Applications will be accepted from current Department of Defense (DoD) Federal Civilian Employees. This position is in the excepted service. It is filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service. Position is located in: DFAS Office of General Counsel, Administrative and Employment Law and Litigation - Indianapolis, IN.
Duties
- Primary job duty of this position is litigation of cases before administrative and judicial forums such as Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Federal courts.
- The employee is expected to develop and maintain expertise in Federal Government Administrative and Employment law with the goal of providing advice, guidance, counseling, and training to clients on a routine basis.
- Litigates cases primarily before the MSPB and EEOC. Conducts all phases of litigation including discovery, motions practice, administrative hearings (bench trials), settlements, and appeals.
- Serves as an Attorney responsible for identifying agency interests, facts, and relevant issues; conducting sound and thorough legal research and insightfully applying the law to draw sound legal conclusions and solutions.
- Practices preventative law to aid clients in policy development in multiple areas, such as military and civilian pay law, military retired pay law, tax law, bankruptcy law, fiscal law.
- Advises senior leadership officials of litigation risks and settlement recommendations and engages in settlement negotiations both inside and outside of formal mediations and settlement conferences.
- Provides suggestions and recommendations for process improvement. Renders opinions on legal problems involving complex issues with little or no legal precedents and makes recommendations for action. Conducts complex meetings and/or special projects.
Salary
Qualifications
GS-13 Qualifications: Assignments require the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) and active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. In addition, the attorney shall have professional legal experience in excess of 2 years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Education
Education requirements are listed in the Qualifications section above.
Required Documents
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1. Resume: You are encouraged to choose only ONE method of submitting your resume. (HR will review the resume that the system date stamps as the latest one received and this may not be the resume, which best reflects your qualifications for the job and may result in an ineligible rating.) You may submit your resume by: attaching in your USAJOBS account. For assistance in preparing your resume, take a look at the DFAS Resume Tools. 2. Complete Assessment Questionnaire: Your resume must describe the quality of work in regards to responses to the occupational self-assessment questionnaire as they generate your numerical rating. 3. Transcripts or Proof of Education: You must submit documentation to verify that you possess a law degree (L.L.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Transcripts and Certifications. 4. Proof of Bar membership: Documentation that reflects active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia and that you are a member in good standing. 5. Cover Letter: Although not required, you may submit a cover letter which will be forwarded to the selecting official with your resume. Your cover letter will not be used to verify your qualifications or eligibility. 6. Military Spouses: Spousal Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, marriage certificate/license and the Self-Certification form are required to claim Military Spouse Preference. 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 (e.g., DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, VA letter or any documentation that verifies "Character of Service", dates served, campaign badges, or disability of the Veteran) to their submissions. For additional information regarding Veterans' eligibilities and required documentation please click here. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit all supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. Please refer to Standard Form 15, Application for 10 point preference which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents. This form is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf. WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by 11:59 PM (EST) 07/09/2025, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application. It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered, uploaded, or faxed is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below. Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. 1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents. 2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application. 3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
