Each year, the NRC selects a small number of graduating law students or judicial law clerks to serve in the Office of the General Counsel's (OGC's) Honor Law Graduate Program (HLGP). Established in 1972, the HLGP is the primary mechanism for hiring entry-level attorneys at the NRC. As an Honor Law Graduate, you will serve in a two-year program consisting of rotational assignments through different OGC divisions in order to gain broad exposure to the diverse legal practice at the NRC.
Summary
Each year, the NRC selects a small number of graduating law students or judicial law clerks to serve in the Office of the General Counsel's (OGC's) Honor Law Graduate Program (HLGP). Established in 1972, the HLGP is the primary mechanism for hiring entry-level attorneys at the NRC. As an Honor Law Graduate, you will serve in a two-year program consisting of rotational assignments through different OGC divisions in order to gain broad exposure to the diverse legal practice at the NRC.
This job will close when we have received 350 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Salary
$82,764 to - $128,956 per year
HLGs start at GG-11, step 10 or GG-12, step 6
Pay scale & grade
GG 11 - 12
Location
4 vacancies in the following location:
Rockville, MD
4 vacancies
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—As determined by the agency policy
Travel Required
Occasional travel - There is occasional travel associated with OGC attorney positions. The amount of travel depends on the type of work you are performing. Attorneys involved with litigation and hearings typically need to travel more often.
All NRC Employees are encouraged to apply.
Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.
The Honor Law Graduate Program allows you to collaborate with seasoned attorneys and work independently on a variety of assignments, such as the following:
participating in administrative litigation involving activities and facilities licensed by the NRC
reviewing environmental impact statements with technical staff
drafting proposed regulations for new or revised safety standards
assisting in the review and litigation of employment law matters, government contract matters, fiscal law, and security issues
working with the Solicitor in researching and preparing briefs for submission to the federal courts of appeals
Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.
You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for the Honor Law Graduate Program, you must meet the qualification criteria listed below. Please read carefully to determinate the grade at which you would qualify based on your education and specialized experience:
GG-11:
1. A third-year law student (3L) at an American Bar Association accredited law school who will earn a J.D. degree no later than June of the 2024-2025 academic year; or
- a graduate of American Bar Association-accredited law school who will earn an LL.M. degree no later than June of the 2024-2025 academic year; or
- a J.D degree and current judicial law clerk with less than one year of judicial law clerk experience within 30 days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement; and
2. Be in at least the upper thirty percent (30%) of your law school class and/or have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.25 based on a scale of 4.0. 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.
Specialized experience includes educational experience in nuclear energy law, NRC practice, environmental law, government contracts, employment law, labor relations, information law, federal administrative procedure, or regulatory law.
GG-12:
1. a J.D. degree; or
- an LL.M. degree; and
- a current judicial law clerk with a minimum of one year of judicial law clerk experience within 30 calendar days of the closing date of the vacancy announcement; and
2. Be in at least the upper thirty percent (30%) of your law school class and/or have an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25 based on a scale of 4.0. 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.
Specialized experience includes educational experience in nuclear energy law, NRC practice, environmental law, government contracts, employment law, labor relations, information law, federal administrative procedure, or regulatory law.
Admission to the Bar is not a prerequisite to applying and being considered for the Honor Law Graduate Program, but is expected during the first year of NRC employment. Recent law school graduates who join the NRC before Bar examination results are available will provide evidence of Bar admission as soon as possible after admission. Selectees who are not admitted to the Bar will not be promoted to the GG-12 level. Those not admitted to the Bar within two years may be separated from the NRC. ______________________________________________________
The ideal candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Experience in nuclear energy law, NRC practice, environmental law, government contracts, employment law, labor relations, information law, federal administrative procedure, or regulatory law.
- Ability to perform legal analysis and communicate the results of that analysis orally and in writing (evidenced by relevant employment experience or internships, academic achievement, or extracurricular law school activities).
- Ability to perform legal analysis and communicate the results of that analysis in writing as evidence by an unedited writing sample.
Education
You must possess a professional law degree acquired through graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association no later than June of the 2024-2025 academic year.
Additional information
The duty location of this position is Rockville, MD. In general, employees are expected to be in the office at a minimum of 4 days per pay period**. Telework schedules, including full-time telework, are approved on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Selective Placement Coordinator for assistance with the application or hiring process via Disability.Resource@nrc.gov. Deaf applicants may contact the Disability Program Manager by calling the NRC videophone at 240-428-3217.
Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment" (OF-306) prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment. If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.
The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for this position will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing unless currently in a NRC position subject to random drug testing AND will be subject to random drug testing upon appointment to the NRC.
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.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_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.
When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.
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.
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_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.
If you are a permanent federal employee (not a summer intern), you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.
List of supplemental material that may be applicable:
If you are an NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions, and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position.If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
You are applying for a position that requires a college degree. You must submit your college & law school transcripts. Transcripts can be unofficial but must include the applicant's current academic standing and GPA. All transcripts pertaining to the grade level for which you are applying are required for verification purposes. Please do not have your school send your official transcript separately from your application—an official transcript will be requested if you are selected. If you received your degree from a foreign educational institution, it is your responsibility to submit verification of accreditation. PLEASE NOTE: Your supplemental information MUST be received electronically and uploaded online through USAjobs.com. If you fail to submit the required documentation, you will not receive consideration for this position.
All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents: 1. Use the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or 2. use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or 3. use the "Fax" feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.
A complete application must include the following materials:
cover letter
resume
list of three references, including at least one academic and one professional reference (include with your cover letter upload or on your resume).
copy of your law school transcript and an explanation of your school's grading system, if necessary(Please do not have your school send your official transcript separately from your application—an official transcript will be requested if you are selected)
list of your fall semester courses and intended spring semester courses, if not already included on your transcript
sample of your legal writing, no longer than 10 pages, that is unedited by anyone else (portions of longer writing samples may require separate written introductions to provide context)
If you are a permanent federal employee, your most recent rating of record, or a statement saying that one is not available.
Requirements for the position: Once you pass the Bar and are formally converted to an attorney position, you will be subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and NRC's security ownership restrictions.
We strongly encourage you to complete your USAJOBS profile before you submit your application for this position.
Please read the entire announcement. Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.
To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of "USAJOBS Resume" and a source type of "Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.
Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.
You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.
To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.
SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION: If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 5-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. ALL supplemental material must be included with your application at the time that you submit it. See required documents below.
A complete application must include the following materials:
cover letter
resume
list of three references, including at least one academic and one professional reference (include with your cover letter upload or on your resume).
copy of your law school transcript and an explanation of your school's grading system, if necessary(Please do not have your school send your official transcript separately from your application—an official transcript will be requested if you are selected)
list of your fall semester courses and intended spring semester courses, if not already included on your transcript
sample of your legal writing, no longer than 10 pages, that is unedited by anyone else (portions of longer writing samples may require separate written introductions to provide context)
If you are a permanent federal employee, your most recent rating of record, or a statement saying that one is not available.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Human Resources
Attn: Natasha Thomas
Washington, District of Columbia 20555
United States
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting "Application Status."
Typically, interviews take place in the fall, and final selections occur in October and November. Selectees begin work around Labor Day of the following year, pending their successful completion of the security clearance process.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
If you are a permanent federal employee (not a summer intern), you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.
List of supplemental material that may be applicable:
If you are an NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions, and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position.If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
You are applying for a position that requires a college degree. You must submit your college & law school transcripts. Transcripts can be unofficial but must include the applicant's current academic standing and GPA. All transcripts pertaining to the grade level for which you are applying are required for verification purposes. Please do not have your school send your official transcript separately from your application—an official transcript will be requested if you are selected. If you received your degree from a foreign educational institution, it is your responsibility to submit verification of accreditation. PLEASE NOTE: Your supplemental information MUST be received electronically and uploaded online through USAjobs.com. If you fail to submit the required documentation, you will not receive consideration for this position.
All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents: 1. Use the "USAJOBS" feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or 2. use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or 3. use the "Fax" feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.
A complete application must include the following materials:
cover letter
resume
list of three references, including at least one academic and one professional reference (include with your cover letter upload or on your resume).
copy of your law school transcript and an explanation of your school's grading system, if necessary(Please do not have your school send your official transcript separately from your application—an official transcript will be requested if you are selected)
list of your fall semester courses and intended spring semester courses, if not already included on your transcript
sample of your legal writing, no longer than 10 pages, that is unedited by anyone else (portions of longer writing samples may require separate written introductions to provide context)
If you are a permanent federal employee, your most recent rating of record, or a statement saying that one is not available.
Requirements for the position: Once you pass the Bar and are formally converted to an attorney position, you will be subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and NRC's security ownership restrictions.
We strongly encourage you to complete your USAJOBS profile before you submit your application for this position.
Please read the entire announcement. Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.
To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of "USAJOBS Resume" and a source type of "Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.
Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.
You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.
To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.
SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTATION: If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 5-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or other proof of eligibility. If you are a Veteran claiming 10-point Veterans' Preference, you must submit a SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference, plus the proof required by that form. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. ALL supplemental material must be included with your application at the time that you submit it. See required documents below.
A complete application must include the following materials:
cover letter
resume
list of three references, including at least one academic and one professional reference (include with your cover letter upload or on your resume).
copy of your law school transcript and an explanation of your school's grading system, if necessary(Please do not have your school send your official transcript separately from your application—an official transcript will be requested if you are selected)
list of your fall semester courses and intended spring semester courses, if not already included on your transcript
sample of your legal writing, no longer than 10 pages, that is unedited by anyone else (portions of longer writing samples may require separate written introductions to provide context)
If you are a permanent federal employee, your most recent rating of record, or a statement saying that one is not available.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of Human Resources
Attn: Natasha Thomas
Washington, District of Columbia 20555
United States
Next steps
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting "Application Status."
Typically, interviews take place in the fall, and final selections occur in October and November. Selectees begin work around Labor Day of the following year, pending their successful completion of the security clearance process.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
