Are you a client-focused cybersecurity and information technology law attorney? Are you excited to work on cutting-edge legal issues in a collaborative office while advancing USPTO's intellectual property mission? If so, then apply to join our team - we're excited to meet you!
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has not issued qualification standards for attorney positions. However, the USPTO sets minimum qualifications for attorney positions and sets forth these qualifications in each vacancy announcement. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-14. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience advising clients and/or representing clients in litigation, drafting memoranda of fact and law, motions, pleadings, litigation reports and other legal documents, and/or reviewing policies, procedures and other agency publications for legal sufficiency related to cybersecurity, supply chain risk, and information technology issues. In addition to the required specialized experience, applicants must possess four (4) years of professional law/legal experience, post J.D. as described below: Professional Legal/Law Experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. This experience is characterized by breadth and depth of experience in rendering professional legal advice and services with respect to questions about statutes, regulations, practices, or other matters falling within the purview of a Federal government agency, private sector, law firm, or other organization; investigating matters, such as related to Congressional or Inspector General inquiries; preparing interpretative and administrative orders, rules, or regulations to give effect to the provisions of governing statutes or other requirements of law; drafting, negotiating, or examining contracts or other legal documents; drafting, preparing formal comments, or making substantive recommendations regarding proposed legislation; editing and preparing for publication statutes enacted by Congress and opinions or decisions of a court, commission, or board; drafting and reviewing decisions for consideration and adoption by an organization or official; determining questions of law; studying, analyzing and evaluating legal precedents to present findings. Legal work is described as extremely complex and difficult and requires a high order of original and creative legal endeavor in balancing conflicting interests; has broad or wide-scope impact on an economy, industry, private or public interests; and may involve directly or indirectly very large sums of money. Work may also involve acting as principal attorney in charge of the preparation and presentation of cases; recommending policies and developing procedures and regulations to implement new or amended legislation; and acting as legal, general or senior counsel to a major firm or organization. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
This position is based in USPTO's Alexandria, VA headquarters. Every office within the USPTO contributes to the agency's mission of furthering innovation. OGL attorneys work closely with clients, and get involved early in projects, in order to ensure that important agency work is accomplished successfully with any legal issues appropriately handled. In order to maintain consistent high-quality service, OGL promotes an environment of continuous improvement, high standards, and collegiality. We look forward to meeting applicants who share these values. The individual selected for this position will… Work on complex and interesting questions that are frequently on the cutting edge of cybersecurity and information technology law issues, as well as insider threat and national security matters. Advise on Artificial Intelligence (AI) issues and agency procurements, as well as proposed regulations or legislation and implementation of AI technology. Excel at providing timely, client-centered legal advice concerning USPTO's compliance with applicable information security laws, including the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and the Federal Information Technology Acquisition and Reform Act (FITARA), as well as executive orders, regulations, the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and applicable National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) policy directives and guidance. Thoughtfully analyze proposed and existing USPTO policies and procedures concerning cybersecurity, incident response, supply-chain risk, information technology contract clauses, and forensic e-discovery tools. Develop agency-wide programs and trainings related to cybersecurity and information technology law. Enjoy partnering with fellow attorneys, professionals in the USPTO's Office of the Chief Information Officer, internal clients, and other stakeholders. Impress with top-notch oral and written communication skills, creative problem solving, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continual improvement. Be a flexible teammate, willing to support OGL's other general law functions as needed by providing legal advice and litigation services in other disciplines.