Launch Your Career in International Law with the U.S. Department of Commerce

Are you a legal professional looking to move beyond the courtroom and into the realm of international policy and economic reform? The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) within the U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking talented individuals for the Attorney-Advisor (International) position. This role within the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) offers the unique opportunity to influence global trade, telecommunications infrastructure, and digital economy frameworks.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney-Advisor on the Cyber and Telecommunications team, your duties will be multifaceted:

Program Management: Oversee technical assistance portfolios, identifying legal reform needs in host countries.
Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary representative at international and interagency meetings.
Policy Development: Partner with foreign government officials to draft regulations and legislative frameworks for the digital economy.
Sustainability Planning: Utilize project management tools to monitor progress and identify long-term solutions for legal institution building.
Pro Bono Coordination: Recruit and manage expertise from academia, private practice, and government agencies to support specific sub-issues.

Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Education: J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
Licensure: Active Bar membership in good standing.
Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Experience: 1 to 2 years of relevant experience depending on the grade level (GS-12/13).

Salary and Grade Comparison

Grade Level	Experience Required	Target Salary Range
GS-12	1+ Years	$102,415 - $187,093
GS-13	2+ Years	$102,415 - $187,093

Benefits

Working for the Department of Commerce provides federal benefits that support both your professional and personal life. These include robust healthcare options, the Thrift Savings Plan (a 401k-style retirement system), federal leave accrual, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful, high-stakes international diplomacy.

Application Tips

Highlight Specialized Experience: Ensure your resume clearly maps your past legal work to the ICT or telecommunications sectors.
Be Precise: Include dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours per week for all previous roles.
Follow Submission Rules: Email your materials to the provided addresses promptly—do not submit through unofficial channels.

This role is ideal for an attorney who thrives on international collaboration and complex regulatory challenges. By joining the CLDP, you aren't just practicing law; you are strengthening global economies and securing U.S. interests abroad. Apply today to start your journey.

Why This Attorney-Advisor (International)(Public Notice Flyer) Job Matters

Join the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) and influence global trade by shaping telecommunications and digital economy laws in emerging markets.

Attorney-Advisor (International)(Public Notice Flyer) Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking dedicated legal professionals to serve as Attorney-Advisors (International) within the Office of the General Counsel's Commercial Law Development Program. This pivotal role involves providing technical legal assistance to foreign governments to foster fair, transparent, and modern regulatory frameworks for telecommunications, undersea cables, and digital technologies. You will bridge the gap between U.S. economic interests and global development, working with interagency partners and stakeholders worldwide.

Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (International)(Public Notice Flyer)

U.S. Citizenship
Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
Active, good-standing Bar membership in any U.S. state, territory, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands
Minimum of 1 year (GS-12) or 2 years (GS-13) of relevant professional experience
Successful completion of a background investigation and security clearance
Ability to comply with Federal financial disclosure requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (International)(Public Notice Flyer)

Experience working with senior U.S. or foreign government officials and international multilateral institutions
Background in designing and facilitating conferences, workshops, or consultative seminars
Experience with competitive tendering processes for ICT equipment or services
Familiarity with the Indo-Pacific or Latin American regions
Spanish language proficiency

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
✓Paid federal holidays and leave
✓Opportunities for professional development and international collaboration
✓Telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (International)(Public Notice Flyer) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (International)(Public Notice Flyer) Job

Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) detailing relevant legal or technical experience, including hours worked per week.
Draft a cover letter highlighting your qualifications related to the specified legal sectors.
Secure an unofficial copy of your law school transcript.
Obtain current proof of Bar membership and good standing.
Submit all documents via email to [email protected] AND [email protected].

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your hours worked per week for every position.
Tailor your cover letter to specifically address your experience with telecommunications, digital economy, or relevant policy reform.
Do not include your Social Security Number on any application documents.
Be ready to provide a legal writing sample if selected for an interview.
Double-check that your Bar membership is currently active and in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the position eligible for remote work?

While the position is telework-eligible, it is based in Washington, D.C., and currently carries a non-remote status.

What is the security requirement for this role?

This position requires a Secret security clearance and the completion of a background investigation.

Is veterans' preference applicable?

*A: While there is no numerical point-based system for attorney hiring, the OGC acknowledges and considers veterans' preference during the review process.*

What is the nature of the background check?

*A: It is a non-critical sensitive investigation covering financial history, criminal records, and potential drug use.*

Job from Office Of The Secretary

The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) serves as a bridge between U.S. business interests and emerging global markets. By building transparent and fair legal systems in over 85 countries, CLDP helps advance national security and economic growth. From undersea cable regulations to 5G infrastructure deployment, CLDP experts provide the technical assistance needed to modernize foreign legal environments, ensuring U.S. firms can compete on a level playing field.