An official website of the United States government
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR), an independent legislative branch office created by the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) to enforce several federal labor, employment, safety and health, and disability access laws, seeks a seasoned leader to serve as General Counsel (GC). This is a great opportunity for an experienced litigation attorney seeking a senior position in which to make a real difference in the lives of those who work for Congress.
03/07/2025 to 05/11/2025
$203,616 - $212,100 per year
AD 00
1 vacancy in the following location:
No
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Not required
No
Term - Five-year term, renewable for an additional five-year term.
Full-time
Excepted
None
Yes
No
DEST-12705132-25-CEB
833361700
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Because the OCWR is in the legislative branch, its executive positions are not in the executive branch's Senior Executive Service (SES). This position, however, is equivalent to a position in the SES. Applications must be submitted via a non-automated email that contains the required attachments (cover letter, resume, writing sample, and if applicable, SF-50). See "How to Apply" for more specific instructions.
The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience practicing in the areas of labor and employment law. Experience in safety, health, and disability access laws is desired. The candidate should have the experience necessary to lead and manage a team of ten lawyers and other safety and disability access professionals. Familiarity with the U.S. Congress and legislative branch is desirable.
The OCWR's Chair of the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Board, will appoint the GC for a term not to exceed five years, as limited by statute, with the opportunity of being reappointed to a second five-year term.
Responsibilities
The GC exercises the authorities and performs the duties of the position as specified in the CAA, and otherwise assists the OCWR Board of Directors and Executive Director in carrying out their statutory duties and powers, including representing the Office in any judicial proceeding under the CAA.
The GC plans and directs all aspects of the OCWR's legal affairs, particularly those that relate to safety and health, ADA public access, and unfair labor practices. The GC leads the defense of the organization in appeals of decisions rendered by the Board to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Furthermore, the GC prosecutes allegations of violations of the CAA in safety and health and unfair labor practice matters and provides legal counsel to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors where needed.
The General Counsel reports directly to the OCWR Board of Directors and is a key member of the OCWR leadership team. The GC must be able to work collegially with employing offices and key congressional stakeholders, particularly the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, in implementing the inspection and investigatory mandates of the CAA. In this role, the GC also provides leadership to staff and recommends initiatives to the Board in matters of safety, health, ADA public access, and unfair labor practices. The GC is responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting key documents and legal memoranda, presenting clear recommendations, and assuring legal compliance.
The GC supervises a staff of attorneys, administrative personnel, contract inspectors, and safety, health and ADA inspectors, while receiving general guidance and direction from the Board Chair and the Board of Directors.
The GC manages the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and all OGC employees. The General Counsel:
The individual selected for this position must meet the following requirements:
Applications submitted via any job posting website or automated service, including through "Apply Now" or similar functions will NOT be considered.
This announcement is open to all who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements. The selected candidate may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, with costs shared with your employer. Life insurance coverage is also provided. New federal government employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another federal agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. You will earn annual leave and sick leave. You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. You may elect Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under FEHB plans.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Upon review of all resumes, the Office will determine which candidates will be asked to interview. Candidates will be notified and scheduled for interviews, if selected. All applicants will be evaluated based on their educational and relevant work experience. The OCWR does not discriminate against candidates based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic information, or disability.
Cover letter, resume, proof of bar membership (a printout from a bar website is sufficient) and most recent SF-50, if applicable.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Send a cover letter, resume, proof of bar membership (a printout from a bar website is sufficient) and, if a current or former federal employee, your most recent SF-50. The required documents should be sent as individual attachments via email to GCjob@ocwr.gov with no substantive text in the email.
Only applications containing all required documents submitted via email by the closing date will be considered. Applications submitted via any job posting website or automated service, including through an "Apply Now" or similar function, will NOT be considered.
A selection panel will review all complete applications and set up an interview with those individuals who are considered most qualified for the position.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/833361700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.