General Attorney

This position is located in the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection. The Division of Privacy and Identity Protection oversees issues related to consumer privacy, credit reporting, identity theft, and information security. The Division enforces the statutes and rules within its jurisdiction, engages in outreach and policy development, and educates consumers and businesses about emerging privacy, credit reporting, and information security issues, as well as identity theft prevention and assistance. In addition, the Division analyzes the impact of current and potential legislative initiatives in the areas within its purview. The Division enforces consumer protection laws through aggressive litigation in a fast-paced environment. Attorneys get real courtroom experience, the opportunity to lead cases, and take on primary responsibility for all aspects of the litigation. This posting is for an attorney interested in litigating for the Division of Privacy and Identity Protection.

Key Requirements

-- Possess a JD or LL.B degree from an accredited law school.
-- Member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory -U.S, PR, DC.
-- This position requires U.S. citizenship.
-- Relocation expenses will not be paid.
-- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with the Selective Service.

Duties

As an attorney, you will:

-- Make initial determinations as to whether matters should be investigated and determine legal theories and plans for investigations and carry them out.

-- Recommend whether cases should be closed, resolved informally or through administrative or federal court settlements, or litigated administratively or in federal court; negotiate settlements as appropriate.

-- Assist in investigating matters and preparing cases for trial by securing and preparing evidence, conferring with witnesses, participating in pretrial conferences, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and drafting legal documents needed during the various stages of litigation.

-- Try cases before the Commission's Administrative Law Judges or before federal district courts.

-- Prepare, or assist others in the preparation of, difficult, complex, and important cases.

-- Confer with other government agencies, public authorities and attorneys, business people, consumer advocacy groups, and other members of the public, providing them with information on matters of law, Commission procedure and policy.

-- Assist in conducting regulatory activity and other initiatives, including rule-makings, studies, reports, and workshops.

The Division’s work often involves technical issues relating to network or device security, digital certificates, online tracking technologies, or emerging technologies. Accordingly, a background in technology is a plus.

Qualifications

Applicants 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.

Please note: Prior experience (legal and nonlegal experience) gained before completing law school cannot be used to satisfy the post law school experience requirements. Candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements within thirty (30) days of the closing date of the announcement.

In addition to the required documents, you may submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Writing sample

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated based on the overall strength of your credentials as demonstrated by your cover letter, resume, writing sample, and experience. The most qualified candidates will be selected for interviews, which will also be considered in making the final decision. Application of Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Federal Trade Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. If you are eligible for veterans' preference, you are encouraged to include that information in your cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214 or other substantiating documents) to your submission.

Open period: Thursday, March 19, 2015 to Friday, April 3, 2015

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