ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (GENERAL)

Duties Serves as an Assistant Counsel within the DFAS Office of General Counsel.
Drafts comprehensive, clear, and concise written opinions on legal problems involving complex issues with little or no legal precedents and makes recommendations for action.
Effectively manages multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently.
Demonstrates and maintains strong written and verbal communication skills.
Works both independently and as a team member in a demanding environment.
Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with inside and outside DFAS.
Practices law in multiple areas with a primary practice areas of law: military compensation, military retirement pay and survivor benefits, civilian compensation, tax law, Federal non-tax debt collection and fiscal law.
Demonstrates capability to learning new areas of law or demonstrates existing knowledge and experience in one for more of the primary practice areas.
Legal Practice may also include, but is not limited to: commercial law, contract law, assisted acquisitions, commercial bankruptcy and debt collection, contract pay, and litigation.
For vacancies filled at less than the full performance level of the position, duties will be developmental in nature.
Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.
S Citizen or National This national security position, which may require access to classified information, requires a favorable suitability review and security clearance as a condition of employment.
Failure to maintain security eligibility may result in termination.
Registered for Selective Service (males born after 12-31-1959) Suitable for Federal employment Completion of an Office of Government Ethics (OGE) confidential financial disclosure form 450 is required at the GS-13 level.
Qualifications GS-11 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, one of the following requirements must be satisfied: 1.
One year of professional legal experience.
2.
The second professional law degree (Master of Laws (LL.
M.
)) provided it required 1 full academic year of graduate study.
3.
Superior law student work or activities as demonstrated by one of the following: a.
Academic standing in the upper third of the attorney's law school graduating class.
b.
Work or achievement of significance on one of the attorney's law school's official law reviews or journals.
c.
Special high-level honors for academic excellence in law school (e.
g.
, membership in the Order of the Coif, winning of a moot court competition, or membership on the moot court team that represents the attorney's law school in competition with other law schools).
d.
Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program as opposed to one-time, intermittent, or casual participation.
e.
Significant summer law office clerk experience.
f.
Other evidence of clearly superior accomplishment or achievement.
GS-12 Qualifications: Assignments involve extremely complex and difficult legal questions requiring extensive research, analysis, and evaluation of information in controversial scientific, financial, corporate, and medical engineering areas, or in other highly technical areas.
Cases have an important impact on major private or public interests.
Attorneys at this level are entrusted with the initial preparation of proposed solutions to projects.
To this end they conduct investigations to obtain facts, study legal precedents, make recommendations, and prepare necessary documents.
They receive preliminary instructions, their commitment authority is limited, and their completed written work is carefully reviewed.
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, one of the following requirements must be satisfied: a.
Two years of professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level.
b.
The second professional law degree (LL.
M.
) plus 1 year of professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level.
2.
An attorney without experience may, in unusual cases, be employed at the GS-12 or equivalent level provided the individual has advanced educational attainments substantially beyond those required for work at the GS-11 or equivalent level, and his or her education clearly indicates ability to perform work of the type to be assigned; for example, education that included courses directly pertinent to the work of the agency.
The essential point in such cases is to ensure that the individual's education has enabled him or her to step into complex legal work characteristic of the GS-12 or equivalent level, and to operate with the degree of independence and responsibility typical of that level.
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.
Additional information Moving expenses willbe paid in accordance with agency policy.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 makes certain reimbursements/payments taxable.
For information on these changes and the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA), for which some appointees are eligible, click here.
For positions where relocation is paid (see Location block of vacancy announcement), you can learn more about relocation allowances and entitlements.
Telework availability will be based upon the mission requirements and supervisory determination.
We may use this announcement to make a temporary promotion.
For some positions, the temporary promotion may be made permanent without further competition.
A one-year trial period may be required.
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.
This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Travel requirement is Seldom (1-24%).
This position is not covered by a bargaining unit.
Retired Civil Service Employee: Employment of retired Federal employees receiving an annuity is subject to the requirements of the Department of Defense (DoD) policy guidance.
(See DoD Instruction 1400.
25, Volume 300, here) The Security Designation will vary and dependent upon position and may require a secret clearance or higher.
Employment in this position requires a background investigation which may delay starting date.
If you are selected and cannot obtain a favorable security determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed/undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn.
Individuals selected are required to obtain/maintain a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.
Failure to maintain eligibility to occupy a sensitive position may result in termination.
For more information see the security section of Understanding Vacancy Announcements.
Pay for first time hires to the Federal Government will typically be set at step 1 salary range for their respective grade level.
Completion of an Office of Government Ethics (OGE) confidential financial disclosure form 450 is required for this position at the GS-13 level.
All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically.
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-0454 for assistance.
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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits 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 You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IMPORTANT NOTE - YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY AFFECT YOUR RATING.
All information included in the resume and Occupational Questionnaire is subject to review and verification.
HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements.
Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be further evaluated based upon information you provided in the Occupational Questionnaire.
If a determination is made that the work experience described in your submitted resume does not support your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire, your score may be reduced, and you may lose consideration for this position.
If you are already a DFAS employee, you may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service, if you are found to have exaggerated, embellished, inflated, mischaracterized, or falsified your resume or qualifications.
The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies: You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.
usastaffing.
gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12284808 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 that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits 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.
Required Documents As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits.
Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee.
You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
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: https://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) 02/08/2024, 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.
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 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.
Agency contact information HR Customer Care Center Phone (317) 212-0454 Email dfas.
indianapolis-in.
zh.
mbx.
dfasmeritcc@mail.
mil Address DFAS - GENERAL COUNSEL 8899 E.
56th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46249 US Next steps The occupational questionnaire and the resume that you submit will be used to assess your qualifications for the job, and to identify the best qualified applicants to be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interviews.
We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed.
After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Fair and Transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent.
Please read the following guidance.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Reasonable accommodation policy Financial suitability Selective Service New employee probationary period Signature and false statements Privacy Act Social security number request 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: https://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) 02/08/2024, 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.
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.
Help This job is open to The public U.
S.
Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.
S.
Clarification from the agency Applications will be accepted from all qualified candidates.