What are the responsibilities and job description for the Attorney-Advisor (General) position at LIBRARY OF CONGRESS?
Copyright 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 in the Office of General Counsel performs authoritative and accurate legal research, provides legal advice to internal staff on all matters of copyright law, and prepares materials for regulatory proceedings and other policy work.
Qualifications:
Applicants 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.
Knowledge of Copyright Law.**
Ability to Conduct Legal Research.**
Ability to Convey Legal Analysis and Information Orally through Briefings, Meetings, and Presentations.
Ability to Work Collaboratively with Others.
Ability to Write/Communicate in Writing.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Responsibilities:
THIS 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 first cutoff for receipt of applications under this announcement will be 11:59 p.m. EST on May 29, 2026
This position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Copyright Office.
The United States Copyright Office, located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers copyright law, 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.
Based on complete legal research in a very complex area of law, the incumbent prepares probing, innovative, and fully and accurately documented written arguments, briefs, studies or other analytical documents which involve complex legal or policy variables within broad areas of U.S. copyright law, and other matters contained in title 17, foreign and international copyright law and jurisprudence. These analyses relate to the history, development, interpretation, and implementation of primarily national policies.
Performs probing and innovative legal research and prepares regulations, briefs, memoranda, and other legal materials and documents in consultation with the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel or other senior staff. Researches precedents, applicable statutes, and other resources to provide opinions regarding proposed changes in policies and regulations. The incumbent is expected to be able to complete such research independently and to need little guidance from the supervisor or senior staff.
Prepares for the General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel or other senior staff authoritative descriptive and background reports, compilations, surveys, comparison of laws and bills, and other written projects for use by the Copyright Office, members of Congress and their staff, and high-level officials from other federal agencies and private organizations. Such reports contribute significantly to the understanding of the nature of legal issues before the Office primarily on the domestic front while cognizant of any international developments or implications and provide an authoritative basis for the consideration of legislative or regulatory proposals.
Reviews difficult and complex legal and administrative matters such as proposed administrative policies, procedures, regulations, and other agency publications to evaluate the legality and effect on the agency. Analyzes the factual and legal issues presented to determine whether further information is needed, and if so, how best to obtain that information.
Prepares and delivers oral presentations at copyright programs, meetings, and hearings employing the incumbent's broad knowledge of legal issues and current copyright and intellectual property concerns.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
The position description numbers for this position are 12751 and 12752.
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.
Salary : $121,785