Become an Employment Law Attorney with the FBI: A Career Overview
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is not just a hub for special agents; it is an organization that relies heavily on a complex legal framework to manage its massive workforce. We are currently looking for a skilled Attorney to join our Human Resources Division (HRD) in Washington, D.C. This position provides a unique opportunity to apply your legal expertise in an environment that protects the Constitution and the American people. If you are an experienced employment law professional, this could be the start of a challenging and rewarding career.
Job Responsibilities
As an Employment Law Attorney, your daily responsibilities will shift between high-level advisory work and direct representation. Key duties include:
- Policy Development: Drafting and reviewing HRD and FBI-wide policies to ensure legal compliance.
- Legal Advisory: Providing guidance on whistleblower protections, reasonable accommodations, and medical fitness for duty programs.
- Litigation Support: Representing the FBI in personnel-related administrative hearings and coordinating civil suit strategies.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring hiring and promotion practices align with EEOC guidelines.
Grade Comparison Table
| Feature | GS-14 Attorney | GS-15 Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Required | 2.5+ Years | 5+ Years |
| Scope of Work | Tactical/Advisory | Strategic/Executive Expert |
| Complexity | High | Highest Level |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited school.
- Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Ability to secure a Top-Secret/SCI clearance.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range between $143,913 and $197,200 annually. Salary placement is determined based on your professional experience and specific qualifications related to federal employment law.
Benefits
Employees of the FBI receive an excellent suite of federal benefits, including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance coverage.
- Robust retirement planning through FERS.
- Tax-advantaged TSP accounts.
- Paid leave and federal holidays.
Application Tips
Standing out in a federal applicant pool requires attention to detail. Follow these steps for success:
- Tailor your writing sample: Select a document that shows deep analytical reasoning.
- Follow submission rules: Incorrect subject lines in your email submission can lead to your application being overlooked.
- Update your resume: Keep it to the two-page maximum required by the vacancy announcement.
Serving as an Employment Law Attorney at the FBI is more than just a job; it is a chance to influence the integrity of an essential government agency. If you have the experience and the drive to handle high-stakes legal matters, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application today.
Why This Attorney (Employment Law) - Human Resources Division Job Matters
Protect the backbone of the FBI: Join the Human Resources Division as an Employment Law Attorney and shape the legal landscape for a premier federal agency.
Attorney (Employment Law) - Human Resources Division Job Overview
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Employment Law Unit within the Human Resources Division. This role is pivotal in providing expert counsel on personnel-related administrative hearings, civil litigation, and complex federal employment policies. Selected attorneys will collaborate closely with senior leadership to mitigate risk, interpret federal statutes, and ensure the agency remains at the forefront of operational excellence while maintaining compliance with rigorous civil service regulations.
Requirements for Attorney (Employment Law) - Human Resources Division
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Must possess a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/SCI security clearance.
- Willingness to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) annually.
- Completion of a drug test prior to appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney (Employment Law) - Human Resources Division
- For GS-14: Minimum of 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
- For GS-15: Minimum of 5 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
- Proven track record of analyzing complex legal issues within a federal employment framework.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with senior management and stakeholders.
- Strong collaborative skills for working within multidisciplinary HR and crisis management teams.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and compensation packages.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Generous federal retirement and pension benefits (FERS).
- ✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and annual/sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training within a mission-critical environment.
💡 How to Apply Attorney (Employment Law) - Human Resources Division Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney (Employment Law) - Human Resources Division Job
- Prepare a resume (max two pages) and a cover letter.
- Draft a writing sample not to exceed 10 pages.
- Gather proof of active bar membership and law school transcripts.
- Draft an introductory email (2-3 sentences) including your contact phone number.
- Format the email subject line as OGC_ELU_HRD_External or OGC_ELU_HRD_Internal.
- Submit all documents via email to [email protected].
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your subject line follows the specified format strictly to avoid processing delays.
- Keep your resume concise and focused on relevant employment law achievements.
- Ensure your writing sample highlights your ability to parse complex statutes or policy documents.
- Double-check that all electronic files are correctly attached before hitting send.
- Be prepared to explain your experience with specific federal programs like USERRA or the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do current FBI attorneys need to submit transcripts?
No, current FBI employees already assigned to a General Attorney position are exempt from providing law school transcripts or proof of bar membership.
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance, and you may be required to complete form FD-887.
What is the security requirement?
*A: The role requires a Top-Secret/SCI clearance and a yearly Confidential Financial Disclosure report.*
How do I submit my application?
*A: Applications are accepted exclusively via email to [email protected].*
Job from Federal Bureau Of Investigation
The FBI’s mission is to safeguard the nation. With over 38,000 employees globally, the Bureau requires sophisticated legal support to handle internal personnel issues, wage and hour compliance, and federal civil service litigation. Joining the FBI means becoming part of a prestigious organization where legal integrity is the foundation of every operation.