Court) of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted; or <br> 2. An original or copy of a Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar Association of the state/jurisdiction where the applicant is admitted; or <br> 3. A copy of a bar membership card or a screenshot from a state bar website with a valid date that shows a current bar membership. <br> <br> An example of #1 or #2 would be the certificate of admission an applicant received upon his/her swearing-in ceremony from the clerk of the highest court of the state having authority over admission to practice law in the jurisdiction where admitted, or from the State Bar Association of the state where admitted. <br> <br> For purposes of applying, we only require proof that an applicant is a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Once selected for the position, an applicant must provide proof of an ACTIVE bar membership before he/she can enter on duty. Holding an ACTIVE bar membership is a continuing requirement of the position. You can provide #3 above both as proof of membership in good standing, and as proof of an ACTIVE bar membership. <br> <br> Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position. <br> <br> SSA has discretion to determine what grade level and salary may be offered. <br> <br> <b>For GS-13:</b> Requires 3 years of professional legal experience working as an attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service. <br> <br> <b>For GS-14:</b> Requires 4 years of professional legal experience working as an attorney with at least one year of this experience being equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. <br> <br> Applicants MUST meet all eligibility requirements on or before the closing date of the announcement to be considered for the position. </div> </div> <div> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Education</b></h3> <p>Submit a copy of your law school transcripts that includes your name, the name of the educational institution, course title(s), number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots of electronic/web transcripts with the required information will be accepted at the time of application. Self-prepared transcripts <b>will not</b> be accepted. You must submit your transcripts according to the application submission details of this announcement. Documents will not be accepted via email or regular mail. If selected, you may be required to provide your official college transcripts prior to the effective date of the personnel action placing you into the new position.<br> <br> <b>Foreign Education:</b> If your transcripts show education completed in foreign colleges or universities, you must also provide documentation 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 a conventional/accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. </p> </div> <div> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Additional information</b></h3> <div> <p><b>Salary</b>: <br> GS-13 $84,546 - $109,908 PLUS LOCALITY PAY<br> GS-14 $99,908 - $129,878 PLUS LOCALITY PAY<br> <br> This is a non-bargaining unit position.<br> <br> <b>Selective Service:</b> If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.<br> <br> The selectees must relocate to the selected city or be willing to commute. These positions are not eligible for remote work, outstationing, or telework. <br> <br> This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. This is a permanent, excepted service position that is being filled on a full-time basis. Flextime and/or alternate work schedules may be available.<br> <br> Occasional overnight travel is required.<br> <br> <b>Relocation expenses will not be paid.</b><br> <br> Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.</p> <br> </div> </div> <div> <ul> <li><p>Benefits</p> <div> <p>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. </p> <p></p> <p>Review our benefits </p> <div> <p>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.</p> </div> </div></li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>How You Will Be Evaluated</b></h2> <div> <p>You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.</p> <p>The evaluation you receive is based on your responses to the occupational questionnaire and how well your resume and supporting documentation meet the qualification requirements described in the <i>Qualifications</i> section above.<br> <br> Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire, which is designed to capture the desired competencies for this position. These competencies include: </p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of the American legal system, substantive and procedural criminal law, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence and a thorough knowledge of criminal or civil litigation practice in the American legal system as well as knowledge of the laws and precedents relating to Social Security program fraud or other government fraud.</li> <li>Ability to lead an investigative team of special agents and other law enforcement partners to appropriately investigate and prosecute criminal fraud in Federal court.</li> <li>Ability to identify, research, and investigate potential criminal fraud and make appropriate charging decisions, prepare for and conduct jury trials, negotiate plea agreements and make appropriate sentencing arguments.</li> <li>Skill in conducting oral and written trial advocacy before a court or jury at all stages of a criminal proceeding.</li> </ul>Please make sure you answer all questions and follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your evaluation. The questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. To preview the questions, click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/11876091 </div> </div> <p></p> <div> <ul> <li><p>Benefits</p> <div> <p>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. </p> <p></p> <p>Review our benefits </p> <div> <p>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.</p> </div> </div></li> <li><p>Required Documents</p> <div> <p>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.</p> <p>You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.<br> <br> <b>COVER LETTER</b><br> <b> </b><br> <b>RESUME:</b> Include the following information: 1) personal information (full name, mailing address, work and home phone numbers); 2) education; 3) work experience (paid and unpaid, including clerkships/internships). Show job title, including series and grade if Federal employment, detailed duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (mm/dd/yy), hours per week, and salary; 4) other qualifications (skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses). Please note that providing the mm/dd/yy for all work experience is critical for evaluating your application. If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes. We recommend applicants build a resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Please refer to How to Build a Resume for instructions.<br> <br> <b>PROOF OF EDUCATION:</b> Submit a copy of your law school transcripts with the course title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application; however, self-prepared transcripts <b>WILL NOT</b> be accepted. The degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at a U.S. college or university. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services. (<b>See </b><b><i>Education</i></b><b> section for specific transcript information.</b>)<br> <br> <b>PROOF OF CURRENT BAR MEMBERSHIP</b><b>:</b> Proof of active Bar Membership (e.g., screen print of your profile from a bar web site which reflects your name and active status, a letter from the bar certifying that you are licensed and authorized to practice law, OR copy of a recent bar card.) (<b>See </b><b><i>Qualifications</i></b><b> section for specific Bar Membership information.</b>)<br> </p> <div> <b>WRITING SAMPLE: </b> <b>One current</b> substantive legal writing sample that reflects your own work and is <b>no more than 15 pages in length</b>. Your sample must be sanitized or redacted to prevent possible Privacy Act violations. Writing samples will be critiqued based on your ability to analyze a legal problem and clearly and concisely articulate legal rationale. <br> <br> <b>REFERENCES:</b> List of three professional references. ( <b>Note:</b> We will not contact references without first obtaining your permission to do so). <br> <br> <b>SF-50: If applicable</b>, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement <b>MUST</b> submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held. <br> <br> <b>VETERANS' PREFERENCE:</b> This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is in the excepted service. Veteran's preference in the excepted service is viewed as a positive factor in selection; however, applicants eligible for veteran's preference neither receive additional points nor are they placed at the top of a quality category. <br> <br> If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) <b>and</b> the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 <b>and</b> the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. <br> <br> <b>Note:</b> If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters. <br> <br> For more information visit the Vet Guide. </div> <p></p> <div> <h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: </b></h4> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> </div> </div></li> <li><p>How to Apply</p> <p></p> <div> <div> <p><b>Please note that this announcement is open to attorneys who are members of a bar in good standing only. If you have passed the bar but have not been sworn in or do not have proof of being sworn in, you are </b><b>not</b><b> eligible to apply and your application will </b><b>not</b><b> be considered.</b><br> <br> A complete application consists of the following: </p> <div> <ul> <li>Occupational questionnaire</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Cover Letter</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Resume</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Law school transcript</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Proof that you are a member in good standing of the Bar of a State, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul> <li>Legal writing sample</li> </ul> <ul> <li>List of three professional references</li> </ul> <ul> <li>If applicable, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement <b>MUST</b> submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>If applicable, proof of veteran's preference (DD-214 member 4 copy). This document <b>MUST</b> show character of service. If you are claiming 10-point preference, you <b>MUST</b> also submit with your DD-214 a completed SF-15 along with the required documentation specified on the reverse side of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received.</li> </ul> </div> <p><b>NOTE</b>: It is your responsibility to include <b>all</b> information needed to evaluate your qualifications and determine if you meet the requirements for the position. <b>If there is insufficient information or if you do not include all of the required documents in #1-6 above (and if applicable, #7 and/or 8), you will be found ineligible. </b><b>This office will not solicit for additional information.</b><br> <br> The complete Application Package must be submitted before midnight (EST) on 03/31/2023.<br> <br> To begin the process, click the <b>Apply Online </b>button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire. Please ensure you click the <b>Submit My Answers</b> button at the end of the process.</p> <p></p> </div> <div> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Agency contact information</b></h3> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>OPE Staffing OGC </b></h3> <div> <div> <h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Email</b></h5> <p>OPE.Staffing.OGC@ssa.gov </p> </div> <div> <h5 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Address</b></h5> <p></p> <div> <i>OGC</i> <br> <i>6401 Security Boulevard</i> <br> <i>Baltimore, MD 21235</i> <br> <i>US </i> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h3 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Next steps</b></h3> <div> <p>To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log in to your USAJOBS account.<br> <br> If you use assistive software or an adaptive device, or you are experiencing some other type of technical difficulty and/or otherwise require assistance with the application process, please contact OPE Staffing OGC at OPE.Staffing.OGC@ssa.gov.<br> <br> Due to our security procedures, our office will not accept any applications submitted via email or standard mail. The email address is listed only for inquiries about the position or the How to Apply process.<br> <br> <b>Once you have successfully submitted your application materials, you can expect to receive the following email notifications concerning your application status: (1) Receipt of application; (2) Result of qualifications review; (3) Referred/Not Referred to the selecting official; and (4) Selected/Not Selected for the position. </b><b>Due to the high volume of applications received, we will be unable to provide status updates to applicants via email or telephone</b><b>.</b><br> <br> The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.<br> <br> SSA PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL PERSONS WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MARITAL STATUS, PARENTAL STATUS, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, AND CONDUCT NOT ADVERSELY AFFECTING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE. </p> </div> </div></li> <li><p>Fair and Transparent</p> <div> <p>The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. </p> <ul> <li>Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy </li> <li>Reasonable accommodation policy </li> <li>Financial suitability </li> <li>Selective Service </li> <li>New employee probationary period </li> <li>Signature and false statements </li> <li>Privacy Act </li> <li>Social security number request </li> </ul> </div></li> </ul> </div> <div> <h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Required Documents</b></h2> <div> <p>You must submit supporting documentation by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.<br> <br> <b>COVER LETTER</b><br> <b> </b><br> <b>RESUME:</b> Include the following information: 1) personal information (full name, mailing address, work and home phone numbers); 2) education; 3) work experience (paid and unpaid, including clerkships/internships). Show job title, including series and grade if Federal employment, detailed duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (mm/dd/yy), hours per week, and salary; 4) other qualifications (skills, certifications/licenses, honors, awards, special accomplishments, and job-related training courses). Please note that providing the mm/dd/yy for all work experience is critical for evaluating your application. If actual dates are not known, provide your best-estimated timeframes. We recommend applicants build a resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Please refer to How to Build a Resume for instructions.<br> <br> <b>PROOF OF EDUCATION:</b> Submit a copy of your law school transcripts with the course title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application; however, self-prepared transcripts <b>WILL NOT</b> be accepted. The degree must be from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education completed in a foreign institution must be certified as equivalent to coursework completed at a U.S. college or university. Certification of equivalency must be submitted at the time of application. For a list of Credential Evaluation Services, log on to: Credential Evaluation Services. (<b>See </b><b><i>Education</i></b><b> section for specific transcript information.</b>)<br> <br> <b>PROOF OF CURRENT BAR MEMBERSHIP</b><b>:</b> Proof of active Bar Membership (e.g., screen print of your profile from a bar web site which reflects your name and active status, a letter from the bar certifying that you are licensed and authorized to practice law, OR copy of a recent bar card.) (<b>See </b><b><i>Qualifications</i></b><b> section for specific Bar Membership information.</b>)<br> </p> <div> <b>WRITING SAMPLE: </b> <b>One current</b> substantive legal writing sample that reflects your own work and is <b>no more than 15 pages in length</b>. Your sample must be sanitized or redacted to prevent possible Privacy Act violations. Writing samples will be critiqued based on your ability to analyze a legal problem and clearly and concisely articulate legal rationale. <br> <br> <b>REFERENCES:</b> List of three professional references. ( <b>Note:</b> We will not contact references without first obtaining your permission to do so). <br> <br> <b>SF-50: If applicable</b>, all current excepted service employees and former excepted service employees eligible for reinstatement <b>MUST</b> submit a copy of their last SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) showing Excepted Service career, career-conditional, or reinstatement eligibility and showing highest grade held. <br> <br> <b>VETERANS' PREFERENCE:</b> This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is in the excepted service. Veteran's preference in the excepted service is viewed as a positive factor in selection; however, applicants eligible for veteran's preference neither receive additional points nor are they placed at the top of a quality category. <br> <br> If you are claiming veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of your military discharge certificate (DD-214 member 4 copy preferred) or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty. To be acceptable, the document must contain dates and show Character of Service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference based on a service-connected disability, you must also submit an Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference (SF 15) <b>and</b> the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Applicants claiming derived preference must submit the SF-15 <b>and</b> the required documentation specified on the reverse of the SF-15. Preference will be granted based on the documents received. <br> <br> <b>Note:</b> If you are a current active duty military member who does not have a DD-214 and are claiming preference under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces indicating that you will be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty within 120 days of the date on the certification. Certifications must be on letterhead from the appropriate military branch and include the following information: military dates of service and expected discharge or release date, the character of service, military rank, type of discharge, and date when terminal leave will begin. Certifications must be signed by or under the direction of military members' military personnel offices, unit commanders, or higher headquarters. <br> <br> For more information visit the Vet Guide. </div> <p></p> <div> <h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: </b></h4> <p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <br> <div> Help <h2 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>This job is open to</b></h2> <div></div> <ul> <li> <div> <h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>The public</b></h4> <p>U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.</p> </div></li> </ul> <div> <h4 class="jobSectionHeader"><b>Clarification from the agency</b></h4> <p>This vacancy is open to ALL U.S. Citizens. ***The selectees must relocate to the selected city or be willing to commute. These positions not eligible for remote work, oustationing, or telework.***</p> </div> </div></div>
Posted
Updated
Closed
Practice Areas
Litigation
Specialties
Government, Administrative
Experience
1+ year
Employer Type
Government