Counsel for Employment

The Secretary of the Senate's Senate Chief Counsel For Employment is seeking a Counsel for Employment. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at this link .

Duties

NATURE OF WORK
This is professional work in the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. Serve as defense attorney in labor and employment law matters to offices of Senators, the Vice President, Senate Committees, Senate Officers, and other employing offices. Work entails litigating cases as second chair in trial and appellate courts and at administrative hearings; advising clients of their legal obligations; doing legal research and writing; and giving employment law seminars. Work requires high-level thinking in the application of law to facts and requires the use of independent judgment. Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures; the U.S. Senate Handbook; and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgement in setting priorities and handling assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Under supervision of the Chief, Deputy Chief, and/or Senior Counsel, defend offices of Senators, the Office of the Vice President, Senate Committees, and other Senate employing offices throughout the country in employment law cases from the inception of the case through final appeal. Research complex legal issues and write accurate, persuasive legal memoranda and briefs. Conduct discovery, argue motions, assist in preparing for and trying cases, assist in preparing Circuit Court and Supreme Court arguments, and argue cases before courts and administrative officers. Provide timely and accurate legal advice to Office of the Vice President, Senators, Chiefs of Staff, Staff Directors, Administrative Directors, Senate Officers, and other Senate managers regarding employment law issues. Maintain current, accurate knowledge of employment law cases and statutes. Develop, prepare, and conduct seminars regarding employment-related legal issues; prepare and present oral and written reference materials and audio-visual materials for seminar participants. Prepare legal newsletters, website content, memoranda, policies, and forms to keep clients informed of and in compliance with existing laws. Maintain current knowledge of the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan; participate in periodic exercises and drills. As part of the Secretary’s customer service initiative (known as R.A.T.E.), provide all customers with the highest level of customer service. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at this link .

Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires a Juris Doctorate degree and a minimum of two years of experience defending employment claims and advising employers regarding compliance with federal and state employment laws. Work requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of federal employment laws, labor laws, constitutional law, and rules of court.
• Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred.
• Ability to research and analyze complex legal issues.
• Ability to provide accurate legal advice and to exercise independent judgment in defending clients at trial-court and appellate-court levels, and at the Supreme Court.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining and implementing the client’s best defense strategy in lawsuits.
• Ability to professionally handle confidential/sensitive matters and materials.
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to pay careful attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on a one-on-one basis, to large groups, and before courts.
• Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload.
• Knowledge of modern legal practices, including the Electronic Discovery Reference Model, and research resources, including LEXIS and/or WESTLAW.
• Knowledge of and experience using electronic discovery platforms.
• Ability to operate a computer and utilize applicable software programs.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Licensed and in good active standing to practice law from a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.#J-18808-Ljbffr