Become an Attorney Advisor (General) with the USDA Office of the General Counsel in Kansas City
If you are an ambitious attorney with a passion for public service, commercial law, and transactional work, an extraordinary opportunity awaits you in the Heartland. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is currently seeking a talented legal professional to serve as an Attorney Advisor (General) in Kansas City, Missouri.
This position is offered at the GS-11 grade level, with a starting salary range of $75,897 to $98,671 per year, and features exceptional promotion potential up to the GS-14 level. This is an open-continuous announcement with monthly review cutoffs, making early application critical for qualified candidates.
About the Agency: The USDA Office of the General Counsel
The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related public policy issues. Grounded in the best available science and efficient management, the agency's mission is to expand economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural communities thrive, promoting sustainable agricultural production, and conserving natural resources.
As the legal arm of the USDA, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) plays an indispensable role. OGC attorneys deliver critical legal services and solution-oriented counsel to all agencies within the USDA. In the Kansas City office, the legal team focuses on the commercial and transactional programs that keep America's agricultural economy moving forward. From farm credit programs and crop insurance initiatives to complex contract disputes and bankruptcy proceedings, OGC attorneys ensure that the department’s programs are executed in strict compliance with federal laws, upholding the rule of law and protecting taxpayer investments.
Job Responsibilities: Commercial and Transactional Focus
As an Attorney Advisor in the Kansas City OGC office, your daily responsibilities will center on complex transactional and commercial legal matters. Unlike some federal environmental legal positions, this role focuses exclusively on commercial, financial, and administrative law.
Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Drafting and Reviewing Transactional Documents: Creating and evaluating commercial legal documents, including loan agreements, grants, corporate structures, trusts, estates, property law claims, and loan security documents.
- Navigating Debtor-Creditor Law: Representing the USDA's financial interests in commercial bankruptcy proceedings, collection matters, and asset recovery.
- Providing Agency-Wide Counsel: Delivering practical, solution-oriented legal advice to USDA administrators and specialists regarding program compliance, statutory authorities, and regulatory requirements.
- Resolving Complex Disputes: Negotiating and resolving contract disputes, subpoena responses, complaints, and regulatory inquiries directed at the agency.
- Serving as Litigation Liaison: Coordinating directly with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to develop litigation strategies, prepare responses, and support cases brought by or against the USDA.
- Representing the Agency in Administrative Courts: Conducting formal administrative adjudications, drafting briefs, and supporting subsequent District Court reviews of agency determinations.
Salary, Career Progression, and Grade Comparison
This position is hired at the GS-11 grade level, which serves as a developmental pathway. The USDA OGC utilizes a non-competitive, performance-based promotion structure that allows high-performing attorneys to advance up to the GS-14 level as they master federal statutes and litigation strategies.
Below is a comparison of how your responsibilities and expertise will grow as you advance through the GS levels in this career path:
| GS Grade Level | Focus & Responsibility Level | Typical Work Scope |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 (Entry/Developmental) | Assisted research, basic transactional drafting, and structured legal analysis. | Performs targeted legal research, writes draft opinions and memoranda, and assists in compiling administrative records under guidance. |
| GS-12 (Intermediate) | Moderate independence; handles routine contracts, loans, and minor dispute resolution. | Drafts and reviews contracts, interprets established regulations, and represents the agency in standard administrative hearings. |
| GS-13 (Advanced Developmental) | High independence; handles moderately complex commercial disputes and administrative litigation. | Manages complex bankruptcy cases, drafts pleadings, coordinates regularly with the DOJ, and advises program managers on sensitive compliance issues. |
| GS-14 (Full Performance Level) | Mastery of statutes; leads major precedent-setting cases and high-stakes negotiations. | Provides expert legal counsel directly to senior agency officials, develops nationwide litigation strategies, and negotiates complex settlements. |
Candidate Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this competitive federal legal position, applicants must meet all educational, professional, and specialized experience standards by the time their application is reviewed.
1. Basic Educational and Professional Requirements
- Juris Doctor (J.D.): Successful completion of a full course of study from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Unofficial transcripts must be submitted with the application.
- Bar Membership: Active membership in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
2. Specialized Experience Requirements (GS-11)
To qualify at the GS-11 level, you must possess at least one year of specialized legal experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service or equivalent responsibilities in the private sector. Qualifying experience includes:
- Providing legal advice, conducting research, and analyzing federal, state, and local laws.
- Preparing legal documents, memoranda, opinions, pleadings, and briefs.
- Assisting in the legal support of organization programs or active litigation.
- Exhibiting a strong academic record, excellent problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to handle multiple complex legal projects simultaneously.
Note: Paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work with National Service programs (such as AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps) or community and legal clinics, is fully credited toward meeting experience requirements.
Benefits of Federal Employment
Working as an Attorney Advisor for the USDA OGC offers not only a rewarding professional path but also a comprehensive suite of federal benefits designed to support your health, financial future, and work-life balance:
- Robust Pension & Retirement Savings: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension plan and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
- Premium Healthcare & Insurance: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), and Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
- Generous Paid Time Off: Earn paid annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and receive 11 paid federal holidays each year.
- Flexible Work & Telework: This position is telework-eligible, allowing you to combine in-office collaboration with remote work under USDA policies.
- Student Loan Assistance: Opportunities may exist for federal student loan forgiveness programs (such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program).
Crucial Application Tips: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Applying for a federal attorney position requires meticulous attention to detail. Many highly qualified candidates are disqualified due to formatting or structural errors. Keep these essential tips in mind to ensure your application reaches the hiring manager:
- Observe the Strict Two-Page Resume Limit: The subject matter experts (SMEs) evaluating your application will only review the first two pages of your resume. Ensure that your education, bar membership, and most relevant commercial legal experience are clearly highlighted on these first two pages. Any information on page three or beyond will be completely ignored.
- Draft a Target-Focused Written Narrative: You are required to submit a written narrative of no more than 1,200 words explaining your interest in OGC’s commercial and transactional work. Do not use a generic cover letter. Highlight specific coursework, contracts or bankruptcy experience, and legal internships that prove your readiness for this specific commercial focus.
- Provide Legible, Complete Transcripts: Your law school transcript is a mandatory document. Ensure the copy you upload is clearly legible and includes your full name, the school name, all course titles, credit hours, and the date your J.D. degree was officially awarded.
- Do Not Miss the Cutoff Dates: Because this is an open-continuous announcement, applications are evaluated in batches on the 25th of each month (starting June 25, 2026). If you submit your application on June 26, you will not be evaluated until late July. Submit early to increase your competitive advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the target closing date for this vacancy?
This is an open-continuous vacancy that remains open for applications until December 4, 2026. However, the agency evaluates applicants at monthly intervals on the 25th of each month.
Q: Does this position involve environmental law?
No. This position is strictly focused on commercial and transactional law, including loan programs, contracts, debtor-creditor relationships, and corporate transactions. It does not encompass environmental or natural resource law.
Q: What hiring authority is used for federal attorneys?
Federal attorney positions are in the excepted service rather than the competitive civil service. Because of this, there is no formal point-based rating system for applying Veterans' Preference, though eligible veterans are highly encouraged to submit their DD-214 and supporting documentation for consideration.
Q: Are relocation expenses authorized for this role?
No. Relocation incentives and relocation expense reimbursements are not authorized for this position.
Serving as an Attorney Advisor for the USDA Office of the General Counsel in Kansas City is more than just a job—it is an opportunity to lead vital financial and commercial operations that protect and grow America’s agricultural sector. With a robust developmental path leading to a GS-14 level, comprehensive federal benefits, and a focus on sophisticated commercial law, this position is a premier launchpad for your long-term legal career. Assemble your transcripts, polish your two-page resume, draft your narrative, and submit your application before the next monthly cutoff!
Why This Attorney Advisor (General) Job Matters
Launch a prestigious federal legal career with the USDA in Kansas City! Protect rural development and agricultural innovation as an Attorney Advisor handling complex commercial transactions and litigation.
Attorney Advisor (General) Job Overview
The USDA Office of the General Counsel is hiring an Attorney Advisor (General) at the GS-11 grade in Kansas City, Missouri. This position focuses on commercial, transactional, and administrative law, offering a clear developmental path with promotion potential up to the GS-14 level. Applicants must hold a J.D., possess an active bar license in good standing, and submit both a maximum two-page resume and a custom 1,200-word written narrative. This is an open-continuous announcement with monthly evaluation cutoffs.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor (General)
- Successful completion of a J.D. or equivalent law degree from an ABA-accredited law school (transcript submission is required).
- Active membership in good standing with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- One year of specialized legal experience equivalent to the GS-09 grade level in the federal service or equivalent private sector responsibility.
- Demonstrated ability to perform legal research, analyze federal/state/local laws, and provide clear legal advice.
- Submission of a written narrative (maximum 1,200 words) describing interest and experience in OGC's commercial and transactional practice.
- A professional resume that strictly does not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor (General)
- An outstanding academic record and strong legal research capabilities.
- Experience handling debtor-creditor relationships, bankruptcy proceedings, contracts, property law, or loan and grant transactions.
- Prior experience drafting legal opinions, pleadings, briefs, or transactional agreements under minimal supervision.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex legal tasks and programs simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive base salary with robust built-in promotion potential up to GS-14.
- âś“Comprehensive Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program with multiple plan options.
- âś“Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) defined-benefit pension.
- âś“Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with generous agency matching contributions up to 5%.
- âś“Telework-eligible position allowing hybrid work schedules in accordance with agency policies.
- âś“Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays annually.
- âś“Access to Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) and Long Term Care Insurance.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Attorney Advisor (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor (General) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement and preview the online assessment questionnaire.
- Format and edit your federal resume to ensure it strictly fits within the two-page limit.
- Write your customized written narrative (1,200-word limit) highlighting your background and interest in commercial and transactional law.
- Gather your required documents: law school transcripts, proof of active bar membership, cover letter, and veterans' preference documentation (if applicable).
- Click the 'Apply' button to log into USAJobs, transfer your documents, and complete the USDA agency-specific questionnaire.
- Submit your complete application package before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the nearest monthly cutoff date or the final closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Adhere to the Strict Page Limit: Subject Matter Experts will only evaluate the first two pages of your resume. Any experience detailed on page three or beyond will not be read or credited.
- Customize Your Narrative: Do not write a generic cover letter for the written narrative. Address your specific training, coursework, or professional background in commercial and transactional law, keeping in mind that environmental law is not handled by this specific position.
- Include All Transcript Details: Your uploaded unofficial law school transcript must clearly show your name, the school's name, course titles, grades, and the date your J.D. was officially conferred.
- Apply Early: This is an open-continuous posting. The agency reviews applications at monthly cutoffs (starting June 25, 2026). Submitting early increases your chances of being referred before multiple spots are filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary and progression path for this role?
The starting salary for this GS-11 position is $75,897 to $98,671 per year. This position is structured developmentally, offering a direct path to promotion up to the GS-14 grade level.
Where is this job located, and is telework available?
The position is based in Kansas City, Missouri. It is telework-eligible, allowing for a hybrid schedule subject to agency guidelines and supervisor approval.
Is there a strict limit on resume length?
Yes. Your resume must not exceed two pages. Resumes longer than two pages will result in immediate disqualification from consideration.
What must be included in the written narrative?
The narrative should be under 1,200 words and focus on your interest and experience in the USDA Office of General Counsel's commercial and transactional law practice. Note that this specific role does not include environmental law work.
What are the key cutoff dates for application review?
The initial evaluation cutoff is June 25, 2026. Subsequent evaluations occur on the 25th of each month, with the final closing date on December 4, 2026.