Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer)

JobSummary

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of the General Counsel, is seeking full-time attorneys to join the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce (OCC-IC). This Attorney-Advisor position provides legal support to the International Trade Administration on international trade and investment issues.

LowGrade

12

HighGrade

14

PromotionPotential

15

SubAgencyName

Office of General Counsel (OGC), Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce (OCC-IC)

OrganizationCodes

CM/CM51

Relocation

False

HiringPath

• public

MCOTags

TotalOpenings

2

AgencyMarketingStatement

OCC-IC provides legal advice and support to the International Trade Administration (ITA) on international trade and investment issues, including tariffs, investment and export promotion, international data flows and privacy, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), intellectual property, and competition. OCC-IC attorneys work on a wide range of legal topics in support of ITA's work.

TravelCode

1

MajorDuties

• As an Attorney Advisor in OCC-IC, you will, among other things: Serve as a legal advisor to ITA concerning the interpretation and application of U.S. and international law and international trade and investment agreements. Support ITA in working with other U.S. Government agencies on trade and investment policy, trade negotiations, monitoring compliance by foreign trading partners, and trade compliance and enforcement actions. Advise on matters relating to export and inward investment promotion programs and activities. Analyze U.S. law, U.S. trade and investment agreements, and foreign trade agreements, laws, regulations, and policies. Coordinate with legal offices in other parts of DOC and in other U.S. Government agencies. Perform duties on a range of legal issues that will vary in legal and factual complexity, often of a novel nature, and with limited if any applicable precedents. With supervision, conduct research, develop legal strategies, and develop and present recommendations to policy officials. Work on matters that can have an important impact on U.S. industry and the U.S. economy. Thoroughly and thoughtfully research and develop legal options in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines. This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer) GS-0905-12/13/14, FPL GS-15 positions within the Office of the Secretary in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Education

See Qualifications Above.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen. You must be suitable for Federal Employment. You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use of possession of drugs. You will be required to access national security information and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. (For more information, please see https://www.commerce.gov/osy/programs/personnel-security/background-investigationrequests). A two-year trial period is required. Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/) If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. Drug Test Required: Yes, Applicants are required to undergo drug testing prior to selection. (For more information, please see: https://www.commerce.gov/hr/employees/drug-free-workplace). Bargaining Unit Position: No Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): Yes. You will be required to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure on an annual basis (For more information, please see: https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/Resources/OGE+Form+450). Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: will not be paid. Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed.

Evaluations

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; however, the Office of the General Counsel favorably considers veterans preference eligibility in hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume. If selected, additional information may be required. The Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor. OCC-IC considers veterans' preference as a positive factor. Applicants who have veterans' preference are encouraged to include their information in their cover letters or resumes and attach supporting documentation to substantiate their preference. For more information about the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce or about this position, please e-mail OCCIC@doc.gov.

HowToApply

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESUMES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. OCC-IC will prioritize review of applications received by March 5, 2026. Applications will also be considered for any future vacancies. Please submit required documents email to OCCIC@doc.gov with the subject line "Attorney Advisor Position OS-OGC-PNF-26-12883410 for GS grade applying for", and including at least the following information in the email's body: [PERSON'S NAME] [PERSONS' ADDRESS] [PERSON'S PHONE NUMBER] [PERSON'S EMAIL ADDRESS]

WhatToExpectNext

Once your application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. Due to the volume of anticipated applications, applicants should only expect to be notified if they will be interviewed. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for OGC to share your application with others in OGC for similar positions. By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans' preference, disability, etc.).

RequiredDocuments

A complete application consists of the following: Cover letter: Address demonstrated interests in international economic or commercial matters. Resume showing detailed relevant experience, skills, education, and qualifications. Your resume must not be more than 2 pages and should list your educational and work experience, including the dates (mm/dd/yyyy) and provide the hours per week, if less than 40. For work in the Federal Service, please include the pay plan and grade level for the position(s). For current and former Federal employees: For prior work in Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s) on your resume. You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment and salary. Copy of law school transcript. Unofficial copy is sufficient, but official copy must be submitted before appointment. You are not required to submit official documents at this time. Writing Sample. Seven pages or less, preferably on an international trade or investment law issue or administrative law topic. Certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. Failure to provide documents, if selected, may result in lost consideration. Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Benefits

OtherInformation

OCC-IC attorneys work on a wide range of legal topics in support of ITA's work, including: Developing and Implementing the Administration's Trade Agenda: Providing advice on the negotiation and implementation of bilateral and regional trade deals and on implementation of tariff regimes to achieve reciprocal trade and protect the national security. Negotiating and Implementing Cross-Border Data Arrangements: Working with ITA and other agencies in developing, negotiating, and implementing international arrangements that allow for the free flow of data while maintaining high standards of privacy protection. Protecting the National Security and Fostering Foreign Investment: ITA seeks to promote foreign investment that creates American jobs and grows the U.S. economy while also restricting foreign investment that might endanger U.S. national security, and OCC-IC supports both activities. We also work with ITA in implementing new restrictions on U.S. investment in countries of concern. Bringing Down Trade Barriers: Advising ITA on addressing barriers to U.S. exports and foreign investment. We work with ITA to determine the nature of the barrier, the applicable international legal requirements, and the legal and policy tools available to address the barrier. Promoting U.S. Exports: Providing legal support to ITA in promoting U.S. exports through trade missions and other activities. OCC-IC is strongly interested in candidates with specialized expertise in customs, tariffs, intellectual property, and/or international tax, but such experience is not required. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply. OCC-IC is strongly committed to its mission, public service, and collegiality. OCC-IC attorneys are known for their creativity, dedication, and track record of providing high-quality legal service and counsel. For more information about the Office of Chief Counsel for International Commerce, please visit https://www.commerce.gov/ogc/about-ogc/offices/office-chief-counsel-international-commerceocc-ic. This position does not confer non-competitive conversion to the competitive service. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

0

ServiceType

02

AnnouncementClosingType

01

AgencyContactEmail

occic@doc.gov

SecurityClearance

Secret

DrugTestRequired

True

PositionSensitivitiy

Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk

AdjudicationType

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness
• National security