Reviews and analyzes aviation litigation and enforcement investigative reports and determines legal sufficiency for the initiation of legal aviation litigation actions for issues involving statutory and regulatory safety violations. Conducts research and discovery and prepares motions, pre-trial memoranda of law, and post-trial briefs in enforcement proceedings. In certain cases, prepares and submits administrative appeal briefs. Assists the Department of Justice (DOJ) with FAA enforcement actions adjudicated in U.S. District Court.
Provides legal advice and counsel to FAA management, including high-level agency officials, in enforcement investigative matters. Reviews and analyses complex and significant issues to ensure compliance with existing laws and agency policies.
Represents the agency in litigation arising under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), including aircraft accident litigation, in conjunction with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Provides legal advice and counsel to agency officials on legal issues relating to requests under 49 CFR § 9 (Part 9), and claims under the FTCA and the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees’ Claims Act (MPCECA), including reviewing, analyzing, and recommending disposition of all administrative FTCA and MPCEA claims.
Manages and prepares responses to routine requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Prepares responses to Congressional and other inquiries regarding enforcement actions or other matters.
Conducts thorough legal research by appropriately identifying and analyzing relevant legal and factual issues and arguments. Assesses legal strengths and weaknesses of available arguments to provide accurate, complete, and practical legal advice and conclusions. Identifies and learns emerging issues, principles, and practices relevant to the legal practice area.
Provides advice tailored to the client and requirements of the agency. Adjusts communications to meet audience expectations and level of understanding. Keeps client and practice area management informed of issues and activities that may or should be discussed at a higher level. Manages workload to ensure that priorities are achieved, and deadlines are met.
Participates in appropriate training and/or learning activities.
Performs routine, though varying, assignments in an advanced developmental capacity. Assignments include those associated with acquiring and applying legal expertise to less complex assignments or assisting higher-level attorneys on broader assignments. Plans and carries out assignments in accordance with instructions and the principles of professional practice. Represents the FAA in court.
Receives guidance from a manager or higher-level attorney on complex situations for which there are no clear precedents. Routine work is performed independently and is subject only to general review. Applies relevant experience and professional legal knowledge to individual assignments. Independently plans use of time and assigned resources to complete routine assignments and limited projects. Contacts are primarily local, although there may be external contacts commensurate with the nature of the assignments, including those with court officials. Contacts are made to share information, provide data, acquire information, and discuss the status of assignments.
Laws, regulations, orders, policies, and procedures cover most assignments, but sometimes require interpretation and application of precedents. Professional guidance is available from higher-level attorneys. The frequency and intensity with which work is reviewed is commensurate with the nature of the assignment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Starting at $73,137 Per Year (FV H)