Become an Attorney Advisor at the Federal Maritime Commission
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is seeking a dedicated, analytical, and experienced legal professional to serve as an Attorney Advisor in Washington, D.C. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the regulation of the U.S. international ocean transportation system. If you are passionate about administrative law and interested in high-stakes adjudication, this is a prime opportunity to advance your federal legal career.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Advisor, you will:
- Conduct exhaustive legal research on statutes, international law, and administrative precedents.
- Assist Administrative Law Judges by reviewing voluminous trial records and exhibits.
- Draft recommendations for decisions on motions, discovery disputes, and merits-based claims.
- Manage multiple competing legal deadlines.
- Provide training to staff on agency policies and case management systems.
Requirements
Applicants must possess a professional law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and maintain active, good-standing bar membership. Additional experience requirements include:
| Grade Level | Professional Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | 2 Years |
| GS-13 | 3 Years |
| GS-14 | 4 Years |
Salary Overview
The compensation for this role ranges from $102,415 to $187,093 per year, depending on the grade level achieved based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
Employees of the FMC enjoy the standard suite of federal benefits, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), generous annual and sick leave, and flexible telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Respect the Resume Limit: Keep your resume to 2 pages; extra content will be ignored.
- Quality Writing Sample: Choose an excerpt that showcases your ability to analyze complex legal issues.
- Assessments Matter: You must pass the online competency exam to be considered.
This role is ideal for an attorney who thrives in an investigative and judicial environment. By helping the FMC resolve complex shipping disputes, you play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of international commerce.
Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Shape the future of U.S. maritime commerce by joining the Federal Maritime Commission as an Attorney Advisor, where your legal expertise will directly impact international ocean transportation policy.
Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is currently seeking a highly skilled Attorney Advisor to join the Office of the Administrative Law Judge in Washington, D.C. In this pivotal role, you will assist in the adjudication of complex legal proceedings, contributing to a regulatory environment that ensures competitive, fair, and reliable ocean shipping for the benefit of the American economy. You will handle significant legal research, evaluate expert testimony, and assist Administrative Law Judges in drafting critical decisions.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia
- For GS-12: Two years of professional legal experience, including one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 level
- For GS-13: Three years of professional legal experience, including one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level
- For GS-14: Four years of professional legal experience, including one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level
- Must pass a background investigation for federal employment
- Must register for Selective Service if born after 12-31-1959
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor
- Prior litigation or decision-writing experience
- Experience serving in a judicial clerkship
- Advanced degrees (LL.M or J.S.D) which may be substituted for required experience
- Demonstrated expertise in navigating complex discovery disputes
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Mission-driven work environment with national impact
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the online application
- Submit a resume (limited to 2 pages maximum) detailing hours worked and duties
- Upload official or unofficial law school and college transcripts
- Include a professional cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications
- Submit a writing sample (under 10 pages) containing legal analysis
- Provide proof of active bar membership
- Complete the required online assessment to meet the necessary cut score
- Submit all documentation before the closing date of September 8, 2026
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; submissions exceeding this length may not be reviewed past the second page.
- Be specific in your resume regarding your legal experience; emphasize your history with litigation or decision-writing.
- The online assessment is mandatory; ensure you have time to complete it thoroughly, as a low score will disqualify your application.
- If you have veterans' preference, clearly label this in your cover letter and attach the DD-214.
- Double-check that all uploaded transcripts and bar membership documents are legible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit my application via mail?
No, the FMC does not accept application packages via mail due to security processing constraints.
Does the FMC offer relocation expenses for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this role.
What is the probation period for this job?
Employees appointed to the excepted service must serve a two-year trial period.
Is a security clearance required?
*A: This position is non-sensitive and does not require a formal security clearance, though a standard suitability investigation is required.*
Can I apply for more than one grade level?
*A: Your qualifications determine your grade level; ensure your resume clearly supports the experience requirements for the specific level you seek.*
Job from Federal Maritime Commission
The FMC is the federal agency responsible for safeguarding the U.S. ocean transportation system. It works to ensure that exporters, importers, and consumers are protected from unfair or deceptive practices. As an independent federal agency, the FMC manages complex issues that have far-reaching consequences for the American economy and global trade.