CRFLO provides legal counsel and services to EPA programs with respect to a myriad of federal statutes concerning contracts, claims by and against the Agency, real and personal property, financial assistance awards, interagency agreements, appropriations law, civil rights, and equal employment opportunity. This position is for an Assistant General Counsel covering areas including appropriations law and/or federal financial assistance law or other similar areas, including litigation.
You will:
Lead a team of attorneys by providing clear direction to staff on matters related to the assigned area; provide feedback on assigned tasks to elevate the quality of legal work and ensure the delivery of sound legal advice; and resolve difficult issues requiring a high degree of professional judgment.
Handle highly complex legal issues, assess risk, and deliver well-reasoned, timely legal advice; and consider facts and evidence, the need for consistency in the assigned areas of practice, and other relevant factors in rendering legal advice.
Advise the staff of client program offices and participate in proceedings that substantially broaden or restrict major EPA activities (e.g., regulations, legislation, litigation) and recommend appropriate legal action; orally communicate highly complex legal concepts clearly and produce high-quality written work that is legally sound and persuasive, clearly stating the facts and legal issues and justifying all recommendations and conclusions.
One or more positions may be filled (in the organization advertised and/or in other organizations), if appropriate to the position.
If you have not yet passed the bar exam, offer of employment will be contingent upon admission to the bar and licensure/authorization to practice as an attorney.
You must self-certify annually and in writing that you hold an active bar membership.
If you are selected, you may be required to complete a trial period (two years if you are not a preference eligible; one year if you are a preference eligible).
This position is designated as High Risk and requires a background investigation. Unless an appropriate background investigation is already on record with the Office of Personnel Management, you must undergo a background investigation. All conditions of the pre-employment security process must be met before an official letter of employment can be issued with a report for duty date.
REAL ID requirements became effective on 05/07/25. If you are selected for this position and plan to use your driver's license or identification card during the onboarding process (i.e., for employment eligibility verification or to obtain your EPA identification card), the document must be a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver's license or identification card that includes the REAL ID-compliant star marking, or must be an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). You will receive information about alternative acceptable documents (e.g., passport) prior to onboarding. For more information about REAL ID, see Dept. of Homeland Security and REAL ID FAQs.
If you are selected, you will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure form within 30 days of your first day of employment and annually thereafter.
Qualifications
NOTE: You must meet qualification requirements, including any requirements described in the Education section, by the closing date of this announcement.
In addition to the educational requirements, you must meet the minimum grade-specific qualifications as described below:
To qualify for the GS-15 level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level defined as independently performing and guiding legal analysis; reviewing pleadings, briefs, or other documents involving unique or difficult legal issues in counseling or litigation; conducting highly complex legal counseling or litigation; or leading teams handling complex counseling or litigation including advising junior attorneys, paralegals or other staff.
You will need the following competencies in order to perform the duties of this position successfully, and you will be evaluated on these competencies:
Attention to Detail
Coaching and Developing Others
Critical Thinking
Environmental or Other Relevant Laws and Regulations
Leadership
Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
Oral Communication
Strategic Thinking
Technical Competence
Written Communication
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.
You must:
(1) possess a J.D. or LL.M. degree from an accredited or pre-accredited college or university or equivalent apprentice experience as allowed per state law; and
(2) be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any state, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; and
(3) be an active member of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction in good standing.
NOTE: Bar membership and licensure are not required at the time of application, but you must be admitted to the bar and obtain your license before entry on duty.
For information about accreditation requirements, visit Accreditation.
Additional information
This position is excluded from provisions of the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP).
Selection under this appointment authority does not confer civil service competitive status.
Except in special circumstances, those new to the federal government will be hired at the starting salary (step 1) of the applicable grade range listed in the Overview section.
EPA participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that enables participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. For additional information: E-Verify.
If you are selected, travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will not be paid by EPA. Any travel, transportation, and relocation expenses associated with reporting to work in this position will be your responsibility.
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
EPA welcomes applications from persons with disabilities. Through the reasonable accommodation process, we provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment that persons without disabilities enjoy. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done. An accommodation removes workplace barriers and enables an applicant with a disability to have an equal opportunity to participate in the application process, be considered for a position, and, if hired, perform the essential functions of their job.
The EPA National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators will provide assistance to you, the Human Resources Office, and/or the hiring official as needed. For more information, refer to EPA's Reasonable Accommodation website. Below is more detailed information about how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application, selection, and hiring process:
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process (submitting the application or completing the application process), contact the Human Resources Office listed below no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and the Human Resources Office will work directly with you.
If you are referred to the hiring official for consideration and need an accommodation during the selection process, including the interview, notify the person who contacted you from the hiring official's office. If you do not hear back within three days about your reasonable accommodation request for the selection process, please notify EPA's National Reasonable Accommodation Coordinators via email at disabilityaccommodations@epa.gov.
If you are selected and need an accommodation during the hiring process up to orientation, notify the HR Specialist who made the job offer to you.
Please note: Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement. EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis.
NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position, subject to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act.
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.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses (if applicable) to all assessments required for this position.
If you are eligible for consideration, a panel of subject matter experts will review your application package, including your resume, transcripts, and writing sample, to determine how well your background demonstrates the competencies required for successful performance in this position (see the Qualifications section for a list of the critical competencies being evaluated). If you pass the application review, you will be referred for a first-round structured interview, in which one or more subject matter experts will ask you a set of standard questions and evaluate your responses to determine how well they demonstrate the required competencies. If you pass the first structured interview, you will be referred for a second-round structured interview, in which an additional panel of subject matter experts will ask you a set of standard questions and evaluate your responses to determine how well they demonstrate the required competencies. Only applicants who meet the requirements at each stage of the process will advance to the next phase of evaluation.
NOTE: Cheating (including the use of a consultant or an AI tool to assist you) on any assessment may result in your removal from consideration for this job.
If you are referred for consideration, you may be subject to additional assessments by the selecting official (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, job knowledge test, case scenario analysis, scientific data assessment, structured interview, etc.).
Veterans' preference is considered as a positive factor in the selection process. When appropriate documentation is submitted to confirm a claim of preference eligibility (see Required Documents section), the veteran is preferred over other applicants with substantially equal qualifications.
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.
Join EPA in protecting human health and the environment and enjoy many work life quality options! Working for the EPA offers you a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To learn more about us, visit Life and Careers at EPA.
If you are selected for this position, situational telework may be approved by your supervisor if you meet eligibility requirements, as allowable by agency policy and/or applicable collective bargaining agreement. EPA policy only allows telework to be approved situationally. Situational telework is for work or assignments of specific limited duration on an occasional, emergency, or ad hoc basis.
NOTE: If you are an EPA employee who currently works at a remote work location (i.e., full-time telework), your approval for remote work does not transfer to this position, subject to Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act.
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.
Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position.
Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications and Education sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). If your resume includes federal experience, indicate the grade or pay band (e.g., GS-13) for each federal job. Resume must not exceed 2 pages. If you do not submit a resume that is 2 pages or less, you will be ineligible for further consideration. See How to Apply section for more information.
Copy of active bar membership/license (not required at the time of application, but you will be required to provide this documentation before entry on duty).
Proof of education (see requirements in the Education section):
Law school transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester hours earned. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation. - OR -
Documentation of apprentice experience equivalent to possession of a J.D. or LL.M. degree.
Name, address, and telephone number of three references, including a current or former employer.
Legal writing sample not to exceed 15 pages (for which the applicant was the primary author with only minor, if any, edits by others). The writing sample should include legal analysis.
APPLICANTS CLAIMING VETERANS' PREFERENCE
To be eligible for veterans' preference, you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility as indicated below.
Separated veterans claiming 0-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) and that the release or discharge was due to sole survivorship
Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form)--see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter
Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:
Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15
Active duty service members:
Certification from the Armed Forces (Statement of Service) documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the Armed Forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin your application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in this section (How to Apply) and the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the day the announcement closes to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply button at the top of the announcement.
Follow the prompts to sign in.
Answer the questions presented in the application and upload all required supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button by 11:59 PM (ET) on the day the announcement closes.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Agency contact listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and you must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
Resume Requirements:
Only resumes up to a total of 2 pages will be accepted. If you correctly submit a 2-page (or less) resume and also submit a longer resume, we will only review the 2-page resume. If the only resume you submit exceeds 2 pages, you will be removed from consideration for this position. See OPM 2-Page Resume Guidance for information on maximizing the content of your resume.
Resume must be legible so we can review for eligibility, minimum qualifications, and any other position requirements listed in this announcement.
See USAJOBS Resume Info for additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit How to View Status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status (if applicable), and your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Office of General Counsel
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your application package through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and explaining how your qualifications meet the requirements of the position.
Resume clearly stating your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications and Education sections--include specific dates (MM/DD/YY - MM/DD/YY) so we can determine that you have the required amount of experience (if applicable). In describing your experience, you need to be clear and specific (we may not make assumptions regarding your experience). If your resume includes federal experience, indicate the grade or pay band (e.g., GS-13) for each federal job. Resume must not exceed 2 pages. If you do not submit a resume that is 2 pages or less, you will be ineligible for further consideration. See How to Apply section for more information.
Copy of active bar membership/license (not required at the time of application, but you will be required to provide this documentation before entry on duty).
Proof of education (see requirements in the Education section):
Law school transcripts - unofficial or official transcripts or a list of courses that includes school(s) attended, school address, course title, grades earned, completion dates, department, and quarter or semester hours earned. NOTE: Official educational transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if you are selected, you must provide official transcripts before you start work with EPA. IF EDUCATION WAS COMPLETED AT A FOREIGN INSTITUTION: You must submit an equivalency evaluation with your application as described here: Accreditation. - OR -
Documentation of apprentice experience equivalent to possession of a J.D. or LL.M. degree.
Name, address, and telephone number of three references, including a current or former employer.
Legal writing sample not to exceed 15 pages (for which the applicant was the primary author with only minor, if any, edits by others). The writing sample should include legal analysis.
APPLICANTS CLAIMING VETERANS' PREFERENCE
To be eligible for veterans' preference, you must claim preference in your USAJOBS account; you must also submit proof of eligibility as indicated below.
Separated veterans claiming 0-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) and that the release or discharge was due to sole survivorship
Separated veterans claiming 5-point preference:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service) or other official document/statement from the Armed Forces showing separation, discharge, or release from active duty; document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge)
Separated veterans claiming 10-point preference based on compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more:
DD-214 Member 4 copy (or other copy indicating character of service); document must show separation is under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge); and
VA letter stating overall/combined disability rating (percentage); and
SF-15 (use current version: SF-15 Form)--see page 2 for documents that can be submitted in lieu of the DD-214 and VA letter
Other separated veterans claiming 10-point preference OR spouses, widows/widowers, or mothers claiming 10-point derived preference:
Other required documentation indicated on the SF-15
Active duty service members:
Certification from the Armed Forces (Statement of Service) documenting active duty dates, expected discharge/release date, campaign medals/badges, and character of service (a certification is any written document from the Armed Forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged/released from active duty service in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions (Honorable or General Discharge) within 120 days after you submit the certification)
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin your application. To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete all required questionnaires and assessments and submit all required documentation as specified in this section (How to Apply) and the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the day the announcement closes to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:
Click the Apply button at the top of the announcement.
Follow the prompts to sign in.
Answer the questions presented in the application and upload all required supporting documentation.
Click the Submit Application button by 11:59 PM (ET) on the day the announcement closes.
If you cannot apply online, you must contact the Agency contact listed below for assistance no later than two business days prior to the closing date of this announcement, and you must provide complete application materials by the day the announcement closes.
Resume Requirements:
Only resumes up to a total of 2 pages will be accepted. If you correctly submit a 2-page (or less) resume and also submit a longer resume, we will only review the 2-page resume. If the only resume you submit exceeds 2 pages, you will be removed from consideration for this position. See OPM 2-Page Resume Guidance for information on maximizing the content of your resume.
Resume must be legible so we can review for eligibility, minimum qualifications, and any other position requirements listed in this announcement.
See USAJOBS Resume Info for additional guidance and information about the recommended formatting (e.g., file type, font size/type, margins).
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account, find your application record, and click Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To view the announcement status or your application status: Visit How to View Status. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status (if applicable), and your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.
Office of General Counsel
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20460
US
Next steps
You can track the progress of your application via your USAJOBS account by clicking the Track This Application link. Through your USAJOBS account, you will be notified of the status of your application at four touch-points (some of these notifications may be combined): (1) when your application is received; (2) when we conduct an eligibility and qualification review of your application package; (3) when applications are referred (or not) to the hiring manager; (4) when a selection is made (or not) for the position or the job is canceled. It is your responsibility to check your USAJOBS account for this application status information. In addition, you will be contacted if further evaluation or interviews are required. If you are selected, you will be contacted personally by the human resources office posting this announcement.
NOTE: We may verify all information you provide in your application package through reference and/or background check, and/or verification of your education. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempt to conceal information may disqualify you for employment consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
