SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must have the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.), active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and one of the following: Two years of professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level. or The second professional law degree (LL.M.) plus one year of professional legal experience at or equivalent to the GS-11 level. An attorney without experience may be employed at the GS-12 or equivalent level if the individual has advanced educational attainments substantially beyond those required for work at the GS-11 or equivalent level and if their education clearly indicates ability to perform the type of work to be assigned, including courses directly pertinent to the work of the agency. Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated based on duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience and/or training must show possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position.