Attorney Advisor bei Legislative Branch

Not Required

Duties

The United States Copyright Office, located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers the Copyright Act; advises Congress and government agencies on legal and policy matters; provides international representation on copyright issues; administers the national copyright registration system; provides collections materials to the Library through voluntary registration and mandatory deposit programs; records documents relating to copyright chain of title; administers statutory license provisions of the law, including collecting and distributing royalties; maintains the world’s largest database of copyright public records; and provides information and reference services to the public. The incumbent serves as an expert on copyright law to perform professional activities pertaining to matters of interest to the Copyright Office. Recognized as an authoritative source for staff of the Public Information and Education Office faced with unfamiliar situations that relate to Copyright law and regulation. Provides legal advice, analyses, and guidance on copyright law issues and problems to staff on a case-by-case basis. Also provides high-level analysis, advice, and recommendations to staff based on research performed. Revises and maintains legally accurate and up-to-date Copyright Office print and web educational materials as necessary. Review program materials for legal soundness and accuracy. Performs substantive advisory duties in support of the Office of Public Information and Education through correspondence, by telephone, and other communication methods. Advises on legal matters related to software licensing and legal maintenance of the Copyright Office website. Represents the Associate Register in his/her absence and/or on his/her behalf, with government and private sector representatives on all matters involving novel and extremely complex copyright law issues. May accompany the Associate Register to meetings, events, and speaking engagements to coordinate and defend highly sensitive acquisitions that are of interest to the highest levels of the government. Serves as legal counsel to the ongoing effort to maintain Copyright Compendium III and associated circulars. Advises on questions of law or administrative policy involved in the operations of the organization and in its contacts with industry, private and professional associations, State, local, or the general public. Prepares recommended interpretation outlining the facts and applicable law. Creates and presents training to staff of the Office of Public Information and Education on all matters of Copyright law. Assists the Copyright Academy in the training and education of Copyright Office staff on topics within the incumbent's area of expertise. Represents the Copyright Office in education and outreach projects. May prepare speeches, portions of speeches, articles, briefs, and other materials in connection with assigned matters. Researches, locates, organizes, summarizes, and interprets legal information and other materials, including in support of regulatory processes. Conducts extensive and thorough legal research through the utilization of legal databases, standard reference works, and the internet to provide advice on topics required by the Associate Register to take a formal position. Research may include an understanding of the legislative history of a law, relevant background related to an international agreement or treaty, and/or current technological developments and trends. Summarizes information gathered from research and meetings in a digest or report for use by the Associate Register as part of the decision-making process. Establishes relationships and communicates with various key stakeholders and interested parties in a formal and/or informal setting who may have various viewpoints and opinions that may agree, conflict, or be a combination of the two. Performs various other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Note: this position has educational requirements. See Education section for further information. Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past or current drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.

Qualifications

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision. Ability to plan, prioritize, organize and execute training or other education/outreach initiatives. ** Ability to conduct legal research and analysis. ** Ability to convey legal analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations. ** Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and interact collaboratively with others. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Education

Applicants must possess an LL.B. or J.D., or higher degree from a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association or a state-accredited school of law and be a current active (or equivalent) member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Appointees must maintain active membership in good standing of the bar throughout their employment. Legible copies of transcripts demonstrating that applicant is a graduate from an LL.B. or J.D., or higher degree program in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association or a state-accredited school of law must be attached to your online application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at the time of the application. Official documents will be required if selected. Also, a copy of bar membership demonstrating that applicant is a member in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, a territory of the United States, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico must be attached to your online application. Failure to submit the required legible documentation at the time of application will result in disqualification of your application. Foreign Education – Education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed equivalent to conventional/accredited U.S. education programs to be acceptable for Federal employment. If your college/university is outside the U.S., your transcripts must be accompanied by a report from a credential evaluation service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE). Failure to submit a foreign education evaluation report will result in disqualification of your application.

Other Information

Although it is the Library's policy to afford the maximum pay benefit to employees when setting rates of pay, a new appointee who has had no previous Federal service will generally be paid at step one of the grade. The Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a complete application package that is received by the closing date of this announcement. Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. For more information, please see: Vetting Process This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email [email protected]. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. Certification from health care providers are not accepted. For more information contact the Library's Office of EEO Programs at 202-707-6024 or email [email protected]. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM. The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States and is part of the Legislative Branch of the Federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service. The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement. Initial permanent appointments to the Library of Congress require completion of a one-year probationary period. Probationary periods served at other Federal agencies do not count toward this requirement. The Library of Congress may offer repayment for all or part of federally insured student loans. However, not all service units within the Library of Congress participates in the repayment of federally insured student loans. Therefore, determination to repay a federally insured student loan is subject to approval by the appropriate service unit. A “Not to Exceed" (NTE) status is used to identify an appointment with a specific ending date. However, the Library has the right to separate a NTE employee at any time due to either performance issues or budget constraints. Are you a veteran? Please indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming in your application materials and/or applicant profile and provide the appropriate supporting documentation to validate your claim. Those applying for 5-point preference must submit Member Copy 4 of your DD 214. Those applying for 10-point preference must fill out an SF-15 (click here for the form) and provide the required documentation listed on the back of the form. If required supporting documentation is not attached, Veterans' Preference will not be considered in the application process.