Attorney-Advisor (General)

Summary

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The position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The Attorney\-Advisor provides complex professional legal services to AOC managers and staff regarding a variety of legal issues including, without limitation, employment and labor law, equal employment opportunity (EEO) law, workplace safety and health law and torts.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

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### The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

### Clarification from the agency

See Requirements section of this announcement for information on who may apply.

Duties

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The Attorney\-Advisor represents the AOC in mediation, administrative hearings and court proceedings along with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in these areas and provides expert counsel on provisions of the U.S. Code, the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA), and other laws and regulations. The Attorney is an expert in interpreting administrative orders, rules, or regulations to give effect to the provisions of judicial decrees, governing statutes or other requirements of law.

Agency Liaison

• Serves as a principal liaison for the AOC on personnel and labor law, EEO, occupational and workplace safety and health law, torts and serves as an expert on legal and factual matters concerning these areas of law where complex and difficult legal questions or factual issues are involved.

Employment Law

• Provides advice on employment and human resources matters. Counsels and advises Human Capital Management Division (HCMD) managers and staff on the impact of human resources and employee relations activities on the human resources program; and provides representation and advises AOC officials in third\-party hearings, including internal disciplinary hearings.

Labor Law

• Provides advice on the labor\-management relations program including collective bargaining agreements, grievance procedures, dispute resolution, and representation of the AOC in third party procedures.
• Conducts the litigation of formal unfair labor practice (ULP) complaints and hearings and negotiability appeals by providing advice on complex legal issues, participating in the negotiation of settlements, conducting depositions of witnesses, filing necessary briefs, and representing the AOC at hearings and arbitrations.
• Advises senior management staff and the Chief Human Capital Officer on matters of labor law or administrative policy related to individual actions or actions affecting entire bargaining units of the AOC.
• Serves as the agency representative in the following high\-profile discussions and negotiations:

\Equal Employment Opportunity, Occupational Health and Workplace Safety Law, Torts*

Legal Advice and Guidance

• Serves as a principal attorney in charge of advising on extremely complex and difficult legal problems that substantially broaden or restrict the activities of an agency. Addresses confidential and sensitive civil rights law matters that cut across organizational lines and affect the administration and resources of the agency.
• Advises the AOC and outside agencies on interpretations of specialized areas of law and assists in planning policies affecting the agency's position.

Acts as principal attorney in charge of recommending policies and developing procedures and regulations to implement new or amended legislation for the employing agency.

Legal Research and Writing

• Addresses extremely complex and difficult law matters in the drafting, interpretation, or application of legislation, regulations, orders, decisions, opinions, or other legal instruments.
• Conducts legal research on highly intricate and exceedingly complex and novel questions in connection with respect to: legal questions referred by administrative officials of the agency, such as questions concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, and regulations; or questions regarding the effect of provisions of proposed legislation or proposed changes in agency policies or regulations.

Litigation

• Serves as an expert in preparing the most complex cases for litigation. Conducts litigation of the most complex cases, as an expert in employment law, labor law, and other legal issues.
• Provides all necessary litigation support to Assistant U.S. Attorney and DOJ staff attorneys handling agency cases in Federal court, including performing legal research and drafting motions, pleadings, and briefs, preparing litigation reports, as well as interviewing witnesses, taking affidavits, and participating in discovery and trial processes.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

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### Conditions of employment

• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• You must be able to pass a drug test.
• You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
• You must meet the education requirements.
• Active membership in good standing of the Bar of the highest court.

“To be employed by the Architect of the Capitol in a paid position, an individual must meet

one of the categories below:

• A citizen of the United States;
• A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3\)(B);
• A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
• A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408\); or
• A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.”

### Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review on the OPM web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

*Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position and is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. To be creditable, an applicant's one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful job performance.*

In addition to meeting the basic education requirement for an Engineer or Architect, you resume must clearly demonstrate the required specialized experience as described below.

To qualify at the GS\-13 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS\-12 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis:

• Resolving questions and providing accurate legal advice to both attorneys and non\-attorneys on complex legal matters;
• Analyzing facts and legal concerns presented, determining additional facts needed, and applying appropriate legal sources;
and
• Drafting legal documents and performing legal research.

To qualify at the GS\-14 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS\-13 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis:

• Providing guidance on complex legal issues for large organizations or firms pertaining to Employment or Labor Law;
• Resolving questions and providing accurate legal advice to both attorneys and non\-attorneys on complex legal matters;
• Analyzing facts and legal concerns presented, determining additional facts needed, and applying appropriate legal sources;
and
• Drafting legal documents and performing legal research.

To qualify at the GS\-15 level, your resume must clearly demonstrate that you have one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to at least the GS\-14 level in the federal service. Examples of qualifying experience include the following types of tasks performed on a regular and recurring basis:

• Providing guidance on complex legal issues for large organizations or firms pertaining to Employment or Labor Law;
• Providing legal opinions on employment law legislation;
• Resolving questions and providing accurate legal advice to both attorneys and non\-attorneys on complex legal matters;
• Analyzing facts and legal concerns presented, determining additional facts needed, and applying appropriate legal sources;
and
• Drafting legal documents and performing legal research.

### Education

To be qualified for this position, you must meet the basic educational and work experience requirements for Attorney\-Advisor positions in the federal government. Applicants must:

(1\) Position requires the possession of a professional law degree. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with an LL.B. or J.D.; (from a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association or a state\-accredited school of law)

(2\) Be a current member in good standing of the bar with a valid license to practice law in a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and

Appointees must maintain active membership in good standing of the bar throughout their employment.

(3\) Meet all specialized experience requirements as described in the vacancy announcement.

The education generally must be from an accredited (or pre\-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions.

Selected Applicant must provide the following:

• Legible copies of transcripts demonstrating that applicant is a graduate from an LL.B. or J.D., or higher degree program in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association or a state\-accredited school of law must be attached to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of the application. Official documents will be required if selected.
• Proof of bar membership demonstrating that applicant is an active (or equivalent) member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• You must submit a legible copy of your college/university transcripts to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of application. Official transcripts will be required if selected. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application.

### Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD\-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF\-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp\#6\.

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.

The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.

The Architect of the Capitol is an E\-VERIFY Participant. E\-VERIFY is an Internet\-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I\-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I\-9 will be verified through the DHS "E\-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E\-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc\_1185221678150\.shtm

The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case\-by\-case basis.

Moving expenses are not authorized.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Probationary Period \- A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one\-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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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.

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.

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

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You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self\-assessment questions.

Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self\-assessment questions in the job announcement. The self\-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:

• Labor Law
• Negotiation
• Research
• Oral/Written Communication

Your responses to the self\-assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating. You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions. Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter. Your resume must support your answers to the self\-assessment questions. Falsifying your background, education and/or experience is cause for non\-selection or disqualification from further consideration.

Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

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The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.

To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application.

Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.

Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.

For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.

If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD\-214, and, if claiming a 10\-point preference, a SF\-15 and the proof required by that form).

Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

### 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

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You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed\-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.

NEED HELP?

If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on\-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1\-866\-656\-6831 or by e\-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday \- Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.

If you are unable to apply on\-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second \& D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2\-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202\) 226\-7000 for directions.

### Agency contact information

Clarissa Anderson

Phone

202\-215\-4316

Fax

000\-000\-0000

Email

clarissa.anderson@aoc.gov

Address

Architect of the Capitol

United States Capitol

Washington, District of Columbia 20515

United States### Next steps

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.

You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2\) weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.

Overview

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Accepting applications

Open \& closing dates

04/03/2026 to 04/24/2026

Salary

$121,785 \- $197,200 per year

Pay scale \& grade

GS 13 \- 15

Location

2nd and D Street, S.W.

Washington, DC

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

Yes—Telework as directed by agency policy.

Travel Required

Occasional travel \- Travel includes but not limited to depositions, conferences, etc. as required within the United States.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent \- Permanent, Full Time

Work schedule

Full\-time \- This is an Excepted Service position and does not require or confer Civil Service Competitive Status

Service

Excepted

Promotion potential

15 \- Position has non\-competitive promotion potential to the GS\-15\.

Job family (Series)

• 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status

No

Security clearance

Other

Drug test

Yes

Position sensitivity and risk

Non\-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

• Suitability/Fitness

Announcement number

OGC\-2026\-129

Control number

863927500