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July 31, 2023

Counsel, Policy and International Affairs

The U.S. Copyright Office | Washington, D.C.

The United States Copyright Office, located within the Library of Congress and under the direction of the Register of Copyrights, administers the Copyright Act; 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.

The Office of Policy and International Affairs has certain responsibilities for administering the copyright law with special emphasis on policy, legislative, and international matters. This Office assists the Register of Copyrights with the development and presentation of Copyright Office positions and proposals, and shares with the Office of General Counsel responsibility for working with Congress and its committees on matters of domestic legislation. In addition, the Office of Policy and International Affairs has primary responsibility for international aspects of copyright law and policy.

While performing daily activities, the incumbent is responsible for ensuring proper handling and security of all Library and Copyright Office materials.

The position description number for this position is 179621 and 179623.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position will work a Compflex; or Flextime; or Maxiflex work schedule.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

The incumbent must undergo and obtain a secret security clearance as a condition of employment.

The work entails foreign and domestic travel.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

The Attorney-Advisor performs probing, innovative, accurate and fully documented legal research and written analyses. Researches, analyzes, locates, organizes, summarizes, and interprets legal information. Analysis may include difficult or misunderstood policy issues, and questions involving complex issues of U.S., foreign, and international copyright law, where the research direction is unclear or where resolution requires the advice and guidance of experts.

As a principal attorney, addresses difficult legal issues. Provides legal counsel to and briefs the Register of Copyrights, Associate Register and other senior level staff on various aspects of domestic and international issues that are under consideration and recommends ways to navigate the complexities and avoid adverse situations. Works with appropriate staff to develop and recommend strategies to examine and improve services to copyright constituencies and to secure congressional understanding and support for legislation related to the Office’s mission.

Plans the content, scope and emphasis of presentations to be made at seminars and meetings. Prepares and delivers oral presentations to officials and staff of the Copyright Office and the Library of Congress, officials of government agencies and organizations in the public and private sectors. Meets with officials and experts of foreign countries, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations. Coordinates the efforts of other countries at meetings, seminars, and agency programs using significant knowledge and recognized expertise in the field of U.S. and foreign copyright laws.

Prepares authoritative reports, legal arguments, legislative positions, and other analytical documents about changes in copyright policy or practice and which include various domestic or international copyright issues and justify recommendations or conclusions on significant legal issues of national or international significance. Prepares new public or internal procedures, guidelines, and other written products because of changes in domestic, foreign or international law. Such reports contribute significantly to the understanding of the nature of legal problems affecting the Office on both the domestic and international fronts and provide an authoritative basis for consideration of legislative proposals.

Drafts complex amendments to statutes, regulations, policies and practices. Drafts position papers, talking points, testimony, memoranda comparisons of laws and bills and other written products characterized by substantial breadth and depth, and which cover pertinent factors and relationships. Such written products are appropriate for use by the Librarian of Congress, Register of Copyrights, Associate Register, members of Congressional Committees, executive branch officials and government delegations.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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