Attorney Advisor (Investigative Counsel)

Attorney Advisor (Investigative Counsel)

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $85447 - $197200 Per Year

Job Summary: The position is located in the Federal Maritime Commission, Bureau of Enforcement, Investigations, and Compliance. The incumbent of this position serves as an Investigative Counsel relating to investigations and related enforcement actions pursuant to the Shipping Act of 1984 as amended, 46 U.S.C. § 40101, et seq. and the implementing regulations.

Major Duties:

• The duties of an Investigative Counsel include a broad legal practice that centers around uncovering and advising on potential misconduct of regulated entities under the Federal Maritime Commission's jurisdiction as well as providing enforcement-related legal advice on Shipping Act-related enforcement matters. As an Investigative Counsel you will: Provide expertise in investigation and in potential enforcement-related litigation under the Shipping Act. Investigate and administratively prosecute Shipping Act violations, including conducting fact-finding and non-adjudicatory investigations; develop and follow leads; conduct interviews with witnesses and subjects; participate in discovery; and participate in motions practice and briefing before administrative law judges and the Federal Maritime Commission. Draft investigative and enforcement-related documents and other materials to support Shipping Act-related investigations and prosecutions, including drafting investigative plans, audit letters, subpoenas and other document requests, legal memoranda, and memoranda of activity. Review emails and other documentary evidence gathered in connection with investigation into possible Shipping Act violations and be able to organize that evidence into a compelling case narrative. Conduct legal research and advise Bureau leadership on substantive legal matters encountered during investigations and enforcement, including determining legal precedent applicable to investigations, applying applicable laws to specific fact patterns, and assessing sufficiency of evidence following investigative activities.

Qualifications: In addition to the above minimum requirements, you must meet the following: GS-12: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of two (2) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. GS-13: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. GS-14: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of four (4) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. GS-15: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); and specialized professional legal experience in excess of five (5) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (normally 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon EST on the announcement's closing date. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to saved application at a later date, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-29