General Attorney

About the role

This position is part of the Office of Hearings and Appeals at the Department of Energy (DOE). This position has promotion potential to the General Attorney, GS-15.

At this level, you will perform a broad variety of professional legal work that involves the conduct of administrative hearings, the review and adjudication of administrative appeals, the conduct of mediations and facilitations, and the preparation of rulings and decisions in a wide array of complex legal matters.

What you will do

• Assist Administrative Judges who preside over administrative hearings.
• Draft decisions resolving adjudicatory matters such as requests for evidentiary hearings, petitions for review of agency action, and complaints alleging retaliation for engaging in protected activity, as well as requests for extension of time, discovery, protective orders, and other motions.
• Analyze evidence, testimony, and legal arguments.
• Research applicable law and legal precedents and draft decisions for management review.
• Cases include, but are not limited to: whistleblower cases under 10 CFR Part 708 alleging improper action against a contractor employee who reports of violation of the law, waste, fraud, mismanagement, or matters of health/safety; security clearance cases under 10 CFR Part 710 concerning whether to deny or revoke a security clearance for a federal or contractor employee; and Human Reliability Program cases under 10 CFR Part 712 ensuring the physical/mental suitability of individuals with access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs.
• Manage complex or precedential cases in which DOE procedural regulations do not provide for Administrative Judges, including but not limited to, requests and appeals of Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act determinations issued by DOE offices.
• Serve as a mediator regarding disputes between and among agency and contractor employees.
• Handle complex or precedential special duties relating to office work and will provide mentorship and guidance to and serve as a legal resource for other office attorneys.
• We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans.
• As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement.
• Veterans shape the future of energy

Education

Attorney positions do have an education requirement. ALL Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree; OR Bachelor of Law (LL.B.) degree. For positions with an education requirement, you MUST submit: A copy of your transcripts or equivalent.

An official transcript will be required if you are selected.; AND You must provide proof of bar or your bar number.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

For further information, visit: Department of Education Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

How you will be evaluated

Your evaluation involves determining the relevance and quality of your experience and education and whether you meet the minimum qualifications as required.

You will be evaluated for this job based on the qualifications above, your Writing Sample that shows your knowledge level and ability to put that into words showing your technical abilities, and your Cover Letter (no more than 3 pages) that describes your interest in this role at the Department of Energy and describes your experience.

When describing your experience, please give examples that demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess, the level of the people with whom you interacted, and the sensitivity of the issues you handled.

Describe your applicable experience, if any, that touches on the following range of tasks: Undertake legal research and provide written legal analysis, advice, and recommendations on complex legal and policy matters.

Prepare and review rulemakings, orders, Federal Register notices and responsive comments, public filings, policy statements, reports to the President and Congress, and congressional testimony. Review and comment on legislation to determine the potential impact on client activities, and draft amendments. Represent clients in meetings, hearings, and other proceedings.

Support litigation efforts, including the preparation and filing of motions and other documents, in federal and state regulatory proceedings. Support transactional work, including the preparation of agreements and performance of due diligence and compliance review.

Minimum Requirements: Your application must show that you meet all requirements, including the education and/or experience required for this position. You will be found "not qualified" if you do not possess the minimum competencies required for the position. If your application is incomplete, we will rate you as ineligible.

Referral: Since this is an Excepted Service position, a non-rated method of evaluation will be used. We will evaluate your application by comparing your description of your work experience, level of responsibility, and accomplishments with the requirements of the position to determine whether you meet all the qualification requirements.

Although competitive examining rules for rating and ranking and veterans' preference do not apply, veteran's preference will be considered as a positive factor. Candidates who meet all the qualification and other eligibility requirements will be referred to the selecting official for consideration and possible interview.

Documents you must provide

• Please note that if you fail to provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
• RESUME WITH 3 REFERENCES: This can be done by either creating one in USAJOBS or uploading one of your choosing.
• Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume.
• Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
• COVER LETTER: This should be no more than 3 pages that describes your interest in this role at the Department of Energy and describes your experience.
• WRITING SAMPLE: A writing sample should be sufficiently complex in nature to demonstrate the applicant's skills in the qualifications of this position.
• VETERANS' PREFERENCE DOCUMENTATION: If you are claiming veterans' preference, you may provide a DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active-duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.
• For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
• ACTIVE BAR MEMBERSHIP: You must submit evidence of an Active Bar Membership as described in the Qualifications Section of this announcement.
• EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent.
• Unofficial law school transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable.
• It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements of this position.
• A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
• If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency.
• Refer to the OPM instructions.
• CTAP/ICTAP Eligible Applicants: To receive selection priority, you must submit the following documentation with your application: Proof of Eligibility: A copy of your agency-issued Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, a copy of your separation SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) noting transition/displaced status, or other official agency documentation confirming your eligible status.
• Proof of Performance Rating: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/rating of record, which must include: Your final rating (must be at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent); and The rating scale/guide (explaining what each level/numeric score means), unless the rating scale is clearly defined on the appraisal document itself.
• Note: While a formal performance appraisal is highly recommended and requested to expedite your evaluation, if your agency-issued RIF separation notice or other official separation documentation explicitly states that your performance was at least "Fully Successful" (or equivalent) and notes your rating of record, it may be accepted in lieu of a formal performance appraisal.
• Failure to provide any documentation proving a rating of at least "Fully Successful" or equivalent will result in the loss of your priority consideration.
• For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
• CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL APPOINTEES: If this is applicable, please note on your resume and attach an SF-50.
• The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.
• If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the hiring manager and HR office.

What to expect next

Once you submit your online application, you will receive a confirmation notification by email that your submission was successful. After the closing of the announcement, we will review applications. If you are among the most qualified candidates and your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly for a possible interview.

We will notify you of the status of your Application Package at the time candidates are referred for consideration, and when the selection process is complete.

If you are interested in being added to our Schedule A or 30% or more Disabled Veterans repository, please submit your information by using the below links. *** - 30 Percent or More Disabled Veteran Repository 2026 for Department of Energy Headquarters and their associated field offices. *** - Schedule A Repository 2026 for Department of Energy Headquarters and their associated field offices.

Additional information

The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Your position may be eligible for workplace flexibilities which may include remote work or telework options, and/or flexible work scheduling. These flexibilities may be requested in accordance with the DOE Workplace Flexibilities policy.

New employees to the Department of Energy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit *** Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information.

In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.

A trial period of up to 2 years for the purpose of assessing the ability of an individual to adequately perform in an attorney position will be established for appointments under these authorities. Previous Federal experience in like positions MAY count toward the completion of this requirement.

Your performance appraisal and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other candidates. Hiring incentives may be authorized in accordance with agency policy and if funding is available.

EEO Policy: *** Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs.

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: *** Veterans Information: *** Selective Service Registration: *** The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant.

An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at ***.