The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in in the Deputy General Counsel for Litigation, Office of General Counsel, Smithsonian Institution.
The Assistant General Counsel is responsible for providing professional legal services under the supervision of the Chief Legal Officer and the Deputy General Counsel for Litigation.
In this position, you will: Represent the Smithsonian Institution in legal matters pending before federal adjudicating bodies (including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Government Accountability Office, the Court of Federal Claims, Federal Courts of Appeal, and United States District Courts).
Conduct affirmative discovery and coordinate responses to discovery requests for matters filed in federal courts and federal administrative forums, including the preservation, identification and production of documents and responds to subpoenas. Identify and prepare witnesses for depositions, hearings and administrative proceedings in several administrative forums. Represent the Smithsonian in hearings and administrative proceedings in several federal administrative forums.
Advise the Chief Legal Officer and SI units on the defense or settlement of such claims and cases. Collaborate with the Department of Justice on federal court litigation involving the Smithsonian, including claims under Title VII, ADEA, Rehabilitation Act, Equal Pay Act, Federal Tort Claims Act, bid protests, breach of contract, copyright infringement, property matters, and federal environmental laws.
Provide legal advice in matters related to federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADEA, the Rehabilitation Act (including requests for reasonable accommodation), the Federal Labor Relations Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the civil service laws; the Federal Tort Claims Act; Federal Acquisition Regulations and contract law; property law; and federal environment laws. Provide legal advice in matters which affect the Institution's operations and activities.
Promote and assist with the effective implementation of the Chief Legal Officer's plans and priorities.
There is no basic education requirement.
The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/
whittakercr@si.edu · 202-633-0000
This position is with Smithsonian Institution , Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.
The posted pay range is $143913 – $187093/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Other security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-11-27.
This is a Full-Time, Permanent position.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-05 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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