Attorneys in the Federal Service

Attorney positions in the Federal Government are in the excepted service, typically under an appointment called "Schedule A". By being in the excepted service, attorney positions are not covered by regular civil service hiring procedures. Agencies may hire for attorney positions directly without conducting examinations or coming to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for lists of eligible applicants.

Qualifications

Virtually all Federal agencies have attorney positions, with many requiring specializations. Because of this, agencies are responsible for setting qualification requirements for attorney positions. Generally, an LL.B or J.D. degree and membership in a State bar are required. The entry level grade is usually GS-9, but those with experience may qualify for higher grades.

How to Find Out About Job Openings

Contact directly the Federal agency for which you want to work. Agencies hire attorneys directly, without going through OPM for a list of eligible applicants. Local Federal agency addresses may be found in your local telephone directory under "U.S. Government." Agencies also recruit through career resource centers on college and university campuses.

- OR -

Check the Federal Job Opportunities (Bulletin) Board (FJOB), using a computer and modem. The phone number is (912) 757-3100.

Another popular way is by telephone to the Career America Connection on (912) 757-3000. To search the system, use the 4-digit series for attorney positions (enter 0905).

Other Opportunities for Attorneys

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES - Several agencies employ Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) to conduct formal hearings. There are over 1,300 ALJs in the Federal Government; with Social Security Administration being the largest. To qualify, you must have at least 7 years' experience as an attorney.

OPM conducts a competitive examination to fill ALJ positions for all agencies. To request an application packet, please contact OPM's Office of Administrative Law Judges on (202) 606-0810.

RELATED OCCUPATIONS - There are a number of occupations in the civil service for which a law degree and/or legal experience are qualifying and valuable, but not necessarily required. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Paralegal Specialist (series 0950);
• Hearings and Appeals Specialist (series 0930);
• Contract Specialist (series 1102);
• Labor Relations Specialist (series 0233); and
• Estate Tax Examiner (series 0920).

AS OF: 11-01-95