The Department of Labor is seeking a talented attorney with experience in appropriations law and other general legal matters.  This position has been posted at the GS-12 through GS-14 level (salary $74,872 to $136,771/per year) and is located in the Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor (SOL), Division of Management and Administrative Legal Services (MALS).  The attorney we hire will focus on appropriations law and other general legal matters, such as delegations of authority, memoranda of understanding, and review of internal and external reports, communications, testimonies, and programmatic proposals relating to DOL operations.  Application requirements and procedures are identified in the USAJOBS (www.USAJOBS.gov) announcement for this position – vacancy announcement EX-12-SOL-04.

The MALS Division provides legal advice and guidance to the Department of Labor under a wide variety of budget and appropriations statutes, including the Anti-Deficiency Act, the Bona Fide Needs Statute, the Miscellaneous Receipts Statute, and the Purpose Statute.  The attorney selected for this position will research, analyze and advise Department program and financial management officials on sensitive and fast-moving appropriations and budget issues.  In addition to appropriations law, Division attorneys represent DOL in government procurement and contract matters before administrative tribunals, and provide advice regarding government contracts and procurement policy.  The Division also provides legal services and legal representation to the Department regarding the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, internal employee relations matters, and other general law areas.

For further inquiries, please contact Ansonia Fletcher via email @ fletcher.ansonia@dol.gov

The Department of Labor is seeking a talented attorney to serve as the Counsel for Procurement and Contracts, the Department of Labor’s senior attorney for legal advice and litigation regarding government contracts and procurement law.  This is a GS-15 supervisory attorney position.  The person selected will lead our procurement law practice and serve as Co-Counsel for the combined “Appropriations and Contracts” practice area.  The job includes advising high-level Department of Labor officials on sensitive and complex procurement issues, and supervising attorneys litigating before the GAO, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and in other forums.  Supervised attorneys also provide legal services regarding intellectual property, appropriations and fiscal law, delegations of authority, and memorandums of understanding.  Applications are being accepted through email or cover letter/resume to mals.resume@dol.gov, with a subject line of “Counsel for Procurement & Contracts.”  You can learn more about the position at our website – www.dol.gov/sol/resume -- and through the vacancy announcement (below and in the attachment).

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Counsel for Procurement and Contracts

GS-15 Supervisory Attorney-Advisor

Job Title & Grade:               Supervisory Attorney-Advisor, GS-0905-15

Location:                              Division of Management & Administrative Legal Services, Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C.

Salary Range:                      $123,758 - $155,500/year

Open:                                     September 16 through 27, 2011

About this position:  We are seeking a talented attorney to serve as the Counsel for Procurement and Contracts, the Department of Labor’s senior attorney for legal advice and litigation regarding government contracts and procurement law.  The person selected will lead our procurement law practice and serve as Co-Counsel for the combined “Appropriations and Contracts” practice area.  The Counsel for Procurement and Contracts advises high-level Department of Labor officials on sensitive and complex procurement issues, and directs and reviews the work of attorneys providing procurement and government contract legal services throughout the Department.  The Counsel area has an active litigation practice of bid protests and contract claims before the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, and in other forums.  Supervised attorneys also provide legal services regarding intellectual property, appropriations and fiscal law, delegations of authority, and memorandums of understanding.

This position is located in the Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor (SOL), Division of Management and Administrative Legal Services (MALS).  SOL’s mission is to meet the legal service demands of the entire Department of Labor and help ensure that the Nation’s labor laws are forcefully and fairly applied to protect the Nation’s workers.  Besides procurement and appropriations law, MALS provides the Department with legal advice and representation regarding employment law, labor relations, FOIA, information law, and other administrative law areas.

Requirements:  Professional law degree (LL.B. or JD).  Active bar membership in a state, territory of U.S., D.C., or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  Minimum requirements to qualify for this GS-15 supervisory attorney position:  5 years of legal experience, including at least 1 year of experience equipping you to provide senior-level legal advice and litigation services regarding Federal procurement and government contracts law, and to supervise such advice and litigation services.  U.S. citizenship or non-citizens eligible to work in the United States.  Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.

How to apply:  Applications for this position may be submitted in two ways:  (1) send your application directly to MALS by sending a cover letter and resume to MALS.resume@dol.gov with an email subject line of “Counsel for Procurement & Contracts”; and/or (2) apply online through USAJobs Vacancy Announcement EX-11-SOL-01.  You are not required to apply through both mechanisms.  We encourage applications to be directly submitted to MALS through email to MALS.resume@dol.gov.

Whether applying via email or USAJobs, you should make sure your resume and/or cover letter provide us with a sufficient basis to evaluate your experience and qualifications against the evaluation factors listed below, and your resume should identify the state or territory of your current bar certification.  Please do not include your social security number on your submission.  SOL will not pay relocation expenses or moving costs. Your cover letter and resume must be in a file format that can be printed from Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat (WordPerfect and plain text files meet this criterion).  Do not send files in compressed format (e.g., files with the “.zip” extension). 

Evaluation factors:  Your experience and qualifications will be evaluated based on the following:

1.  Extensive knowledge of Federal procurement and government contracts law.  Of additional value is knowledge in intellectual property, appropriations, fiscal and/or grant law.

2.  Experience in performing procurement litigation responsibilities before the Government Accountability Office, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (or similar boards), the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, and/or U.S. District Courts.  These responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:  preparing Agency Reports for the GAO; providing legal guidance in assembling Rule 4 files for CBCA; drafting pleadings, motions and/or briefs; engaging in discovery; handling depositions; and participating in hearings. 

3.  Experience in providing legal advisory services regarding Federal procurement law and government contracts, including advising high-level officials.

4.  Excellent legal research and writing abilities, including strong organizational and analytical skills in written arguments.  

5.  Ability to effectively communicate with high-level officials, supervisors, staff, colleagues, and clients. 

6.  Demonstrated ability to perform supervisory responsibilities as indicated by a high-level of interpersonal skills, experience in leadership or complex project management, and/or past supervisory experience.

What to expect next:  Persons selected for further consideration and/or interview may be required to provide a writing sample and additional documentation as described on our website under “Job Opportunities” (www.dol.gov/sol/resumes.htm). You will be notified if documentation is requested of you and how to submit it.

Veterans’ Preference Eligibility and Equal Employment Opportunity:  Attorney appointments within SOL are in the excepted service not the competitive civil service.  While there is no formal rating system for applying veterans’ preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service, SOL considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.  If you have veterans’ preference eligibility or ICTAP/CTAP eligibility, please note that information in your cover letter or resume, and include documentation of that eligibility with your submission (e.g., ICTAP/CTAP eligibility letter; DD-214, DD-215 Forms, or discharge orders).  The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.  If you need an accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please make this request in your cover letter.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

ERISA Attorney

D.C. BAR PRO BONO PROGRAM

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program has an immediate opening for the position of Executive Director, D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program (ED-PBP). The position provides the leadership, management and vision for a multi-faceted pro bono program that delivers civil legal services to thousands of individuals and hundreds of community-based nonprofits each year. The ED-PBP is a member of the Executive Team. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District of Columbia Bar, who serves as the Pro Bono Program’s Executive Vice President.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides day-to-day leadership, management, coaching and mentoring to direct reports. Motivates and leads a high performance team. Manages subordinate supervisor(s) who supervise employee(s); is responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of the Pro Bono Program staff.

2. Works with Pro Bono Committee to provide overall leadership, management and strategic vision for the Pro Bono Program, in accordance with the strategic plan of the D.C. Bar and the highest standards for the delivery of civil legal services.

3. Identifies emerging and previously unaddressed legal needs in the community and develops innovative programs to engage pro bono lawyers in meeting those needs.

4. Provides coordination and assures regular evaluation of the Pro Bono Program’s activities including clinics, court-based resource centers, Community Economic Development Project, pro bono training, Pro Bono Partnership (PART), Senior Lawyers (SAILS) Project, Help Line, Probono.net and LawHelp.org websites, Pro Bono Initiative, Family Law Task Force and other special projects.

5. Manages the development and implementation of annual plans and priorities.

6. Manages the development of an annual budget and diverse fundraising plans; manages the program to accomplish goals within available resources.

7. Plays active role with the development team and volunteer leaders in raising funds to support the Pro Bono Program’s annual budget.

8. Plans and directs outreach efforts to draw additional lawyers into pro bono work through recruiting and training programs, marketing and special projects.

9. Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, to include:  private bar, courts, legal services providers, the Access to Justice Commission, and various other funders.

10. Works closely with, and provides support to, the Pro Bono Committee, the CED Project Advisory Committee, and other task forces and special committees appointed from time to time.

11. Represents the Pro Bono Program on court committees, the Consortium of Legal Services Providers, with the media, and with national organizations and forums, such as the Equal Justice Conference and the Pro Bono Institute.

12. Provides the CEO with advice on organizational and strategic issues and participates in development of policies and procedures affecting the Bar.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Organizes, develops and implements other programs or projects as assigned by the CEO.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Law degree from an accredited law school and an active member of the D.C. Bar or eligible and willing to become an active D.C. Bar member; familiarity with D.C. law and practice preferred.

2. Minimum 10 to 15 years relevant work experience with substantial experience in a legal service organization, as a public interest or pro bono attorney, preferably in nonprofit management; experience with volunteer management highly preferred.

3. Minimum 5 to 7 years of direct supervisory experience required with a proven track record of developing a motivated, productive and results-oriented staff. 

4. Must have an established record of leadership and the capacity to articulate a clear vision for program direction in line with the strategic vision of the organization.  History of successful program operation and management with the ability to identify and implement long and short term goals.

5. Familiarity with the local and national civil legal services community.

6. Successful direction of multi-faceted fundraising programs focusing on individuals, corporations and foundations, with the ability to identify and implement creative and effective fundraising strategies. 

7. Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and communications skills, with the ability to develop solid working relationships with Pro Bono Program officers, legal service providers, volunteers, the media, staff and consumers of legal services.

8. The ability to build and foster a high level of credibility for the program and to develop coalitions, recruit volunteers and give professional presentations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Under the Bar’s compensation structure, this position is in the Legal Family and at the Director Level.  Salary is commensurate with experience.  This is an exempt position.  The D.C. Bar has an excellent benefits package.

This is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position.  It is recognized that job duties may change over time based on the Bar’s needs.

The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested individuals must submit a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements in one document to: https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=556705.

Paralegal

1) Looking to hire a paralegal with 2-4 years experience in U.S. immigration law. Proficiency in the Spanish language is preferred, but not necessary. The candidate must have excellent client communication skills, ability to work as a team player, attention to detail, and sound judgment.  Must have strong writing and analytical skills.

Associate

2) Looking to hire an associate with 1-3 years experience in Maryland family and criminal law.  Proficiency in the Farsi language is preferred, but not necessary. The candidate must have excellent client communication skills, ability to work as a team player, attention to detail, and sound judgment.  Must have excellent academic credentials. Must have strong writing and analytical skills. 

Please contact afatemi@fatemilaw.com for more information.

ORAM is looking for committed and highly-qualified externs to assist with research and writing on issues relevant to asylum and refugee claims based on gender identity and sexual orientation. 

There are several internship/externship/fellowship positions throughout the year for fall, spring and summer terms.

Winter Break Opportunities:

Winter Break Internships in San Francisco 

Spring 2011 Projects and Opportunities: 

Online Resource Center 

Scientific literature survey and academic writing on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) development and relationships

Translating information for LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees

Legal Externships for 2Ls and 3Ls: Legal research and writing on a variety of issues related to persecution based on gender identity and sexual orientation 

Researching and writing papers and articles on related issues 

Summer 2011 Internships:

Summer Internships in San Francisco

Istanbul Legal Summer Internships

Israel Legal Summer Internships

ORAM Fellowship Opportunities: 

Istanbul Fellowships

Israel Fellowships

San Francisco Fellowships

For more information about ORAM opportunities, please contact ORAM’s Externship Coordinator at externship@oraminternational.org

Istanbul Legal Summer Internship Opportunities

(Fluency in Farsi/Dari Required)

ORAM is a US-based non-governmental organization providing international advocacy, legal representation and community education on gender-based refugee issues. Our current focus is exclusively on refugees seeking refugee status and resettlement based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Working closely with its Turkey partner, ORAM provides free legal counseling for Iranians and others in Turkey who have escaped violence, executions and other human rights abuses in their country of origin.  The two organizations’ combined caseload currently exceeds 800 cases in various phases of proceedings for recognition as refugees as well as resettlement in the US, Canada, Australia and other countries. More information is available at www.oraminternational.org and www.hyd.org.tr.

ORAM and HCA conduct international and domestic advocacy to highlight the challenges facing asylum seekers and refugees. This advocacy takes the form of publications, policy reports, radio and television interviews, and presentations at conferences and law schools. In 2009, ORAM and HCA co-published the first report on the challenges facing LGBT refugees, “Unsafe Haven: The Security Challenges Facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Turkey.” (See http://oraminternational.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Unsafe%20Haven%20Final.pdf.)  A version of this article was published in Praxis: The Fletcher Journal of Human Security. ORAM and HCA also work closely and collaboratively with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration (PRM).

Internship Description

ORAM and Helsinki Citizens Assembly are accepting applications for an internship program in Istanbul, Turkey to work on the following services to Iranian refugees:

·         Consultation regarding refugee status, migration and closely related issues;

·         Preparation of petitions and legal assistance before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);

·         Preparation of clients for interviews, hearings, etc.;

·         Appeals of denied applications/petitions, where appropriate;

·         Preparation of petitions and representation before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) (in extraordinary cases);

·         Resettlement through UNHCR to safe third countries; and

·         Filing of needed petitions to obtain exit permits.

ORAM invites two- year law students fluent in Farsi to apply. Interns will work at the Helsinki Citizens Assembly /ORAM offices in central Istanbul. They will apply international refugee law, domestic Turkish law UNHCR procedural guidelines to the claims of applicants before them and articulate the applicants’ claims in writing clearly and succinctly. The Internship involves a combination of intensive one-on-one contact with asylum applicants and refugees, legal research, factual research and writing.  Most client interviews will take place in Farsi. 

Istanbul interns must be fluent in spoken Farsi. They should have strong interviewing and writing skills and outstanding interpersonal skills. They also should have the ability to concentrate in one-on-one interviews over long hours and the ability to convey legal concepts in simple, understandable terms.

Necessary information and assistance will be provided to interns in identifying and securing housing.

Application Procedures

Interested applicants should send (1) a resume, (2) cover letter and (3) an original legal writing sample to the ORAM Internship Coordinator at internship@oraminternational.org. Please write “Istanbul Summer Internship Application” in the subject line. Applications will be evaluated on an ongoing basis until the deadline of April 30, 2011.

Computer Science and Software IP Attorneys
Electrical IP Attorney. Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or an equivalent discipline.  An advanced degree or comparable work experience in at least one of these fields is preferred.  Experience in advanced Web technologies, procedural and object-oriented programming, computer graphics, geographical information systems, data mining, wireless technologies, and/or operating systems is helpful.    Looking for motivated candidates with excellent credentials and one to four years of patent law firm and/or industry experience. 

Computer Science and Software IP Technical Specialists
Electrical Technical Specialists with Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics backgrounds.  Successful candidates must possess a graduate-level degree or comparable industry experience.  Experience in advanced Web technologies, procedural and object-oriented programming, computer graphics, geographical information systems, data mining, wireless technologies, and/or operating systems is helpful.  

Chemical IP attorneys
Experienced Chemical patent attorneys. Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Engineering with experience in the biotechnology industry, Nanotechnology, or related fields.  An advanced degree in at least one of these fields is preferred. Looking for motivated candidates with excellent credentials and at least three years of experience. 

Chemical IP Technical Specialists
Chemical Technical Specialists.  Successful candidates must possess a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Engineering with industrial biotechnology experience, or related fields. Looking for motivated candidates with excellent credentials and a willingness to learn.  This position is designed to aid technically savvy individuals transition into a career in intellectual property law. Candidates who seek to work with clients on the cutting edge of their respective industries are encouraged to apply.  Technical Specialists will work with professionals who have an appreciation of the competitive forces at work in the market and a deep perspective of the business and technology worlds. 

Biotech Patent Attorneys
Experienced  Biotech patent attorneys.  Successful candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in some area of the biological sciences, such as genetics, cellular biology, immunology or molecular biology.  An advanced degree in at least one of these fields is preferred.  Looking for motivated candidates with excellent credentials and at least three years of experience.

Please contact Leila Abdi at lrabdi@gmail.com for more information and how to apply.

Fellowship Opportunity

ORAM is a US-based non-governmental organization providing international advocacy, legal representation and community education on gender-based refugee issues. Our current focus is exclusively on refugees seeking refugee status and resettlement based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.  ORAM provides free legal counsel for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) refugees who have escaped violence, executions and “honor killings” in their countries of origin.  ORAM conducts legal field operations collaboratively with partner organizations in Turkey (Helsinki Citizens Assembly - Turkey) and in Israel (the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law Refugee Rights Clinic). The organization’s active caseload currently includes over 40 clients in various phases of proceedings for recognition as refugees as well as resettlement in the US, Canada, Australia and other countries. 

ORAM provides the following services to its clients in Turkey:

·       Consultation regarding refugee status, migration and closely related issues;

·       Preparation of petitions and legal assistance before the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR);

·       Preparation of clients for interviews, hearings, etc.;

·       Appeals of denied applications/petitions, where appropriate;

·       Preparation of petitions and representation before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) (in extraordinary cases);

·       Resettlement through UNHCR to safe third countries; and

·       Filing of needed petitions to obtain exit permits.

ORAM also conducts US and international advocacy to highlight the challenges facing LGBTI asylum seekers and refugees.   This advocacy takes the form of publications, policy reports, radio and television interviews, and presentations at conferences and law schools.  In 2009, ORAM co-published the first report on the challenges facing LGBT refugees, “Unsafe Haven: The Security Challenges Facing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Turkey.”  (See http://oraminternational.org/sites/default/files/pdf/Unsafe%20Haven%20Final.pdf.)  A version of this article was published in Praxis: The Fletcher Journal of Human Security.  ORAM works closely and collaboratively with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the US Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration (PRM).  

Description of the Fellowship Program:

Istanbul Fellows will provide refugee counseling and representation in Turkey to LGBT Iranians, Afghanis and others. They will be placed at the Helsinki Citizens Assembly/ORAM site in Istanbul. Tel Aviv Fellows will provide refugee counseling and representation to LGBT and Gender-based refugees from the Palestinian Authority, the Middle East and North Africa, Asia and South America.

After initial theoretical training, the Turkey and Israel Fellowships will be conducted on the premises of Helsinki Citizens Assembly – Turkey in Istanbul and the Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law, respectively. In both places, the Fellows must apply international refugee law, domestic law and UNHCR procedural guidelines to the claims of applicants before them and articulate the applicants’ claims in writing clearly and succinctly.  The Fellowship involves a combination of intensive one-on-one contact with asylum applicants and refugees, legal research, factual research and writing.

San Francisco Fellows will conduct research and writing in the development of advocacy and training materials in conjunction with defined collaborative projects with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the US Department of State.

Particular Skills Necessary for Fellowship:

For both Turkey and Israel, Fellows should have strong interviewing and writing skills and outstanding interpersonal skills.  They should have the ability to concentrate in one-on-one interviews over long hours and the ability to convey legal concepts in simple, understandable terms. Turkey Fellows must be fluent in Farsi.  Foreign language knowledge is strongly preferred (but not required) for the Israel fellowship.  However, speakers of Arabic or French will be given preferential consideration for this placement.

Advocacy Fellows (San Francisco) should have exceptional legal research, writing and advocacy skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.

Duration of the Program:

Placements are possible for either (a) Summer 2011 alone or (b) for Summer and Fall 2011 combined (i.e., June 2011 – December 2011).

Housing Information:

Full on-site assistance will be provided to Fellows in identifying and securing housing.

Name and Title of Placement Organization Contact Person: 

Okan Sengun, Legal Education and Volunteer Coordinator, ORAM

Telephone, Fax and E-mail of Placement Organization Contact Person:

Telephone: 415-399-1701

Fax: 415-373-9191

Email: senguno@oraminternational.org

Name and title of fellow’s supervisor:

Neil Grungras, Esq., Executive Director, ORAM

Rachel Levitan, Esq., Director of Advocacy, ORAM

Telephone, fax and e-mail of fellow’s supervisor:

Telephone: 415-399-1701

Fax: 415-373-9191

Email: grungrasn@oraminternational.org; levitanr@oraminternational.org

Address where Fellowship will be conducted:

ORAM- Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration:

39 Drumm Street, 4^th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94111

USA

Helsinki Citizens Assembly (ORAM Program) Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey:

Helsinki Citizens Assembly Refugee Assistance & Support Program

Kumbaraci Yokusu

NO:50/3 Beyoglu

Istanbul 34430

Turkey

Tel Aviv University Faculty of Law Refugee Rights Clinic (ORAM Program):

The Legal Clinics, Tel Aviv University Buchman Faculty of Law 

Ramat-Aviv, Tel-Aviv, 69978

Israel

Website:

http://www.oraminternational.org/

The U.S. Dept. of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, seeks a General Attorney, GS 14 ($105,211–$136,771), for ERISA enforcement litigation or regulatory projects or a combination of both.  Expertise in sophisticated financial transactions, investments, business valuations, and financial issues is highly desired.  The litigation, which is filed in federal courts throughout the U.S., involves complex factual, legal and policy issues, and is brought to protect employees participating in ERISA-covered pension and health plans. Opportunities to brief and argue appeals in the U.S. Courts of Appeals exist.  Regulatory assignments include drafting or reviewing ERISA regulations, proposed legislation, prohibited transaction exemptions, advisory opinions, and other legal guidance, including projects involving complex financial transactions.  To apply, go to USAJOBS online at www.usajobs.opm.gov and enter Announcement No. SOL-10-PBS-General ATTY