The Chair's Attorney Honors Program offers permanent appointments for entry-level attorneys beginning with a two-year developmental program intended to promote careers in the civil service. Many selections will be made nationwide from this announcement.
If you are a third year law student, please see the linked announcementfor Law Clerk opportunities.
Visit https://www.sec.gov/divisions.shtml for more information about the Commission's work and the work of individual Divisions and Offices.
Summary
The Chair's Attorney Honors Program offers permanent appointments for entry-level attorneys beginning with a two-year developmental program intended to promote careers in the civil service. Many selections will be made nationwide from this announcement.
If you are a third year law student, please see the linked announcementfor Law Clerk opportunities.
Visit https://www.sec.gov/divisions.shtml for more information about the Commission's work and the work of individual Divisions and Offices.
*** This announcement was extended and will now close on Tuesday, September 13, 2022. ***
The Chair's Attorney Honors Program is a program that hires law school graduates currently employed as judicial law clerks, legal fellows, Presidential Management Fellows (PMF), current PMF finalists, or current and/or past participants of an SEC internship program (paid or unpaid) and were hired no earlier than 5 years from the closing date of the job vacancy announcement to work as entry-level attorneys. This program is designed as a means to secure future employment with the SEC for those that are eligible as defined by the "Minimum Qualifications Requirements" below. If selected, you are assigned to a single Division or Office, this program does not involve rotational opportunities.
It is the responsibility of the Commission to interpret and enforce federal securities laws; issue new rules and amend existing rules; oversee the inspection of securities firms, brokers, investment advisers, and ratings agencies; oversee private regulatory organizations in the securities, accounting, and auditing fields; and coordinate U.S. securities regulation with federal, state, and foreign authorities. The Commission is concerned primarily with promoting the disclosure of important market-related information, maintaining fair dealing, and protecting against fraud.
Typical duties caninclude: Actual duties will depend on placement within the Commission
Investigating possible violations of the federal securities laws
Conducting related legal research and writing
Providing guidance to companies on SEC rules and forms
Providing input for the proposal of new and revised rules to the Commission
Working with a rulemaking team or rule filings submitted by self-regulatory organizations
Working on matters related to the equity, options, security-based swaps, and fixed income markets
CITIZENSHIP: This position is open to US Citizens.
You must possess a J.D. or LL.B Degree.
You must be an active member of the bar in good standing.
Application procedures are specific to this vacancy announcement. Please read all the instructions carefully. Failure to follow the instructions may result in you not being considered for this position.
Supplementary vacancies may be filled in addition to the number stated in this announcement.
This position has promotion potential to the SK-14.
TRIAL PERIOD: This appointment may require completion of a two-year trial period.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation. Favorable results on a Background Investigation may be a condition of employment or selection to another position.
DRUG TESTING: This position may be subjected to drug testing requirements.
PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS): Moving/Relocation expenses are not authorized.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
This position is in the collective bargaining unit.
Due to COVID-19, the SEC is currently in an optional telework posture. This position is eligible to request telework in accordance with the SEC 's telework policy.
SELECTIVE SERVICE: Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.
Qualifications
All qualification requirements must be met before the selectee's entrance on duty (EOD) date. As an applicant you do not need to have been admitted to a state bar association. However, before you can start work with the SEC as an attorney, you must be an active bar member in good standing. The anticipated EOD date is September/October 2023, or sooner.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following before the start of employment with the SEC:
J.D. or LL.B. degree --AND--
Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty.)
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT: In addition to meeting the basic requirement, applicants must also meet the minimum qualification requirement.
SK-11: Applicants must meet one of the following:
Be currently employed as a judicial law clerk; or
Be currently employed as a legal fellow; or
Be currently employed as a Pathways Presidential Management Fellow (PMF); or
Be a current Pathways Management Fellow (PMF) Finalist; or
Be a current and/or past participant of an SEC internship program (paid or unpaid) and were hired no earlier than 5 years from the closing date of the job vacancy announcement.
SK-12: Applicants must possess at least one year of post J.D. experience as a practicing attorney by the anticipated entrance on duty (EOD) date, September/October 2023, AND meet one of the following:
Be currently employed as a judicial law clerk; or
Be currently employed as a legal fellow; or
Be currently employed as a Pathways Presidential Management Fellow (PMF); or
Be a current Pathways Management Fellow (PMF) Finalist; or
Be a current and/or past participant of an SEC internship program (paid or unpaid) and were hired no earlier than 5 years from the closing date of the job vacancy announcement.
Education
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html
Additional information
SEC COMPENSATION PROGRAM: The overall salary range listed above is provided for informational purposes as it represents the full range that is applicable to current employees in this occupation/grade; however, a selectee's initial pay is always set below the maximum rate of the range. Please click here for additional information.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SURPLUS OR DISPLACED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) is available to individuals who have special priority selection rights under this plan. Individuals must be minimally qualified for this position to receive consideration for special priority selection. CTAP eligibles will be considered minimally qualified if they meet the minimum requirements for this position.
Reasonable Accommodation: If you are an applicant who needs a reasonable accommodation for disability to participate in the application process at the SEC, submit the form for Reasonable Accommodation for Participation in Job Application Process here. Please be sure to submit your request at least 5 business days in advance of the date you need the requested accommodation.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Information for SEC Job Applicants: Federal EEO laws protect all applicants from discrimination on the following bases: race, color, sex (not limited to conduct which is sexual in nature, includes pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, transgender status), age (40 and over), religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, retaliation for participating in the EEO process or opposing discrimination. Applicants who believe they have been discriminated against on any EEO basis can seek recourse through the SEC's administrative complaints process. To be timely, an individual must enter the EEO process within 45 days from when they know (or should have known) of the alleged discrimination. Click here for additional information.
TTY/ASCII: Video Relay Service users are welcome to contact the appropriate SEC office or employee via the contact information listed above. If you do not otherwise have access to a Video Phone or Video Relay service, you may send us an email or use the Federal Video Relay Service via the internet. For more information about using the Federal Relay Service and to create a new account, please see: https://www.federalrelay.us/
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.
If you meet the minimum qualifications stated in the vacancy announcement, we will compare your resume and supporting documentation to your responses on the occupational questionnaire. Your resume must support your responses to the occupational questionnaire. After review of your application materials, if you are determined to be minimally qualified, you will be referred to the selecting official.
Note about Attorney hiring in the Excepted Service and veterans' preference: Attorney positions are exempt from Part 302 procedures pursuant to 5 CFR 302.101(c). Agencies filling positions that are exempt from Part 302 requirements need only follow the principle of veterans' preference as far as administratively feasible, e.g., consider veteran status as a positive factor when reviewing applications. The SEC considers veterans' preference a positive factor in hiring decisions.
If invited to interview, you will be evaluated on the following competencies:
Technical Competence - Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example. technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
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.
You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Required: Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire.
Required: Your complete and comprehensive resume that includes a complete history of your work experience and the applicable employment dates with months and years. To determine if you qualify for this position, OHR will review your work history that is relevant to the specific position for which you applied. If you are an external candidate selected for this position, OHR will review your complete work history to establish your starting salary. If you are a current SEC employee selected for this position, the standard percentage increases will be applied (i.e., 6% for non-supervisory and 8% for supervisory positions) if your selection results in a promotion. If your selection results in lateral movement (i.e. no change in grade) you will maintain your current salary.Note: Your resume must directly address the definition of specialized experience listed in the qualification section of this announcement and must NOT contain pictures. For external candidates: Information on how your resume will be used for pay setting purposes can be found here.
Required: Cover Letter. Provide a cover letter that includes information you wish to express to the selecting official that is outside of what is included in your resume. The cover letter can simply be addressed to "Dear Hiring Committee".
Required: An unofficial law school transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required).
Required: Legal writing sample, no longer than 10-pages.
Required, if applicable: Copy of Offer letter: Offer letter must show that you are currently working as a judicial law clerk, full-time legal fellow, PMF, SEC intern, or selection as a PMF finalist. Past SEC interns must provide their most recent SEC offer letter.
Required, if applicable: Proof of state bar admission and good standing.
Required, if applicable: Copy of your latest SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
Required, if applicable: Veteran's documentation (DD-214, member 4 copy or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge.)
Required, if applicable: CTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Track Your Online Application."
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be terminated after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You will be required to submit official documentation before appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, Veterans' Preference, certification of disability, etc.).
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Required: Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire.
Required: Your complete and comprehensive resume that includes a complete history of your work experience and the applicable employment dates with months and years. To determine if you qualify for this position, OHR will review your work history that is relevant to the specific position for which you applied. If you are an external candidate selected for this position, OHR will review your complete work history to establish your starting salary. If you are a current SEC employee selected for this position, the standard percentage increases will be applied (i.e., 6% for non-supervisory and 8% for supervisory positions) if your selection results in a promotion. If your selection results in lateral movement (i.e. no change in grade) you will maintain your current salary.Note: Your resume must directly address the definition of specialized experience listed in the qualification section of this announcement and must NOT contain pictures. For external candidates: Information on how your resume will be used for pay setting purposes can be found here.
Required: Cover Letter. Provide a cover letter that includes information you wish to express to the selecting official that is outside of what is included in your resume. The cover letter can simply be addressed to "Dear Hiring Committee".
Required: An unofficial law school transcript. (Note: If you are selected for this position, an official transcript will be required).
Required: Legal writing sample, no longer than 10-pages.
Required, if applicable: Copy of Offer letter: Offer letter must show that you are currently working as a judicial law clerk, full-time legal fellow, PMF, SEC intern, or selection as a PMF finalist. Past SEC interns must provide their most recent SEC offer letter.
Required, if applicable: Proof of state bar admission and good standing.
Required, if applicable: Copy of your latest SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
Required, if applicable: Veteran's documentation (DD-214, member 4 copy or other documentation containing dates of service and character of discharge.)
Required, if applicable: CTAP documentation (a copy of a separation notice or other proof of eligibility for priority selection; a copy of an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing current position, grade, promotion potential, and duty location; AND a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.)
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select your résumé and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Track Your Online Application."
By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be terminated after you begin work, or you may be fined or jailed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. You will be required to submit official documentation before appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, Veterans' Preference, certification of disability, etc.).
To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Therefore, to the extent a Federal job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 pursuant to E.O. 14043, that requirement does not currently apply. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
