Become a Legal Champion for Public Health with HHS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) represents the pinnacle of public service, touching the lives of every citizen. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is now seeking experienced and passionate legal professionals to fill General and Senior Attorney roles. If you are looking to pivot your legal career toward public impact, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an attorney with the OGC, your day-to-day will involve:
- Providing legal advice on national health policy.
- Assisting in the implementation of departmental programs.
- Offering quality legal representation for various HHS divisions.
- Coordinating with experts to address emerging health, safety, and security threats.
Comparison: General vs. Senior Attorney Paths
| Feature | General Attorney | Senior Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Work | Entry/Mid-level legal tasks | Advanced advisory/leadership |
| GS Level | GS-11/12 | GS-13/14 |
| Requirements | J.D. + Bar Membership | J.D. + Bar + 2-3 yrs experience |
Requirements
To be considered for these positions, candidates must possess a J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited school and hold an active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants must be prepared to provide detailed employment histories with specific dates and hours to satisfy federal hiring requirements.
Salary Overview
Positions are available at grades GS-11 through GS-14. Annual salaries range from $74,678 to $163,514 depending on grade level, qualifications, and locality pay.
Benefits
Employees of HHS enjoy a robust compensation package including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement planning, and the potential for student loan repayment programs for qualifying individuals.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume concise; the hard limit is two pages.
- Leverage the USAJobs Resume Builder to avoid common formatting errors.
- Ensure your documentation is thorough, as the agency will not make assumptions about your experience.
Serving as a government attorney with HHS is a pathway to meaningful professional growth. With multiple locations and a clear focus on the public good, this role is perfect for attorneys ready to make a national difference. Apply today to secure your place in the civil service.
Why This General Attorney And Senior Attorney Job Matters
Shape the future of public health policy as a legal advisor for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
General Attorney And Senior Attorney Job Overview
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at the Department of Health and Human Services is seeking dedicated attorneys to join their team. This role offers the opportunity to tackle complex, high-impact legal issues that directly influence national health programs and public safety initiatives.
Requirements for General Attorney And Senior Attorney
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited institution.
- Current active membership in the bar of any State, territory, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia.
- Maintain active bar membership throughout the duration of employment.
- Eligibility to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in length.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney And Senior Attorney
- Professional legal experience corresponding to specific GS-level requirements.
- Proven capability in handling high-visibility national legal issues.
- Strong research, writing, and analytical skills in a regulatory environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health insurance plans
- ✓Retirement savings program (Thrift Savings Plan)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Potential for student loan repayment programs
- ✓Relocation and recruitment incentives may be available based on funding
- ✓Telework eligibility options
💡 How to Apply General Attorney And Senior Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney And Senior Attorney Job
- Review the full position duties on the OGC official careers page.
- Prepare a federal-style resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
- Collect necessary documentation including transcripts and proof of bar admission.
- Submit your complete application package through the official portal provided by the HHS OGC.
💡 General Tips
- Use the USAJobs Resume Builder to ensure all necessary date formats and hourly information are included.
- Be specific with dates of employment (MM/YY) and average weekly hours for every role listed.
- Do not copy and paste job description text into your resume; provide authentic examples of your professional accomplishments.
- Ensure your resume clearly addresses how your experience matches the grade level requirements for the position.
- Double-check that all required supporting documents are attached to your application package before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applicable to this position?
No, this vacancy is being filled under OPM's Direct Hire Authority, meaning traditional rating, ranking, and veterans' preference procedures do not apply.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, all applicants must adhere to the two-page resume limit. Submissions exceeding this length may result in removal from consideration.
Are there remote work opportunities?
This position is telework-eligible, though specific requirements are determined by agency policy.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of Health And Human Services
The Office of the General Counsel acts as the primary legal engine for the Department of Health and Human Services. From managing complex regulatory issues to representing the department in high-stakes legal matters, the OGC ensures that HHS can effectively serve the American people.