ATTORNEY ADVISOR/GENERAL ATTORNEY, GS-905-12 (Type III, Level B) NOTE: THE SENTENCE IN PART I DESCRIBING THE REASON FOR THE POSITION AND PARTS II AND III IN THEIR ENTIRETY ARE PERMANENT PARTS OF THE LIBRARY AND MAY NOT BE CHANGED OR EDITED. I. INTRODUCTION The incumbent works on cases or legal issues which are extremely complex from both a legal and factual perspective. Legal issues with which the incumbent deals often impact the charter of the agency and either directly, or indirectly, involve large sums of money. II. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Performs very specific legal functions relative to extremely complex cases, normally as part of team, such as researching various issues related to the case or legal problem and drafting the team position for that issue or taking depositions on very specific subject matter related to the case. III. FACTOR LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS Factor 1. Knowledge Required By the Position Level 1-8 1550 points Knowledge of research strategies and techniques sufficient to research the most complex legal issues. The issues researched are almost always factually complex and are in areas of the law which are often in a continual state of evolution, thus requiring atypical and innovative research strategies. Knowledge at the expert level of the controlling statutes, regulations, and case law pertaining to the subject matter of the particular issue sufficient to develop legal opinions whether through the litigation process or administratively, which may alter the state of the law in the particular area or expand the charter of the agency. Factor 2. Supervisory Controls Level 2-3 275 points Supervisor makes assignment by broadly defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines but expects incumbent to develop strategy relative to the particular legal issue. Where unusual situations arise where there are no clear precedents, the supervisor may assist the incumbent by providing general direction in the area of legal research, but the incumbent is expected to develop the overall strategy for solving the legal problem. Completed work is evaluated on a spot check basis for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity to policy and requirements. Factor 3. Guidelines Level 3-4 450 points Guidelines such as agency guidelines and regulations, legal precedents, and legal references are applicable in some instances but require initiative and resourcefulness in applying to the specific factual situation. The incumbent must be able to deviate from the traditional methods of dealing with the specific legal issue to develop new or alternative approaches to the problem. Factor 4. Complexity Level 4-5 325 points The complexity of legal matters is characterized by difficult legal or factual questions which are the subset of a broader legal issue. There is often an absence of clearly applicable precedents due to the novelty of the issue and the complexity of the factual situation. In choosing the correct legal strategy for resolving the specific legal issue, the incumbent must apply a sound knowledge of the specific legal field and creativity to adapt legal theories to the specific factual situation. Factor 5. Scope and Effect Level 5-6 450 points Legal matters dealt with at this level can have the effect of substantially broadening or restricting the activities of an agency or have an important impact on a major industry whose economic position affects the health and stability of the general economy. These matters also typically have an important impact on major private or public interests and involve, either directly or indirectly, very large sums of money and are frequently vigorously contested by extremely capable legal talent. At this level, interest in the legal matter is normally nationwide. Factor 6. Personal Contacts Level 6-2 25 points Contacts are with industry representatives, private citizen claimants, defendants, petitioners and their attorneys, representatives of operating programs, State and local government, private organizations, and other Government agencies. Contacts are in a moderately structured setting. Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts Level 7-2 50 points Purpose of contacts ranges from obtaining information relative to the specific legal issue through researching legal references or interviewing witnesses, parties, etc., to presenting cases or legal opinions, explaining points of law, participating in negotiations, and advising agency officials. Factor 8. Physical Demands Level 8-1 5 points The work is sedentary requiring no special physical demands. Factor 9. Work Environment Level 9-1 5 points The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, and libraries.