Become an Attorney-Advisor for the Department of Labor
Are you a legal professional with a passion for worker advocacy and administrative law? The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is currently seeking a highly motivated Attorney-Advisor to join the Benefits Review Board (BRB). This role is designed for experienced attorneys ready to tackle complex appellate cases under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Advisor, your daily work will be both intellectually demanding and deeply rewarding. Key duties include:
- Case Analysis: Performing intensive legal review of case records, analyzing party arguments, and applying relevant statutes.
- Drafting Decisions: Preparing recommended decisions, orders, and memoranda for Board Member review.
- Legal Research: Utilizing various legal authorities, including legislative history and past precedent, to inform complex case dispositions.
- Oral Presentations: Assisting with formal oral arguments and participating in legal conferences to resolve novel issues.
Requirements
Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications clearly. Mandatory requirements include:
- A J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited school.
- Active membership in a state or territorial bar.
- At least two years of post-law school experience, with one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- A writing sample showcasing your own original legal analysis.
Qualifications Comparison Table
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Education | J.D. or LL.B. required |
| Experience | 2 years professional legal experience |
| Specialized Need | 1 year at GS-13 level or equivalent |
| Writing Sample | Required (max 10 pages) |
| Resume Limit | 2 pages maximum |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive benefits package typical of the federal government, including robust health insurance, retirement planning, and a commitment to work-life balance through telework options.
Application Tips
- Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Ensure every word adds value.
- Clarity is Key: When describing past work, be specific about your duties and include dates in MM/DD/YY format.
- Tailor Your Writing Sample: Provide a brief, persuasive example of your legal writing, such as a memo or brief, that highlights your critical thinking skills.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of labor law while serving the public good. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging career with the Department of Labor, review the application portal and submit your materials before the deadline.
Why This Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job Matters
Advance your legal career with the Department of Labor by serving as an Attorney-Advisor for the Benefits Review Board, where your expertise will shape national policy on worker compensation.
Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job Overview
The Benefits Review Board (BRB) of the U.S. Department of Labor is seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Advisor to join the Longshore Division. This role is a critical component of an independent adjudicatory body responsible for resolving complex legal appeals related to the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. As an Attorney-Advisor, you will engage in intensive case review, perform high-level legal research, and draft recommended decisions that directly impact federal labor law and worker protections.
Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (Labor)
- Possession of a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.).
- Current active membership in good standing of the bar of a court of general jurisdiction in any U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Minimum of two years of post-law school professional legal experience.
- At least 52 weeks of specialized legal experience equivalent to the GS-13 level.
- Submission of a writing sample (max 10 pages).
- Adherence to a strict two-page limit for the resume submission.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (Labor)
- Prior experience serving as a law clerk or staff attorney for an appellate body.
- Demonstrated academic achievement, such as law review participation.
- Published articles or notes in legal periodicals.
- Honors or awards recognizing academic or professional performance.
- Proven ability to manage high-volume, complex inter-disciplinary legal caseloads.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and advancement opportunities.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
- ✓Telework eligibility as determined by agency policy.
- ✓Work-life balance initiatives.
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job
- Create or update your profile on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages.
- Submit your initial application via USAJOBS.
- Follow the prompt to the DOL Talent Acquisition System to answer vacancy-specific questions.
- Upload required documents, including transcripts and a legal writing sample.
- Submit and certify your application package before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Review your resume carefully to ensure it does not exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
- Be specific with your dates (MM/DD/YY); do not leave gaps in your work history.
- Use the writing sample to showcase your ability to synthesize complex facts and statutes into clear, persuasive arguments.
- Complete the self-assessment questions honestly, as they will be verified against your resume.
- Monitor your status in the USAJOBS applicant dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely for this position?
This is not a remote position. The selected candidate must report to an assigned duty station, though telework is permitted in accordance with Department of Labor policy.
What is the page limit for the resume?
Per the May 2025 Merit Hiring Plan, resumes are strictly limited to two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be deemed ineligible.
How does veterans' preference apply here?
While this is an excepted service position without a formal numerical ranking system for veterans, the Department of Labor considers veterans' preference as a positive factor in the selection process.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of Labor
The Department of Labor serves a noble mission: protecting the welfare of American workers. Within the DOL, the Benefits Review Board acts as an independent adjudicatory body, providing high-level review of claims and ensuring the integrity of federal compensation programs. By joining the BRB, you will be part of an organization committed to fair, efficient, and transparent governance.