About this role
Job SummaryAs part of its challenging, multi-faceted mission, the Office of Enrollment and Discipline (OED) is responsible for (a) registering attorneys and agents to practice patent law before the USPTO, (b) developing and administering the patent registration exam, (c) investigating allegations of misconduct by practitioners, (d) overseeing USPTO programs, (e) supporting Patents and Trademarks business units regarding anti-fraud initiatives, (f) federal administrative rulemaking, and (g) outreach.
QualificationsThe Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has not issued qualification standards for attorney positions. However, the USPTO sets minimum qualifications for attorney positions and sets forth these qualifications in each vacancy announcement. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience prosecuting post-AIA patent cases and handling legal matters, preparing and trying cases, interpreting statues, regulations, and other legal documents for legal sufficiency, and developing sound legal decisions and recommendations involving complex legal issues. To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Experience prosecuting substantial post-AIA patent cases as well as handling complex legal problems, preparing and trying cases, making statutory interpretations, preparing legal documents, reviewing documents for legal sufficiency, developing sound legal decisions and recommendations in the field in which little or no legal precedent has been established. AND In addition to the specialized experience listed above, you must have: GS-14: Three (3) years post J.D. of the professional legal experience listed below. GS-15: Four (4) years post J.D. of the professional legal experience listed below. Professional Law/legal experience, post J.D. is defined as: Professional legal/law experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position to be filled. Legal work is described as extremely complex and difficult and requires a high order of original and creative legal endeavor in balancing conflicting interests; has broad or wide-scope impact on an economy, industry, private or public interests; and may involve directly or indirectly very large sums of money. Work may also involve acting as principal attorney in charge of the preparation and presentation of cases; recommending policies and developing procedures and regulations to implement new or amended legislation; and acting as legal, general or senior counsel to a major firm or organization. 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.
Major DutiesThe 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 leave year. This role is the ideal next career step for you if: You look forward to screening registration applications of candidates seeking recognition to practice before the USPTO in patent matters to determine if the candidate possesses the required scientific and technical training qualifications. You are eager to investigate the moral character and reputation of patent bar candidates seeking recognition to practice before the USPTO. You are excited to prepare a nationwide examination of the candidate's proficiency in patent law and USPTO office regulations, policies, and procedures to be registered as a patent attorney or agent. You are confident investigating, preparing, and presenting evidence of unethical conduct by registered attorneys and agents in the full range of highly technical and highly controversial disciplinary cases involving scientific, engineering, ethical, and legal considerations. You are committed to being intimately familiar with the specific policies, rules, regulations, and procedures of the USPTO, including all recent developments and initiatives, including those related to the prevention of patent and trademark fraud. You are eager to elicit and evaluate evidence and testimony; and preparing letters, requests for information, formal complaints, and other documentation. You are confident interviewing complainants, practitioners, and others having knowledge relevant to an investigation or disciplinary proceeding. You are prepared to conduct outreach efforts to educate the public and patent and trademark practitioners on applicable professional standards and best practices You are enthusiastic about developing rules, policies and procedures for the regulation of practitioners who practice law before the USPTO.