Summary
The FMC is the federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer. The FMC is dedicated to ensuring a competitive and dependable international ocean transportation system that supports the U.S. economy and safeguards the public from unfair or deceptive practices. Join the FMC and be part of a mission-driven organization during an important and exciting time in the maritime industry.
Duties
As an attorney-advisor, you will assist in the adjudication of complex proceedings, often involving multiple parties, extensive records, discovery disputes, and expert economic evidence. Your work will have an impact upon common carriers, shippers, and the public in general. Preference for candidates with strong legal research and writing skills and litigation, decision-writing, or clerkship experience. Conducts comprehensive legal research independently, including examination of applicable laws, statutes, regulations, administrative and court decisions, and other materials to recommend decisions resolving factual and legal issues. Able to conduct research on complex discovery issues, motions, and international law when needed. Reviews extensive factual records, often consisting of thousands of pages of exhibits. Independently evaluates the factual basis for the most complex allegations of Shipping Act violations. Identifies additional information that may be necessary to make a legal determination of the merits of the claim. Evaluates expert witness testimony. Recommends disposition of complex discovery disputes that arise between the parties. Applies extensive knowledge and experience to analyze the most complex legal issues by evaluating the factual basis and applying legal principles derived from rules, regulations, and case law precedent where there is no existing guidance. Communicates reasons for proposed disposition of cases to Administrative Law Judge's or Small Claims Officers primarily in writing. Provides justifications for recommended decisions with citations to relevant facts in evidence and sound legal authorities. Manage multiple competing assignments with tight timelines independently and ensure the office has sufficient resources to complete assignments on a timely basis. Conducts prehearing meetings with potentially challenging parties (including unrepresented pro se parties) and attorneys, either orally or in writing, ensuring that all applicable rules are followed. Trains other attorneys and staff on policies and procedures, including for hearings, ensuring that proper notice is provided. Assist with hiring new staff members and training them. Independently prepare reports regarding caseload and budget. Evaluate and provide training on applicable case management systems. Research and provide recommendations on complex service issues such as international service.
Requirements
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. 2-year trial period may be required. Must have an Active Bar Membership in Good Standing. If selected, must maintain active bar membership in good standing while employed as an attorney with the FMC. Active bar membership and a certification that the member is in good standing is verified by a Human Resources Specialist in OHR prior to appointment. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service, see http://www.sss.gov/. Direct Deposit: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. May be required to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation. FMC participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. This position is in the Excepted Service There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"
Education
Please refer to the qualifications and required documents for applicable education requirements. Applicants must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. You must submit a copy of both your law school and college transcript with your application. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted. Official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position. 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; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation should only reflect education received from schools accredited by such institutions. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following Website: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home. Foreign Education: 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. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)
How you will be evaluated
Applicants will be rated based on their education, experience, demonstrated legal research and writing abilities, and performance during the interview process. There are no numerical rating systems through which to apply veterans preference. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their resume. If selected, additional information may be required. Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications and eligibility requirements outlined in this announcement. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) or SME Panel may be utilized to assist in the technical evaluation of candidates' qualifications. Applicants who meet these requirements will be certified and referred to the selecting official. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.