Open to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor's Attorney Honors Program as described below.
These permanent positions are with the Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, located in Washington, D.C.
During their first year, Honors Attorneys participate in a series of 7-8 week rotational assignments through the Office's Divisions and other offices, with work in practice areas that include the full range of Land Management, Water, Natural Resources, Indian, Environmental, Oil and Gas, and Mining laws relating to the Nation's public lands, national parks and wildlife refuges, administrative and government business matters, ethics, and law relating to the United States' unique relationship with American Indians and Indian Tribes.
Honors Attorneys also will participate in cross-organizational meetings and other efforts and training opportunities designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the practice of law at a Cabinet level agency. After the initial year, the successful candidate will be permanently assigned to a Division or, if desired, a Regional office to provide advice and counsel to the Secretary of the Interior and the Department.
Upon satisfactory completion of rotational assignments during the first year, Honors Attorneys will participate in a matching process to determine permanent placement within the Office of the Solicitor.
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by background investigation.
Must be an active member of the bar.
Selectee may be subject to serving a 2-year trial period.
More requirements are listed under Qualifications and Other Information.
Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
A background investigation will be required for this position. Continued employment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination.
Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.
Because this position requires travel for official business, the selectee will be required to apply for a charge card within 30 calendar days of appointment. Individuals who have delinquent account balances from a previous Government charge card will be required to satisfy their existing obligation before a new card can be issued.
Qualifications
Eligibility Requirements
This program is available to recent law students who:
Have graduated or will graduate from Law School between May 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022; or
Have graduated from Law School between May 1, 2019 and May 1, 2021 and have completed at least one full year as a Judicial Law Clerk (federal, state, or tribal court).
Applicants should possess significant academic achievement (i.e., a GPA of 3.5 or higher) and legal or programmatic work experience as described in at least three of the areas below:
-- Graduated Law School with academic honors
-- High academic achievement in Law School (graduated top 25% of class)
-- Law review, journal, or other significant legal writing experience
-- Moot court competition, legal aid, or legal clinic experience
-- Judicial Law Clerk experience (federal, state, or tribal court)
-- Significant summer law firm, government agency, or non-profit Law Clerk or internship experience (virtual or telework experience accepted).
-- Interest in natural resources, Indian or environmental law as demonstrated by course work, published legal writing, professional experiences, etc.
-- Demonstrated leadership while in law school.
NOTE: If your law school does not calculate class rank, and also does not provide traditional grades or a GPA, you should include a link to the school's grading policy and should provide a narrative explanation of how your law school performance correlates with our requirements.
Honors Program selectees are required to pass a Bar examination and be duly licensed to practice as an attorney in any state, territory, or the District of Columbia within 14 months of original appointment under this Program.
Individuals selected for this Honors Program are expected to begin working on September 26, 2022, in Washington D.C. and must sign an employment agreement committing to remain with the Office of the Solicitor for a minimum of three years from the date of original appointment.
-- A Law School graduate not admitted to the Bar as of September 24, 2022, will be placed in a Law Clerk position at the GS-11 level pending admission to the Bar, at which time they will be eligible for conversion to an Attorney position.
-- A Law School graduate who has been admitted to the Bar but has less than 1 year of legal experience will be placed in an Attorney position at the GS-11 level.
-- A Law School graduate who has been admitted to the Bar and has completed 1 year of legal experience (including Judicial Clerkships) will be placed in an Attorney position at the GS-12 level.
-- A Law School graduate who has been admitted to the Bar and has completed 2 or more years of legal experience (including Judicial Clerkships) will be placed in an Attorney position and be considered for a grade of GS-13.
Basic Qualification Requirements
Law Clerk, GS-11:
- Graduated from law school, or is expected to graduate, with a LL.B. or J.D. between May 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022
Attorney, GS-11:
- Graduated from law school with a LL.B. or J.D. between May 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022, and have been admitted to the Bar.
Attorney, GS-12:
- Graduated from law school between May 1, 2019 and May 31, 2022, with an LL.B. or J.D., been admitted to the Bar, and completed 1 year of legal experience (may include a Judicial Clerkship).
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
Education
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.usgs.gov/about/organization/science-support/human-capital/how-foreign-education-evaluated-federal-jobs .
Additional information
Other Information:
Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for and performance of higher-level duties.
The application contains information subject to the Privacy Act (P.L. 93-579, 5 USC 552a). The information is used to determine qualifications for employment, and is authorized under Title 5, USC, Section 3302 and 3361.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide the Department and allow us to successfully achieve our mission.
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
SOL has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework in accordance with the DOI Telework policy and with supervisor approval. The official worksite for the selectee is the duty station identified in this vacancy announcement. The selectee will typically report to this duty location on a regular and recurring weekly basis.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
--The information and materials you provide will be used to evaluate that you meet the basic qualification and eligibility requirements for this position.
--Basis of Rating: You will be evaluated for this job based on the qualifications described above.
The information and materials you provide will be used to evaluate that you meet the basic qualification and eligibility requirements for this position. A panel of attorneys will review the applications and identify applicants for interviews.
Basis of Rating for Attorney Positions: If you qualify for an Attorney position, you will not be rated or ranked. All applicants that meet the basic eligibility and qualification requirements of the position will be referred for consideration.
Basis of Rating for Law Clerk Positions: If you have not passed the bar, therefore qualifying as a Law Clerk, you will be rated on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position. If you meet the basic eligibility and qualification requirements, your on-line responses to the application questions will determine your placement in the appropriate quality group (i.e., Best Qualified or Qualified). These responses must be substantiated by the resume. Veterans' preference rules apply.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
A consolidated PDF file of all documents submitted for consideration is preferred. Please ensure that all documentation submitted is legible. Applicants must submit the following:
1. Cover Letter and Resume that includes the following information:
-- A cover letter addressed "To whom it may concern" that includes reference to interest in public service and demonstrated interest in natural resources, Indian or environmental law as evidenced by course work, published legal writing, professional experiences, etc.;
-- A permanent e-mail address that will not change during the course of the application and hiring process;
-- Two (2) professional and/or academic references (include name, title, organization/school, telephone number, and email address)
;
-- Undergraduate degree information (e.g. type of degree conferred, major(s), year received, name of school, city and state where school is located);
-- Information about your law degree(s) (e.g. type of degree, specialty, year degree conferred or expected to be conferred, name of school, city and state where school is located);
-- Proof of active Bar membership, if any;
-- Information about any graduate degree(s) (e.g. type of degree, major, year conferred or expected to be conferred, name of school, city and state where school is located);
-- Information about any judicial law clerkship(s) (e.g., full name of court(s) served, dates of clerkship(s), name of judge(s), telephone number in chambers);
-- Information about other legal and/or non-legal experience including names of supervisor(s), organization name(s), telephone number(s) of supervisor(s), dates of employment, and brief description of responsibilities;
-- (For Current Students) Names of all law school courses you are currently taking and your expected graduation date;
-- Information about any unique qualifications, training, special skills or competencies relevant to your application for employment.
2. Law School Transcript that includes your GPA (if applicable).
3. Writing Sample - No longer than 8 pages in length. The sample can be academic or professional and may be an excerpt from a longer document. The writing sample should be drafted entirely by you and should contain properly formatted citations to legal authorities.
Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, by the closing date of this announcement. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans preference and that your character of military service is honorable. Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must submit documentation that supports your claim (e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability; or receipt of a Purple Heart). If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.
Required documents may be:
(1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or
(2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
--Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.
--Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement:
1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button.
2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile.
3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application.
4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen.
5) Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy.
6) Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below.
7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.
OFC OF ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR-ADMIN
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
--We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to "My Account" within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A consolidated PDF file of all documents submitted for consideration is preferred. Please ensure that all documentation submitted is legible. Applicants must submit the following:
1. Cover Letter and Resume that includes the following information:
-- A cover letter addressed "To whom it may concern" that includes reference to interest in public service and demonstrated interest in natural resources, Indian or environmental law as evidenced by course work, published legal writing, professional experiences, etc.;
-- A permanent e-mail address that will not change during the course of the application and hiring process;
-- Two (2) professional and/or academic references (include name, title, organization/school, telephone number, and email address)
;
-- Undergraduate degree information (e.g. type of degree conferred, major(s), year received, name of school, city and state where school is located);
-- Information about your law degree(s) (e.g. type of degree, specialty, year degree conferred or expected to be conferred, name of school, city and state where school is located);
-- Proof of active Bar membership, if any;
-- Information about any graduate degree(s) (e.g. type of degree, major, year conferred or expected to be conferred, name of school, city and state where school is located);
-- Information about any judicial law clerkship(s) (e.g., full name of court(s) served, dates of clerkship(s), name of judge(s), telephone number in chambers);
-- Information about other legal and/or non-legal experience including names of supervisor(s), organization name(s), telephone number(s) of supervisor(s), dates of employment, and brief description of responsibilities;
-- (For Current Students) Names of all law school courses you are currently taking and your expected graduation date;
-- Information about any unique qualifications, training, special skills or competencies relevant to your application for employment.
2. Law School Transcript that includes your GPA (if applicable).
3. Writing Sample - No longer than 8 pages in length. The sample can be academic or professional and may be an excerpt from a longer document. The writing sample should be drafted entirely by you and should contain properly formatted citations to legal authorities.
Veterans Preference: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, by the closing date of this announcement. If you are currently on active military duty, you must provide documentation (e.g., campaign document, award citation, etc.), that verifies entitlement to veterans preference and that your character of military service is honorable. Note: If you have more than one DD-214 for multiple periods of active duty, submit a copy for each period of service.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference, in addition to the DD-214, you must submit documentation that supports your claim (e.g., an official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying the existence of a service-connected disability; or receipt of a Purple Heart). If you fail to submit any of the required documentation, you will not be granted veterans preference. Additional information on veterans' preference can be found in the VetGuide.
Required documents may be:
(1) uploaded directly from your desktop; or
(2) uploaded directly from your USAJOBS stored attachments.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
--Applications (resume and application questions) for this vacancy must be received on-line via USAJOBS BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online resume, you will not be considered for this position. Requests for extensions will not be granted. Most libraries, employment offices, and all USGS personnel offices can provide access to the Internet. If applying online poses a hardship for you, you must speak to someone in the Servicing Human Resources Office listed on this announcement PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE for assistance.
--Instructions for Applying Online for this Vacancy Announcement:
1) Click the blue "Apply Online" button.
2) If you are not a registered USAJOBS user, please create a new account and follow the instructions to complete your application process. If you are a registered user, login to access your existing USAJOBS profile.
3) As a registered user, select a stored resume and select one or more of your stored documents to attach to your application.
4) Check the "Certification" box and click the "Apply for this position now!" button located at the bottom of the screen.
5) Address the eligibility questions as well as the questionnaire containing questions and/or task statements that address the knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies for this vacancy.
6) Submit required documents using one of the available methods listed below.
7) If you experience technical difficulties during the online application process, please contact the USAJOBS helpdesk.
OFC OF ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR-ADMIN
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Mail Stop 600
Reston, VA 20192
US
Next steps
--We expect to make a selection within 30-45 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified via email of the outcome. You can also go to "My Account" within USAJOBS to review your Application Status.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
