What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate General Counsel (Litigation) position at Smithsonian Institution?
The mission of the Office of General Counsel is to provide legal advice and counseling to the Board of Regents, the Secretary and central executive officials, as well as to directors and staff who manage the Smithsonian Institution's museums and programs.
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. Learn more about federal benefits .
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits program for both Federal and Trust employees. See www.sihr.si.edu for details. We also offer a rich program of services and opportunities to balance and enhance your work life. They include : Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (an accredited educational program for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years), transportation benefits, professional interest groups, employee advocacy groups, special events such as brown bag lunches, an annual picnic on the Mall, an annual holiday party, free lectures, behind-the-scenes tours and employee discounts at our theaters, shops and after hours events. These and other programs have made the Smithsonian one of the top 10 places to work in the government.
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.
There is no OPM qualification standard established for positions in the General Attorney 0905 series, and agencies may establish their own standards for these Excepted Service positions. The Office of Human Resources, Office of General Counsel, Office of the Inspector General, and Office of Contracting and Personal Property Management established the following qualifications criteria for Smithsonian attorney positions :
- Qualified candidates must (1) possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, and (2) be a member in good standing of the Bar of a State or the District of Columbia.
- In addition to degree requirements above, candidates must possess the following :
One year of specialized experience at the GS-15 grade level or equivalent. The experience includes working as a licensed attorney with relevant responsibilities in litigation, with a special emphasis on litigation involving issues of law, policy, or precedent that are of significance to the Smithsonian’s status, authorities, programs or operations; and employment litigation with complex legal or factual issues or with important Institutional interests at stake.
Applicants must clearly demonstrate the necessary experience advising senior management and must have the ability to apply legal concepts to meet business objectives and develop practical solutions.
Applicants must also demonstrate the necessary skill in interpreting and applying applicable employment and personnel laws, regulations and policies; interpreting current developments in employment law; and advising on related policy initiatives, providing expert advice and conferring with counsel from other agencies.
Applicants must also demonstrate skill in defending the Smithsonian in court and administrative proceedings, identifying and preparing witnesses, coordinating testimony, preparing pleadings, responding to subpoenas, conducting discovery, and negotiating settlements that are in the best interests of the Smithsonian.
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