ATTORNEY-ADVISOR (GENERAL)

The primary purpose of this position is to: serve as the Chief of International and Operations Law, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command (HQ AETC/JA). The incumbent advises the Staff Judge Advocate (SJA) as well as AETC military and civilian officials and closely coordinates with the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of the General Counsel (SAF/GC), on all international law and operations law issues affecting AETC.

Major duties

Principal advisor to the AETC/CC, the Staff Judge Advocate and headquarters staff in matters of international law, operational law and related areas. Provides specialized legal review, policy consultation and legal advice in the areas of operational and international law for AETC and subordinate organizations. Such projects may require in-person briefings to the AETC Commander, Deputy Commander and Director of Staff, and/or travel for similar purposes to other locations. Assists the SJA in carrying out responsibilities in matters pertaining to, among other things, Operations Law, focusing on Accident Investigation Boards (AIBs), Ground Accident Investigation Boards (GAIBs), Flying Evaluation Boards (FEBs), operational training and total force integration issues, and organizational change requests. Fully coordinates appointment of boards, advises AETC staff on board progress, and reviews final draft report for legal sufficiency and coordinated final approval for public release of reports through Air Staff level. Assists the SJA in carrying out responsibilities in matters pertaining to operations law, focusing on memorandums of agreement for flight training routes, airfield safety zones, real estate, infrastructure and related areas. Coordinates with other federal, state and local agencies in connection with the development of final agreements. Fulfills the professional responsibility of an attorney and supports other divisions of HQ AETC as required. Monitors for developments in state attorney license requirements, continuing legal education requirements and code of professional responsibility changes. Assists in training as needed. Represents HQ AETC/JA at meetings on issues related to the functional areas assigned. Attends meetings and consults with high-ranking officials from Headquarters U.S. Air Force (HQ USAF), DoD, and other governmental and non-governmental and international entities on matters relating to AETC and the functional areas assigned.

Qualifications

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD). In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status. GS-14 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: A law degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. Ideally, the incumbent will have completed the requirements of an advanced legal degree, in international or operational law, as demonstration of ability to perform the special skills required for this challenging work. Knowledge of applicable federal law, regulations, policies, international law, operations law, treaties and other international agreements, and the skill to apply this knowledge. Highly skilled in legal research and knowledge of theories, principals, and techniques of legal research, general legal resource materials, and the skill to apply this knowledge; as well as a thorough understanding of the electronic, e.g., computer-assisted, web-based, research tools available to ensure access to comprehensive and current information. Broad and in-depth knowledge of the organization, mission and functions of DoD, the Air Force and AETC, in the areas of international security cooperation, foreign military training, and general training operations. Highly skilled in written and oral advocacy, possessing superior negotiation skills, and capable of rational, logical thinking sufficient to prepare and present written briefs and oral arguments on behalf of the USAF, to protect the interests of AETC, to recognize, analyze, and segregate various legal aspects of complex factual situations, to write concise legal opinions, and to explain complex legal principles and recommend appropriate actions. Ability to plan, organize work, and meet deadlines with minimal required supervision. At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: Candidates are required to disclose any pending ethics or other judicial or miscellaneous allegations under review, including any adverse findings by a state bar or disciplinary committee and must consent to provide a letter for each state where admitted to demonstrate good standing.

Education

Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.