Position Summary:
The Assistant Chief Counsel for Aviation Litigation provides executive direction and oversight for legal advice and services related to the agency’s regulatory compliance and legal enforcement programs, including those related to the adoption of safety management systems, risk-based decision-making, and voluntary safety disclosure and reporting programs. The Assistant Chief Counsel represents the FAA in adjudications at the trial and appellate level and coordinates the U.S. Department of Justice’s representation of the FAA in specific legal enforcement matters. In addition, the Assistant Chief Counsel provides executive direction for litigation strategy. The incumbent executes these duties and responsibilities via a geographically dispersed organization of approximately 65 attorneys and support professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Oversees all aspects of legal services in the Alaska Regional Counsel and has oversight of significant interface and coordination on regulatory enforcement interpretations and implementation to ensure consideration of the unique needs of the Alaskan aviation system.
- Serves as the principal legal officer and expert for the agency in matters relating to litigation, including provision of legal counsel, advice, and service in the areas of aircraft accident litigation, aircraft accident hearings and inquiries, aircraft accident investigations, litigation against agency employees arising out of their official duties, and tort suits against the agency or its employees.
- Interacts routinely with Executives at the FAA, Department of Transportation, the Department of Justice and other Federal agencies, the private sector, and with members of Congress and their staffs to ensure the sufficiency and validity of legal analysis provided to execute policy.
- Oversees all legal aspects of the FAA’s enforcement programs in both Headquarters and regional offices, including litigation, training policy direction, and evaluation of services provided by those offices.
- Evaluates the Safety and Technical Training organization’s completion of short-term and long-term goals and program performance according to policy and strategic plans. Resolves issues and ensures timeliness of programs, operations, or projects.
- Directs the planning, policy development, and execution of all legal aspects relating to the legal enforcement program arising in relation to the agency’s regulatory compliance and enforcement programs. Directs and coordinates legal sufficiency review of programs and policies so that program activities are consistent with priorities established by the FAA Administrator and Chief Counsel.
- Renders opinions and interpretations of FAA’s regulatory compliance and enforcement programs and policies consistent with government statutes, Executive Orders, and applicable Department of Transportation and FAA policies.
Required Education & Experience:
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
- This position has a positive education requirement. Transcript(s) required.
- US Citizenship is required.