Advance Global Energy Infrastructure: Become an Attorney-Advisor for the CLDP
The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP), is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and mission-driven Attorney-Advisor. This role, located in Washington, D.C., offers the rare chance to influence the legal frameworks that govern global power and data center infrastructure. If you are an attorney with a passion for international development, energy policy, and regulatory reform, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to advance U.S. business and national security interests on the world stage.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Advisor, you will serve as a key consultant for international and Tribal government officials. Your core duties include:
- Designing Technical Assistance: Develop legal reform programs that meet the specific economic development goals of host nations.
- Regulatory Advisory: Advise governments on the policies, contracts, and standards required to accelerate the adoption of new energy and data center projects.
- Project Structuring: Assist in drafting financeable power generation and transmission project documents, ensuring they align with international best practices.
- Cross-Agency Collaboration: Partner with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal agencies to synchronize energy policies.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Skill Category | Requirement Level | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Energy/Power Law | Expert | High |
| International Policy | Advanced | High |
| Legal Writing | Expert | High |
| Foreign Language | Preferred | Moderate |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Licensure: You must be an active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: A minimum of two years of professional legal experience, preferably with a focus on power generation, transmission, or project finance.
- Security: You must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain a Secret-level security clearance.
Salary and Benefits
This position is categorized under the General Schedule (GS) at the GS-13 or GS-14 level. Starting salaries range from $121,785 to $143,913, with potential for promotion up to $187,093 (GS-14/10). Benefits include a robust federal retirement plan (FERS), comprehensive medical insurance, generous annual/sick leave, and federal holiday pay.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Explicitly state the hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Quantify Your Impact: In your cover letter, mention your specific experience with transactional documents or energy contracts.
- Follow Format: Ensure your application is submitted as an email to both specified addresses, and use the exact subject line provided.
- Proofread: As an attorney, your legal writing is the first metric of your performance. Ensure your application materials are flawless.
Serving as an Attorney-Advisor with the CLDP is more than just a legal role—it is a commitment to global economic advancement. By applying your expertise in energy law to the challenges of modern infrastructure, you will help forge long-term international partnerships that benefit both the U.S. economy and the host nations. Apply today to start your journey.
Why This Attorney-Advisor (Power And Data Centers) Public Notice Flyer Job Matters
Shape the future of global energy infrastructure and data center expansion as a legal advisor for the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Attorney-Advisor (Power And Data Centers) Public Notice Flyer Job Overview
The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) is seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Advisor to join the Energy and Minerals team. In this impactful role, you will provide critical legal and regulatory technical assistance to foreign governments and sovereign Tribes. Your work will directly influence the development of power generation, transmission infrastructure, and data centers, fostering economic growth and strengthening global energy security. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-level diplomacy and legal reform, facilitating international investment and advancing U.S. national security objectives.
Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (Power And Data Centers) Public Notice Flyer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional legal experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance
- Successful completion of a background investigation and drug testing
- Ability to engage in regular domestic and international travel (approx. 6-8 trips annually)
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (Power And Data Centers) Public Notice Flyer
- Legal experience in power generation, transmission, storage, or distribution
- Experience drafting or reviewing energy-related transactional documents, such as Power Purchase Agreements or project finance contracts
- Experience working with foreign governments, sovereign Tribal nations, or development finance institutions
- Foreign language proficiency
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex legal/regulatory concepts to diverse stakeholders
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with promotion potential
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and international travel
- ✓Direct deposit payroll
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (Power And Data Centers) Public Notice Flyer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (Power And Data Centers) Public Notice Flyer Job
- Prepare a resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing your education and relevant legal experience.
- Draft a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications specific to energy and infrastructure law.
- Obtain an unofficial copy of your law school transcript.
- Email your application package to [email protected] AND [email protected].
- Use the subject line: Attorney-Advisor (Power and Data Centers).
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume lists specific dates (mm/dd/yyyy) and hours worked per week.
- Clearly highlight experience with transactional documents or energy infrastructure projects.
- Address your experience with sovereign entities or foreign governments in your cover letter.
- Do not include your Social Security Number in any of your submitted documents.
- Ensure your bar membership status is current and verifiable prior to applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote-eligible position?
The position is based in Washington, D.C. While some telework may be authorized per agency policy, the role requires physical presence for meetings and significant international and domestic travel.
Can I apply if my law degree is not from an ABA-accredited school?
No, a J.D. from an American Bar Association-accredited law school is a mandatory requirement for this position.
Will relocation expenses be paid?
No, Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) expenses will not be provided for this role.
How often is travel required?
*A: The role involves regular travel, averaging 6-8 trips per year to international and domestic destinations.*
Does this role offer veteran's preference?
*A: Yes, the Office of the General Counsel considers veterans' preference eligibility during the evaluation process.*
Can I apply if I am not currently working in the federal government?
*A: Yes, this is a public notice announcement open to qualified individuals outside of the federal service.*
Job from Office Of The Secretary
Established in 1992, the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) serves as a specialized division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. CLDP acts as a legal bridge, assisting over 85 countries and sovereign Tribes in modernizing their commercial law regimes. By closing regulatory gaps, CLDP helps level the playing field for American businesses and fosters stable, predictable environments for international trade. The team is composed of elite legal practitioners, trade specialists, and international development experts working in partnership with the U.S. State Department, the Department of Energy, and global regulatory bodies.