Trial Attorney (Contract)

This position is located in Philadelphia, PA.

About the role

Serves as Senior Counsel for the Litigation Team under the Office of the Chief Counsel, Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support.

Responsibilities

• Presents the Government's case in connection with appeals before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.
• Assists the Department of Justice in cases filed in Federal court.
• Provides direction, guidance, and mentorship to other Team members.
• Assigns work, plans, and directs activities of lower-graded Trial Attorneys.
• Develops legal policy and procedures for use by Trial Attorneys.
• Provides guidelines for preparation for Alternative Dispute Resolution, discovery, depositions, hearings, and selection and preparation of witnesses.
• Prepares trial outlines.
• Conducts pre-trial conferences with appellant's representatives.
• Prepares stipulation of facts.
• Oversees and reviews preparation of motions, presentation of evidence, and tactics in direct examination and cross-examination of witnesses.
• Serves as consultant to Trial Attorneys.
• Reviews documents and coordinates with Acquisition Counsel on claim resolutions, settlement agreements, and termination actions.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• This is an Excepted Service position.
• Tour of Duty: Flexible.
• Security Requirements: Non-Critical Sensitive with Secret Access. Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination; unfavorably adjudicated background checks will be grounds for removal.
• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt.
• Selective Service Requirement: Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
• Bargaining Unit Status: No.
• Financial Disclosure Requirement: Required.

Qualifications

• The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
• Proof that you are licensed and a member in good standing with the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Acceptable proof includes a "certificate of good standing" issued within 6 months of the closing date of this announcement, a screenshot of your bar status from your state's licensure website dated within 6 months, or a sworn statement to that effect. The successful applicant must provide a "certificate of good standing" showing active status prior to appointment.

In addition to the above, each grade level has the following qualification requirements:

• GS-13 Level: Must possess professional legal experience in excess of 2 years commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• GS-14 Level: Must possess professional legal experience in excess of 3 years commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Promotion for this position is based on time, performance, and mastery of skills at the required grade level, with approval from the DLA General Counsel.

Principal Selection Factors

• Knowledge and experience in litigating and presenting the Government's case, including collaborating and mentoring junior attorneys in connection with appeals before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, Government Accounting Office, Court of Federal Claims, and Federal Courts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, legal research skills, proficiency as an advocate, and effectiveness in advising high-level civilian and/or military management officials.
• Ability to lead personnel toward achievement of organizational goals and manage programs or cases and resources.

This position is designated Non-Critical Sensitive. If selected, you must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Periodic re-investigation is required to maintain security eligibility.

Education

You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. If using foreign education, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign education programs and deemed equivalent to a U.S. accredited program.

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 designed to make your federal career rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.

Additional Information

• Veterans' preference is considered a positive factor for attorney hiring in the excepted service. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference should include this information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214).
• As of 23 December 2016, military retirees seeking to enter federal service in the Department of Defense require a waiver if appointed within 180 days following their official date of retirement.
• This position does not meet criteria for appointment of Reemployed Annuitants.
• The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) maintains a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident, and random drug testing are conducted. Refusal to undergo testing or testing positive for illegal drugs may result in withdrawal of the tentative job offer or removal from Federal service. The DLA drug testing panel includes marijuana, cocaine, opiates, heroin, phencyclidine, amphetamines, methamphetamines, fentanyl, norfentanyl, MDMA, MDA, and opioids. Use of cannabidiol (CBD) products may result in a positive drug test for marijuana.