This position is located in the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP). The supervisor is Ms. Alana Bell, ASLBP Chief Counsel. This position is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
Selectee is subject to Office of Government Ethics Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
Summary
This position is located in the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP). The supervisor is Ms. Alana Bell, ASLBP Chief Counsel. This position is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
Selectee is subject to Office of Government Ethics Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
Occasional travel - Because Licensing Boards often conduct hearings and oral arguments at a location in the vicinity of the nuclear facility that is the focus of a particular case, clerks may have the opportunity for some travel over the course of their service with the Panel. For additional information, see Location of ASLBP Hearings. Travel for trainings, hearings in the vicinity of licensed facilities, and association meetings.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Term - TERM Appointment not-to-exceed 2 years, may be extended in accordance with agency policy.
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 successful NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board Panel (ASLBP) Judicial Law Clerk candidate will perform the full range of duties. Such duties include but are not limited to:
Drafting judicial decisions and orders, conducting legal research, preparing legal memoranda, and providing assistance to Licensing Boards during evidentiary hearings.
Evaluating and developing cases from their earliest stages including rulings on standing and contention admissibility, discovery disputes and, ultimately, conducting an evidentiary hearing and drafting merits decisions on those evidentiary presentations.
The two-year clerkship term generally runs from September to September. Selectees from this announcement will generally be expected to start employment in September of 2025.
Only United States citizens can be admitted to the Judicial Law Clerk Program, and each person selected for the program must undergo a complete security/background investigation and be granted a security clearance.
Background Investigation leading to a clearance required for new hires.
Subject to random drug testing during employment.
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 be minimally qualified for the Judicial Law Clerk Program, you must meet the qualification criteria listed below.
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 a current judicial law clerk whose clerkship ends no later than September of the year following application (9/2025);
AND
2. Demonstrate a ranking in the top third (33%) of your law school class; OR
-have an overall law school grade point average (GPA) of at least a 3.25 based on a scale of 4.0; OR
-currently serve as a judicial law clerk.
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.
Graduate law students and judicial clerks should not have any significant post-J.D. legal employment.
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications requirements described above, the IDEAL CANDIDATE will be able to demonstrate the following:
Knowledge of the law as demonstrated by an exceptional record of law school academic achievement.(Provide copies of all your law school transcripts including documentation of your GPA and class ranking).
Demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex legal issues and to share the results both orally and in writing. (Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your abilities in this area. In your resume, describe your law review experience, comparable journal experience, or moot court experience).
Demonstrated interest in Administrative, Regulatory, or Environmental law. (In your resume, describe coursework, studies, law school clinical experience, internships/externships, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your interest in Administrative, Regulatory, or Environmental Law).
While a technical or scientific background may be useful, it is not required.
A description of how you possess the minimum qualifications criteria as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume and may also be addressed in the vacancy question provided for your supplemental response. Brief (e.g., one page resumes are discouraged as they may place you at a disadvantage during the hiring process due to insufficient information.
Education
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.
You must include a copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application.
Additional information
The duty location of this position is Rockville, Maryland. 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.
Using federal grade and salary levels, ASLBP judicial law clerks will typically start at grade GG-11, step 10. After one year of satisfactory job performance, and assuming admission to the Bar of any state or the District of Columbia, an ASLBP law clerk is eligible for a promotion to grade GG-12, step 6. The full performance level for judicial law clerks is GG-12.
RECRUITMENT INCENTIVE: A recruitment incentive of 15% of your starting salary is available to eligible selectees. To receive the incentive payment, you will be required to furnish official transcripts, and sign a service agreement, obligating you to remain with the NRC for a minimum of 18 months. Generally, current Federal employees are not eligible for a recruitment incentive.
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.
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.
NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your response 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.
A cover letter detailing your interest in the Judicial Law Clerk Program
Resume*
Law school transcript indicating your GPA or percentile rank, providing as much specificity as possible (and explaining your school's grading system, if necessary)
The names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references, and
A legal writing sample, demonstrating analysis of legal issues or statutory and regulatory interpretation.
*Resume must include the following:
1. Job title
2. Name of employer
3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
7. Education history including the type of degree (BS, MS, PhD), major of study, name and location of education institution, date degree awarded or anticipated date of graduation.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information(age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
Please carefully review the document descriptions below to see which additional documents are required for your application.
If you are a NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement explaining why one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). Do NOT submit an Award SF-50.
If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee in the competitive service 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. The SF-50 must include your name, title, series, pay plan, grade, step, salary, and full performance level. Do NOT submit an Award SF-50.
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/.
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.
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.
We strongly encourage you to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
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.
The NRC requires that applicants submit resumes built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool OR by uploading your resume from your USAJOBS jobseeker account. The Resume Builder tool is activated upon selecting "Build New Resume" under the "Resumes" section of your USAJOBS account.
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. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the mandatory 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.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, HROP
Attn: Natasha Thomas, Mail Stop T2-A77
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."
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your response 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.
A cover letter detailing your interest in the Judicial Law Clerk Program
Resume*
Law school transcript indicating your GPA or percentile rank, providing as much specificity as possible (and explaining your school's grading system, if necessary)
The names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references, and
A legal writing sample, demonstrating analysis of legal issues or statutory and regulatory interpretation.
*Resume must include the following:
1. Job title
2. Name of employer
3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
7. Education history including the type of degree (BS, MS, PhD), major of study, name and location of education institution, date degree awarded or anticipated date of graduation.
Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information(age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.
Please carefully review the document descriptions below to see which additional documents are required for your application.
If you are a NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement explaining why one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action). Do NOT submit an Award SF-50.
If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee in the competitive service 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. The SF-50 must include your name, title, series, pay plan, grade, step, salary, and full performance level. Do NOT submit an Award SF-50.
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/.
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.
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.
We strongly encourage you to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.
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.
The NRC requires that applicants submit resumes built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool OR by uploading your resume from your USAJOBS jobseeker account. The Resume Builder tool is activated upon selecting "Build New Resume" under the "Resumes" section of your USAJOBS account.
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. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the mandatory 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.
NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, HROP
Attn: Natasha Thomas, Mail Stop T2-A77
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."
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
