Advance Your Legal Career: Attorney-Advisor (Labor) at the Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) represents the backbone of the American workforce. For legal professionals, a career within the Office of the Secretary of Labor offers the rare chance to influence the adjudication of complex labor laws. The Benefits Review Board (BRB) is currently seeking talented attorneys to serve as Attorney-Advisors at the GS-14 level. If you possess a sharp legal mind and an interest in administrative law, this could be your next professional chapter.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Advisor, you will handle high-stakes cases by:
- Conducting deep legal research into statutes, legislative history, and federal regulations.
- Drafting comprehensive legal opinions, orders, and decisions for the Board.
- Supporting oral arguments and analyzing novel legal questions.
- Mentoring junior staff to ensure legal quality and consistency.
- Liaising with the Clerk’s Office to facilitate efficient case processing.
Comparison: General vs. Specialized Legal Roles
| Feature | General Attorney Role | BRB Attorney-Advisor |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Broad legal practice | Specialized Workers' Comp |
| Primary Function | Client representation | Adjudicatory support |
| Environment | Competitive Service | Excepted Service |
| Focus | Variable | Administrative Appellate |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Professional Degree: A J.D. or LL.B is mandatory.
- Bar Membership: Must be a member in good standing of a court of general jurisdiction.
- Experience: Three years of post-law school legal experience, with at least one year at the GS-13 level.
- Competencies: Strong expertise in legal writing, oral presentation, and complex inter-disciplinary problem-solving.
Salary and Benefits
This GS-14 position offers a highly competitive federal salary ranging from $125,776 to $187,093 annually. Beyond the salary, employees benefit from the robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement planning, and a commitment to work-life balance through available telework options.
Application Tips
The federal hiring process is rigorous. To stand out:
- Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced.
- Clarity is King: Provide precise dates (MM/DD/YY) and hours per week to prove your experience.
- Quality Writing: Your writing sample is a primary evaluation factor. Select something that demonstrates clear, persuasive, and error-free drafting.
Serving as an Attorney-Advisor at the Benefits Review Board is an opportunity to ensure the integrity of the U.S. labor system. If you are prepared to manage a complex caseload and contribute to high-level administrative justice, submit your application today.
Why This Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job Matters
Shape the future of labor law as an Attorney-Advisor with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Benefits Review Board, where your legal expertise directly protects American workers.
Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job Overview
The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking qualified legal professionals to join the Benefits Review Board (BRB). As an independent adjudicatory body, the BRB holds exclusive jurisdiction to resolve appeals concerning the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, the Black Lung Benefits Act, and their various extensions. This role is a critical position within the Black Lung and Longshore Divisions, offering attorneys a unique opportunity to draft legal opinions, support oral arguments, and mentor legal staff in a complex appellate environment.
Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (Labor)
- Professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.)
- Current member in good standing of a state, territory, or U.S. possession bar
- Three years of post-law school professional legal experience
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or otherwise eligible under Excepted Service hiring rules
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (Labor)
- Proficient knowledge of the Black Lung Benefits Act
- Proficient knowledge of the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and its extensions
- Extensive experience in appellate litigation or workers' compensation law
- Proven ability to manage independent caseloads and mentor junior legal staff
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health Insurance
- ✓Federal Retirement Programs
- ✓Telework opportunities (as determined by management)
- ✓Professional growth and training programs
- ✓Work-life balance initiatives
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (Labor) Job
- Create a profile on USAJOBS and prepare your two-page maximum resume.
- Submit your initial application via USAJOBS including your transcript, bar certification, and a writing sample (max 10 pages).
- Complete the mandatory secondary application phase on the Department of Labor (DOL) portal.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through the agency's Talent Acquisition System.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly follow the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- List start and end dates for all experience in MM/DD/YY format.
- Include the number of hours worked per week for all part-time employment history.
- Ensure your writing sample is entirely your own work, not edited by others.
- Preview the vacancy questions and cross-check your resume to ensure it clearly supports your answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote work position?
No, this is not a remote position. The selected candidate will be required to report to the assigned duty station in Washington, D.C., New Orleans, or Morgantown, though telework may be available per agency policy.
Can I use veterans' preference for this attorney position?
This position is in the Excepted Service, so there is no formal rating system for veterans' preference; however, the DOL considers veteran status a positive factor in the selection process.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of Labor
The Benefits Review Board is an independent body that handles appeals regarding the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act and the Black Lung Benefits Act. By ensuring that these crucial benefits reach eligible workers, the BRB plays an essential role in maintaining fairness and safety in the American workplace.