Employment Opportunities with DSLBD General Counsel General Counsel Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) Vacancy Announcement #09-025 The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) is charged with fostering economic growth and the development of emerging District-based business enterprises through programs and opportunities, agency and public/private contract compliance, advocacy, and supportive legislation. The Department works to stimulate and expand the local tax base of the District of Columbia, to increase the number of viable employment opportunities for District residents, and to extend the city’s economic prosperity to local business owners, their employees, and the communities they serve. DSLBD is comprised of the following four divisions that work together to sustain and grow small and local businesses: Certification, Compliance and Enforcement, Business Opportunities and Access to Capital, Training and Education, and Commercial Revitalization. The General Counsel will provide critical legal support to the Director and the Department, including negotiating agreements with developers of District supported projects regarding utilization of Certified Business Enterprises, informing public and private contractors on the legal requirements for using local businesses, drafting statutes and regulations, working with certification specialists regarding interpretation of the rules and regulations as they apply to specific applications for certification, reviewing joint venture agreements for compliance with the regulations, reviewing and drafting denials of applications for certification, advocating for subcontracting opportunities for Certified Business Enterprises, , responding to Freedom of Information Act requests, and advising on labor and personnel matters, Language Access Act compliance, and other general legal matters. The General Counsel conducts legislative analysis, monitors legislative developments, ensures legal sufficiency in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and drafts legislation and regulations.  The General Counsel also provides DSLBD support on certification hearings and works with the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) to ensure solicitations and other requests for contracting services for the District including local business enterprise requirements.  The General Counsel also performs other duties as assigned by the Director.    The successful candidate must be a member of the District of Columbia Bar or eligible for waiver into the bar; the successful candidate must also have excellent oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal skills; and the knowledge and the ability to both respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and to provide legal advice on small and local business matters.  Preference will be given to candidates with at least three years of full time experience drafting and negotiating complex legal agreements regarding business transactions.  The successful candidate must also have experience in the administrative law process including litigating before administrative agencies such as the Office of Administrative Hearings. The selected candidate is required to be a resident of the District of Columbia within 180 days of appointment.  This position is outside the Collective Bargaining Unit.  Candidates for the position will also be subject to a background check. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a resume, writing sample, performance evaluation for the prior year, and statement of interest summarizing your skills and abilities that will enable you to succeed in this position.  Please submit your materials to Kim McDaniel, Director of EEO, Recruitment and Hiring.  To find out more, please visit oag.dc.gov. Open until filled.  Screening of applications will begin on September 21, 2009. Notice of Non-Discrimination  In accordance with the DC Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, DC Official Code Section 2-1401.01 et seq., the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subjected to disciplinary action.