[Hiring] General Attorney @Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection

Role Description

The Investigative Attorney provides legal advice and assistance to OAWP investigators, reviews investigative work-product, and assists in preparing reports of investigation and recommendations, including for disciplinary action against VA senior leaders and supervisors.

• Legal Advice and Assistance:
  • Provides thorough expert legal advice and assistance to OAWP investigators and staff related to the collection and documentation of facts, documents, witness testimony, and other information necessary to develop an evidentiary record.
  • Independently conducts extensive legal research and evaluation of various theories and subjects, applying legal analysis to the facts obtained.
  • Memorializes factual and legal analyses in various work products, including reports of investigation, correspondence, legal opinions, and memoranda.
  • Assists in preparing reports of investigation and recommendations for disciplinary action, ensuring they are succinct, legally sufficient, and appropriately represent the facts gathered.
  • Advises OAWP investigators and staff on possible courses of action for complex and controversial issues.
  • Provides legal support for complex, large scale, and multi-jurisdictional investigations.
• Policy Development:
  • Provides proactive legal advice and assistance on establishing and revising standard operating procedures and policies related to OAWP investigations.
  • Displays an understanding of various considerations, such as policy and operational factors, in developing analyses.
• Training:
  • Develops and presents OAWP training on laws relating to administrative investigations, senior leader accountability, and whistleblower rights.
  • Assists with developing whistleblower rights and protections training for VA Administrations and Staff Offices.
  • Must possess superior communication skills.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Active member in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.
• Current, unrestricted license to practice law.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience, which can include one year of relevant experience gained before admission to the bar.
• Experience in the practice of law, including private, state, or Federal practice in any field of law.
• Experience conducting legal research, analyzing statutes, and writing legal opinions.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations, providing legal advice on investigations, or preparing and/or reviewing reports of investigation.

Requirements

• Qualified applicants must possess four (4) years of progressively responsible experience as described in Quality of Experience.
• Experience may include volunteer work through National Service programs and other organizations.
• Physical requirements: The work is primarily sedentary.

Benefits

• Promotion potential to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.
• Full-time work schedule, Monday through Friday with various tours available pending supervisory approval.
• Remote position.