Info Center
|
|
Tutorials (Interactive) |
Attorneys |
Back to Info Center |
Attorneys
Qualifications
Virtually all Federal agencies have attorney positions, with many requiring
specializations. Because of this, agencies are responsible for setting
qualification requirements for attorney positions. Generally, an LL.B or J.D.
degree and membership in a State bar are required. The entry level grade is
usually GS-9, but those with experience may qualify for higher grades.
How to Find Out About Job Openings
Contact directly the Federal agency for which you want to work. Agencies hire
attorneys directly, without going through OPM for a list of eligible
applicants. Local Federal agency addresses may be found in your local telephone
directory under "U.S. Government." Agencies also recruit through career
resource centers on college and university campuses.
- OR -
USAJOBS, the Federal Government's Employment Information System, provides worldwide job vacancy information, employment information fact sheets, job applications and forms, and has on-line resume development and electronic transmission capabilities. In many instances, job seekers can apply for positions on-line. USAJOBS is updated every business day from a database of more than 30,000 worldwide job opportunities. USAJOBS is available to job seekers in a variety of formats, ensuring access for customers with differing physical and technological capabilities. It is convenient, user friendly, accessible through the computer or telephone and available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.USAJOBS consists of:
Internet - The official world wide web site for jobs and employment information, may be accessed at http://www.usajobs.gov.
On the web site, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs online. Complete job announcements can be retrieved from the web site. The USAJOBS web site also has an Online Resume Builder feature. Using the resume builder, job seekers can create online resumes specifically designed for applying for Federal jobs. Resumes created on the USAJOBS resume builder can be printed from the system for faxing or mailing to employers; and saved and edited for future use. For many of the vacancies listed on the site, job seekers can submit resumes created through USAJOBS directly to hiring agencies through an electronic submission process.
Automated Telephone System - An interactive voice response telephone system which can be reached at 1/703-724-1850 or TDD 1/978-461-8404.
By telephone, job seekers can access worldwide current job vacancies, employment information fact sheets, and applications and forms, and in some instances, apply for jobs by phone.
Other Opportunities for Attorneys
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES - Several agencies employ Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) to conduct formal hearings. There are over 1,300 ALJs in the Federal Government; with Social Security Administration being the largest. To qualify, you must have at least 7 years' experience as an attorney.OPM conducts a competitive examination to fill ALJ positions for all agencies. To request an application packet, please contact OPM's Office of Administrative Law Judges on (202) 606-0810.
RELATED OCCUPATIONS - There are a number of occupations in the civil service for which a law degree and/or legal experience are qualifying and valuable, but not necessarily required. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Paralegal Specialist (series 0950);
- Hearings and Appeals Specialist (series 0930);
- Contract Specialist (series 1102);
- Labor Relations Specialist (series 0233); and
- Estate Tax Examiner (series 0920).
AS OF: 08/01/2009
