Job Information
Securities and Exchange Commission SENIOR SPECIAL COUNSEL in United States
Summary The Division of Investment Management's Chief Counsel Office seeks an Attorney Adviser (Senior Special Counsel) in the IM Liaison Office to provide expert legal analysis, guidance, and interpretations on complex issues under the Advisers Act and Investment Company Act. The role advises on exams and enforcement matters, supports cross-divisional initiatives, and ensures consistent application of federal securities laws. Responsibilities In this role as a Senior Special Counsel, you will be responsible for: Serving as a primary liaison between staff in the Division of Enforcement, Division of Examinations, other Divisions and Offices, and the Division of Investment Management (IM), ensuring enforcement and exam teams have timely access to IM's subject matter expertise. Providing expert legal and interpretive guidance on enforcement and examination matters, with a focus on issues arising under the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act. Delivering independent, high-level counsel on enforcement investigations, examinations and other significant matters from their initial development through final resolution, identifying emerging issues and advising on appropriate regulatory approaches. Leading or supporting complex legal projects involving novel or sensitive issues that may substantially affect Commission activities, coordinating with senior staff and serving as principal attorney where appropriate. Conducting in-depth legal research and analysis and preparing substantive written work products, including memoranda, analyses, and formal correspondence, or reviewing and providing quality assurance on work drafted by staff attorneys. Evaluating staff recommendations for enforcement actions involving investment advisers, investment companies, and private funds, ensuring consistency with IM policy, statutory requirements, and Commission precedent. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants are responsible for confirming all required materials are submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Please check the How You Will Be Evaluated and Required Documents sections carefully, as missing documents will render the application incomplete and ineligible for review. Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sector. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Qualifying education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following J.D. or LL.B. degree --AND-- Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must also meet the minimum qualification requirement. SK-16: Applicant must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS/SK-14 level. Providing legal advice and analyses on regulatory issues; AND Researching and interpreting statutes to support the development and implementation of regulations; AND Interpreting, applying, and providing legal guidance on the provisions of the Investment Advisers Act, the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, and the Exchange Act. ACCOMPLISHMENT RECORD COMPETENCIES: Your Accomplishment Record narratives should address the following competencies. See the How You Will Be Evaluated section below for more information: Legal and Regulatory Analysis - Conducts analysis and prepares documents and reports in compliance with Federal law that governs the rulemaking process. Critical Thinking - Considers a variety of factors, general and subject matter-specific, when making decisions and determining next steps in a case. Teamwork and Collaboration - Interacts with internal and external others in a manner that advances examinations and SEC goals and objectives. Workload Management - Effectively prioritizes workload in a way that accommodates unforeseen developments and achieves successful outcomes. Education You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts or equivalent by the closing date of the announcement. Qualifying education must have been obtained from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Internal Applicants: OHR will verify education qualifications for internal applicants using documents in the Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF). If required transcripts or certificates are not present in your eOPF, you will be required to provide them to OHR. If selected, a start date will not be established until official transcripts are received. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. For more information, click here. Applicants may also find the following helpful: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is an association of 19 credential evaluation services with admission standards and an enforced code of good practice. Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) is an association of 10 credential evaluation services with a board of advisors and an enforced code of ethics. Additional Information Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement and may be filled from any division or office within the agency. SEC COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Total salary (base pay + locality) is dependent upon duty location. The overall salary range listed above is provided for informational purposes. The pay for current SEC employees will be determined according to the procedures specified in the agency's policy. If your selection results in a change in grade from an SK-15 to an SK-16, you will maintain your current salary. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SURPLUS OR DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) is available to individuals who have special priority selection rights under this plan. Individuals must be minimally qualified for this position to receive consideration for special priority selection. CTAP eligibles will be considered minimally qualified if they meet the minimum requirements for this position. Reasonable Accommodation: If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the SEC application process due to a medical disability, please contact reasonableaccommodation@sec.gov. For religious-based accommodations, please contact religiousaccommodation@sec.gov . Please be sure to submit your request at least 5 business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Information for SEC Job Applicants: For more information, please click here. The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant. An applicant may submit a complaint, or any other information, to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged non-compliance by contacting the Legal and Policy Office in the Office of Human Resources at ElliottT@sec.gov.