Senior Counsel: Shaping International Commercial Law
The U.S. Department of Commerce is currently recruiting for two elite Supervisory General Attorney roles within the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP). If you are a seasoned attorney with a background in international legal reform and a desire to serve as a commercial diplomat, this role offers an unparalleled platform to influence global market standards.
Job Responsibilities
This is not a conventional desk-based legal role. As a Senior Counsel, you will manage regional portfolios, supervise a team of legal advisors, and represent the United States in high-level international forums. Your day-to-day will involve:
- Leadership: Mentoring a team of attorneys and program specialists to meet regional goals.
- Strategic Reform: Designing legal assistance programs that address complex issues like procurement, alternative dispute resolution, and public-private partnerships.
- Diplomacy: Building relationships with foreign ministers and central bank officials to advance pro-market regulations.
- Interagency Collaboration: Coordinating with the Department of State and other federal partners to ensure seamless policy implementation.
Requirements
To be considered for this GS-15 position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.
- Bar Membership: Active standing in at least one U.S. state or territory bar.
- Education: Juris Doctor from an accredited school.
- Experience: Minimum one year at the GS-14 level or equivalent.
- Clearance: Ability to hold a Secret-level clearance.
Salary and Benefits
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $169,279 - $197,200 per year |
| Pay Scale | GS-15 |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Benefits | Full federal benefits including health, retirement, and leave |
Application Tips
- Customize: Ensure your cover letter clearly indicates your regional preference (Europe or Eurasia).
- Quantify Results: Focus on the tangible impact of your legal reforms, such as specific laws passed or trade barriers removed.
- Formatting: Stick to the 2-page limit for your resume, but ensure it is dense with relevant leadership accomplishments.
Serving as a Senior Counsel with the CLDP is a career-defining opportunity. You will work at the intersection of economic security and foreign policy, ensuring that U.S. businesses can compete on a level playing field globally. Apply today to contribute to this critical mission.
Why This Supervisory General Attorney (Public Notice Flyer) Job Matters
Shape the future of international commercial law and drive U.S. strategic interests as a Senior Counsel with the Department of Commerce.
Supervisory General Attorney (Public Notice Flyer) Job Overview
The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is seeking two expert-level Supervisory General Attorneys to lead legal reform portfolios in either Europe/Balkans or Eurasia/South Caucasus. This is a high-impact, non-traditional legal role that blends diplomatic outreach, policy development, and team leadership to foster transparent, market-oriented economies abroad.
Requirements for Supervisory General Attorney (Public Notice Flyer)
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must be an active member in good standing of at least one U.S. state or territory bar.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Minimum of one year of specialized professional experience at the GS-14 level or higher.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- Must complete a background investigation, including credit and criminal history checks.
- Successful completion of a drug test.
- Submission of a financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) is required.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory General Attorney (Public Notice Flyer)
- Substantial experience engaging with senior U.S. and foreign government officials.
- Proven history of designing and executing high-impact legal or regulatory reform initiatives.
- Expertise in commercial law, trade, intellectual property, procurement, or energy sectors.
- Regional language proficiency, specifically in Russian, Bosnian-Serbo-Croatian, Albanian, Ukrainian, or a Turkic language.
- Background in international interagency coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex programs across multiple time zones.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Participation in federal retirement programs
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and international engagement
- ✓Eligibility for student loan repayment programs (subject to agency policy)
💡 How to Apply Supervisory General Attorney (Public Notice Flyer) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory General Attorney (Public Notice Flyer) Job
- Prepare a cover letter specifying your interest (Europe, Eurasia, or both).
- Create a current resume (maximum 2 pages) including relevant dates and grade levels.
- Obtain unofficial law school transcripts and proof of bar membership.
- Email your application package to the designated contact address.
- Ensure the subject line reads: 'Senior Counsel Application'.
💡 General Tips
- Clearly articulate your leadership experience and how it qualifies you for a GS-15 role.
- Highlight specific examples of how you have influenced legal frameworks or regulatory reforms.
- If you are a veteran, be sure to clearly state your preference status in your cover letter or resume.
- Proofread your application to ensure all dates and contact information are accurate.
- Do not include your Social Security Number on your resume or cover letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the CLDP?
CLDP acts as the legal and technical assistance arm of the Department of Commerce, helping partner countries strengthen their legal and regulatory frameworks to support transparent, market-oriented economies.
Is this a remote position?
No, the position is based in Washington, D.C. While telework may be eligible, the core duties require in-person engagement and leadership.
What kind of legal work will I be doing?
You will serve as a commercial diplomat and program manager. This includes drafting legislation, advising foreign ministries and regulators, and managing regional legal portfolios.
Job from Office Of The Secretary
The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) is the specialized legal assistance arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It serves as a bridge between U.S. strategic interests and foreign legal systems. By working with judiciaries, ministries, and private stakeholders in strategically important regions, CLDP ensures that international commercial environments are transparent, competitive, and aligned with rules-based economic systems.