Job Description

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.

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:

1. Qualifications:
   1. 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.
2. In addition to degree requirements above, candidates must possess the following:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Applicants must also demonstrate 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.
4. 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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