About this role
Job SummaryCopyright is a form of legal protection provided by the laws of the United States (Title 17, U. S. Code) to authors of literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and other works. The Attorney-Advisor (International) serves as a counsel for the Office of Policy and International Affairs (PIA) in the U.S. Copyright Office. This position is located in the Office of Policy and International Affairs, Copyright Office.
QualificationsApplicants 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 Write/Communicate in Writing. ** Ability to Conduct Legal Research and Analysis of Domestic and International Property Matters.** Knowledge of Domestic and International Copyright and Intellectual Property Matters.** Ability to Convey Legal Analysis and Information Orally Through Briefings, Consultations, and Other Presentations. Ability to Meet and Deal with Others. Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Major DutiesTHIS IS AN OPEN CONTINUOUS POSTING. APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AND REVIEWED ON A ROLLING BASIS. Applicants may submit or update their application before the closing date. Applicants will be referred after the first cutoff date, and subsequent referrals will be made at the manager's request. The announcement may close earlier or at the request of the selecting official or after the job is filled. The next cutoff for receipt of applications under this announcement will be 11:59 p.m. EST on February 24, 2026 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 Office of Policy and International Affairs has certain responsibilities for administering the copyright law with special emphasis on policy, legislative, and international matters. This Office assists the Register of Copyrights with the development and presentation of Copyright Office positions and proposals, and shares with the Office of General Counsel responsibility for working with Congress and its committees on matters of domestic legislation. In addition, the Office of Policy and International Affairs has primary responsibility for international aspects of copyright law and policy. While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials. Performs probing, innovative, accurate, and fully documented legal research and written analyses on questions involving complex and unusual issues that must be resolved in order to prepare in-depth analyses, arguments, briefs and analytical documents on various specialized areas of U.S., foreign, and international copyright law and jurisprudence. Conducts research on emerging, difficult and substantive legal problems and prepares findings on issues in the field of copyright or intellectual property. Presents information and balanced analyses on complex copyright and intellectual property questions to the Associate Register for Policy and International Affairs. Briefs the Register of Copyrights, Associate Register and other senior level staff on various aspects of domestic and international issues and legislation under consideration. Works with appropriate staff to develop and recommend strategies to examine and improve services to copyright constituencies and to secure congressional understanding and support for legislation related to the mission of the Office. Prepares authoritative reports, legal arguments, legislative positions, and other analytical documents about changes in copyright policy or practice and which include various domestic or international copyright issues and justify recommendations or conclusions on significant legal issues of national or international significance. Prepares new public or internal procedures, guidelines, and other written products because of changes in domestic, foreign or international law. Such reports contribute significantly to the understanding of the nature of legal problems affecting the Office on both the domestic and international fronts and provide an authoritative basis for consideration of legislative proposals. Drafts complex amendments to statutes, regulations, policies and practices. Drafts position papers, talking points, testimony, memoranda comparisons of laws and bills and other written products characterized by substantial breadth and depth, and which cover pertinent factors and relationships. Such written products are appropriate for use by the Librarian of Congress, Register of Copyrights, Associate Register, members of Congressional Committees, executive branch officials and government delegations. The selected candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance. Performs various other duties as assigned. The position description numbers for this position are 179621 and 179623. The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area. The incumbent of this position will work a flexitime work schedule. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position. Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.RequirementsLibrary 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.