OOG Attorney Advisor Vacancy

The Office of Open Government is accepting applications for its Attorney Advisor vacancy until March 5, 2020. Please follow this link to apply: https://bit.ly/3a87s4L

General Job Information

Job Summary 

This position is located in the Office of Open Government, an independent office within the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA). The mission of the Office of Open Government is to promote open government operations to provide District citizens with greater information about how government officials make and implement decisions and to encourage public participation in government affairs. The Office of Open Government is responsible for enforcing the Open Meeting Act, monitoring the District’s compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, and assisting government agencies in the implementation of open government practices.

The Attorney Advisor is responsible for providing legal advice in legal practice areas within the Office. Legal practice areas include: Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act compliance, and affirmative civil litigation.  

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for providing legal advice and conducting extensive and detailed legal document research dealing with proposed laws and amendments to existing laws, including the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act, superseded laws and regulations; and the legislative history of Federal and District laws and regulations. Assists in drafting testimony for Director of the Office of Open Government, Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (Office), for presentation at hearings before the Council of the District of Columbia, as well as for presentation in public forums. Reviews, researches, and prepares Office responses by management to selected and sensitive and often confidential inquiries and correspondence from the Executive Office of the Mayor, member of Council of the District of Columbia, officials of the District  and Federal government and surrounding jurisdictions, members of the private sector, both individual and organized, and the general public. Assists with conducting a continuing review and evaluation of existing District of Columbia and Federal statutes and regulations to determine the need for new regulations and amendments, new administrative and enforcement procedures, and to provide clarification, in instances of ambiguities or conflict with other laws and regulations.

The incumbent recommends and drafts new enabling legislation and amendments to existing legislation for review and approval, as appropriate. Represents the agency in complex administrative hearings, and prepares evidence, briefs, motions and other documents to support cases as necessary. May confer with and incorporate concerns of District Government officials, members of administrative bodies, and officials outside of the District Government with actions taken during enforcement cases. Keeps abreast of judicial, agency, and other changes in laws and regulations related to the function of programs and the recommendation of appropriate courses of action to the Office. Assists with the training of District Government employees regarding rules, regulations, adjudicative process, and gathering information and documentation for supporting evidence pursuant to enforcement or corrective actions. Assists in drafting policies, reviewing and revising directives, including standard reporting requirements, and other legal documents related to enforcement actions. Responsible for giving advice regarding compliance with the Freedom of Information Act and the Opening Meetings Act.

Qualifications and Education

The incumbent must be a graduate from a law school approved by the American Bar Association and hold a Juris Doctorate (JD); in addition to one (1) year of experience in the legal field.

Licensure and Certifications

Incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for wavier into the bar (if eligible for waiver, incumbent must successfully obtain admission to the D.C. Bar within one year of commencing employment).

Working Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in an office setting.

Other Significant Facts:
 
Promotion Potential: None

Type of Appointment:  Legal Service – Regular

Pay Plan, Series and Grade:  LA-905-12

Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement