Attorney Advisor

If you have experience in competition or consumer protection law, are interested in policy work, and want to play an integral role in a dynamic organization, then consider joining the Office of Policy and Planning at the Federal Trade Commission! For more information visit, https://www.ftc.gov/about-ftc.

Duties

The Federal Trade Commission's Office of Policy Planning seeks three attorneys interested in work on competition and consumer protection policy initiatives. Attorney Advisor candidates should have excellent legal research and writing abilities and strong analytical and oral communication skills. Candidates must be able to work effectively on teams and individually, exercise sound judgment, demonstrate creative thinking and initiative, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency. More specifically, incumbents of this position perform some or all of the following duties:

• Advise the Director, the Chairman, Commissioners and staff on policy initiatives that further both the antitrust and consumer protection missions.
• Draft and review Agency amicus briefs, advocacy comments, rules, and staff reports.
• Conduct market studies using the FTC's unique 6(b) authority. This work requires researching an industry or area of interest to the Commission, drafting and negotiating the production of documents, reviewing data production, and synthesizing that information into a report.
• Identify and analyze federal, state, and local laws, legislation, and regulations that affect competition or consumer protection issues. This work requires engagement with public and expert commentary on market structures and business practices. Incumbents advise the Director on related advocacy opportunities, draft such advocacies, and manage relationships with state partners.

One candidate, if selected, may lead OPP's amicus brief efforts. Such a candidate should have a strong grasp of antitrust caselaw; consumer protection experience is also a major plus. The candidate will be expected to have the initiative to identify amicus opportunities, robust brief writing and legal research skills, and an ability to coordinate among intra- and inter-agency departments.Other candidates, if selected, may lead OPP's advocacy efforts on particular competition or consumer protection issues, such as those involving certain industries, types of laws, or professions. Candidates will also need to remain flexible to work as part of teams on major projects outside their focus areas, such as large 6(b) studies.Work may also include assignments to collaborate with other agencies, bureaus and offices where projects intersect with competition or consumer protection policy priorities, including engaging in investigations and enforcement actions.A strong background in economics, social science research, data or financial analytics, and/or public policy is beneficial, as is judicial clerkship experience.

Additional vacancies may be filled using this announcement.

Salary

• $169,279 - $197,200/year

Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship requirement must be met by the closing date of this vacancy.
• This position is subject to a background investigation.
• Males born after December 31, 1959 must register with Selective Service.
• Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
• Member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory - US, PR, DC.
• This position is in the bargaining unit. This position is represented by the National Treasury Employees Union, Local 344.
• If selected for this position, the agency will evaluate your fitness and whether continuation of employment advances the public interest before extending your appointment beyond the two-year trial period.
• Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
• This position may be subject to a two-year trial period.

Qualifications

Minimum RequirementsApplicants must have attained the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school and be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory. Applicants must demonstrate excellent writing skills and be able to work effectively with other people, exercise sound judgment, and exhibit a strong interest in the work of the agency.

Additional Requirements

GS-15 Positions
For attorney appointments: active member of the bar in good standing and 60 months of legal experience after graduation from law school. At least 18 months of that experience must be for at least one year at the GS-14 level or equivalent.

Note: Legal and nonlegal experience gained in the Federal Government before completing law school does not satisfy post law school experience requirements.

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 This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package; however, official transcripts will be required prior to receiving an official offer. If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show 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 a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications Other Information This position is in the Excepted Service (Schedule A). Individuals applying for this announcement are required to complete and submit an online application and all supporting documentation through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) application system, USAJOBS. Traditional rating and ranking procedures do not apply. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes:
1. Your résumé showing work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment and duties performed.
2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Writing Sample, REQUIRED
• Graduate Transcript(s), if the position has an education requirement - REQUIRED
• Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g., DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service, SF- 15 Form and related documentation, VA letter, etc.)
• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.)
• Schedule A- In order to receive consideration under the Schedule A authority, you must provide a certification of job readiness printed on a medical professional's letterhead and signed. For more information, please visit USAJOBS Individuals with Disabilities (https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/)

How to Apply

Please send all required documents to OPPJobApplicants@ftc.gov to be considered for this announcement. Incomplete packages will not be accepted. Applications will not be accepted via this posting.