General Counsel

Duties

The ideal candidate should have at least 15 years of experience practicing in the areas of labor and employment law. Experience in safety, health, and disability access laws is desired. The candidate should have the experience necessary to lead and manage a team of ten lawyers and other safety and disability access professionals. Familiarity with the U.S. Congress and legislative branch is desirable.

The OCWR's Chair of the Board of Directors, subject to the approval of the Board, will appoint the GC for a term not to exceed five years, as limited by statute, with the opportunity of being reappointed to a second five-year term.

Responsibilities

The GC exercises the authorities and performs the duties of the position as specified in the CAA, and otherwise assists the OCWR Board of Directors and Executive Director in carrying out their statutory duties and powers, including representing the Office in any judicial proceeding under the CAA.

The GC plans and directs all aspects of the OCWR's legal affairs, particularly those that relate to safety and health, ADA public access, and unfair labor practices. The GC leads the defense of the organization in appeals of decisions rendered by the Board to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Furthermore, the GC prosecutes allegations of violations of the CAA in safety and health and unfair labor practice matters and provides legal counsel to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors where needed.

The General Counsel reports directly to the OCWR Board of Directors and is a key member of the OCWR leadership team. The GC must be able to work collegially with employing offices and key congressional stakeholders, particularly the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, in implementing the inspection and investigatory mandates of the CAA. In this role, the GC also provides leadership to staff and recommends initiatives to the Board in matters of safety, health, ADA public access, and unfair labor practices. The GC is responsible for identifying and analyzing legal issues, drafting key documents and legal memoranda, presenting clear recommendations, and assuring legal compliance.

The GC supervises a staff of attorneys, administrative personnel, contract inspectors, and safety, health and ADA inspectors, while receiving general guidance and direction from the Board Chair and the Board of Directors.

The GC manages the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and all OGC employees. The General Counsel:

• Oversees the safety and health and ADA public access programs mandated by the CAA, including inspections and of the Congressional community, gathering data and reporting findings biennially to Congress, and collaborating with Congress to ensure abatement of hazardous conditions and removal of ADA barriers to public access.
• Represents the OCWR and the OCWR Board in legal proceedings before the United States Courts of Appeals and United States District Courts.
• Prosecutes actions involving violations of the OSH Act, Titles II and III of the ADA, and the prohibition of unfair labor practices under the FSLMRS.
• Consults with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and legal team to identify and resolve legal issues and recommend resolutions and settlements.
• Supports the Board of Directors and Executive Director, and provides leadership for the legal team, by providing legal interpretations and recommendations for compliance.
• Works collaboratively as a member of the OCWR's management team and assists the Executive Director, as requested, in making internal operational decisions.