Attorney-Adviser

About the role

This position serves as an Attorney in the Litigation, Enforcement, or Policy Division of the Office of General Counsel at the FEC. This vacancy announcement is a standing register, open continuously for one year. The next cut-off date is 2/23/2026.

Future cut-off dates are at the hiring manager's discretion. If you are found qualified and eligible, your name will remain on the register through the closing date of the announcement. This is a bargaining unit position.

What you will do

• Join the FEC's legal team!
• Our attorneys advise the Commission on complex legal questions involving FECA and cutting edge First Amendment principles.
• As an Attorney-Adviser in this position, you will work within the Litigation, Enforcement, or Policy division providing legal advice, analysis, research, and/or investigative activities in connection with the Federal Election Campaign Act and compliance with Commission policy and regulations.
• The Attorney-Adviser for the Litigation Division will: Handle all aspects of district court and appellate court litigation including taking and defending depositions, managing written discovery, conducting legal research and analysis, writing briefs and other documents, attending court conferences, arguing motions, conducting trials, and presenting oral arguments.
• Draft briefs, complaints, answers, motions, and other documents necessary to represent the Commission in court, frequently including sophisticated dispositive motions involving complex constitutional and administrative law issues.
• Conduct depositions, manage discovery, present oral arguments, and negotiate settlements.
• Advise and report to the Commission on assigned litigation matters including development of strategy in complex cases.
• Assist the United States Solicitor General in representing the Commission and addressing questions before the Supreme Court that impact the agency's programs.
• The Attorney-Adviser for the Enforcement Division will: Analyze a large range of complex and sometimes high-profile enforcement matters generated internally or by complaints filed by members of the public alleging violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act.
• Provide legal advice, recommendations, and opinions on a range of enforcement issues.
• Conduct legal research and analysis on matters involving procedural decisions.
• Prepare legal memoranda or other documents.
• Review legal documents for timeliness, accuracy, legal consistency, clarity, and procedural correctness.
• Brief the Associate General Counsel on a variety of legal issues and recommend a position.
• The Attorney-Adviser for the Policy Division will: Write advisory opinions, regulations, and policy statements involving complex campaign finance, administrative law, and constitutional issues.
• Draft regulations implementing the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and other relevant statutes.
• Conduct research to present and address policy questions before the Commission.
• Provide legal review of publications and other agency documents.
• Please note: Depending on workload considerations, staff attorneys assigned to a specific division may assist on projects from other divisions within OGC.

Education

Applicants must submit a copy of unofficial or official transcripts conferring a J.D., or LL.B., or higher degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

A self-created transcript or a list of courses you have prepared is not acceptable.

How you will be evaluated

Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process which will determine the best qualified candidates. Please follow all instructions carefully.

Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

Documents you must provide

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package including the documents listed below.
• We strongly encourage applicants to doublecheck that all required items are properly submitted to ensure consideration.
• Resume listing your hours worked per week, dates of employment (month/year) and duties performed for each position held.
• Limit your resume to two pages.
• Only resumes 2 pages in length will be accepted to determine eligibility and qualifications.
• For more information, view the following link.
• USAJOBS Help Center - Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements Cover Letter addressing the competencies in the Qualifications section above.
• Please limit your cover letter to 2 pages.
• Unofficial law school transcripts to verify you meet the educational requirements of this position.
• All applicants are required to submit unofficial law school transcripts prior to the closing of this announcement.
• If selected for this position you will be required to submit official law school transcripts upon entry into duty.
• Self-created "transcripts" will not be accepted.
• Copy of Bar License to verify you are licensed and in good standing to practice law as an Attorney under the laws of a state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or territory of the United States.
• You must submit a copy of your current Bar card, or letter of good standing.
• Alternatively, a PDF or printout from an online bar database reflecting your status is acceptable.
• Veterans documents (if applicable): DD-214 including character of service, or certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days, and if applicable, SF-15 Form, VA letter, or other documentation required by that form.

What to expect next

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. Additional phases of the review process will determine the best qualified candidates, and whether or not your application is referred to the selecting official. You will be contacted directly if further evaluation or an interview is required.

You will receive notifications by email about the status of your application throughout this process.

Additional information

FEC offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays.

Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules, telework and transportation subsidies.

Salary Ranges: GS-11: $ 85,447 - $111,087 GS-12: $102,415 - $133,142 GS-13: $121,785 - $158,322 GS-14: $143,913 - $187,093 If you receive a tentative offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty.

False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Federal Election Commission considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.

Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required by that form. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement.