General Attorney (Information Law)

The USPTO Office of the General Counsel, Office of General Law (OGL) is seeking an experienced attorney to provide expert legal advice on information law matters, including the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act. The selected attorney will work with a team of professionals to manage the USPTO's FOIA and Privacy Act request programs, defend the USPTO in FOIA/Privacy Act litigation, provide training to clients, and provide as-needed legal support on other information law topics.

The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year. The individual selected for this position will... Provide legal support and program management for USPTO's FOIA and Privacy Act request programs, working closely with other OGL attorneys and USPTO FOIA Officers; this will involve first-hand involvement with FOIA and Privacy Act requests, working with e-discovery software, and coordinating with records custodians. Lead USPTO's representation in FOIA and Privacy Act litigation in coordination with the Department of Justice. Provide expert advice to all levels of management and fellow support organizations on a wide array of information law topics, such as records management, applying privileges, responding to third-party subpoenas, evaluating social media issues, publishing data, and other disclosure issues. Thoughtfully analyze proposed and existing USPTO policies and procedures related to information law; develop and train on agency-wide programs related to FOIA, the Privacy Act, and other information law topics. Possess top-notch oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to improvement. Demonstrate initiative and creativity; the ability to set, manage, and balance evolving and challenging projects and priorities; and outstanding legal research skills. Be a flexible teammate, willing to support OGL's other general law functions as needed by providing legal advice and litigation services in other disciplines.