Become an Attorney Adviser with the Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a crucial role in the American economy, acting as a lifeline for entrepreneurs and communities recovering from declared disasters. If you are a legal professional with a commitment to public service, the Office of Capital Access is currently hiring Attorney Advisers to join their team in Fort Worth, Texas. This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Adviser, your primary goal is to ensure the legal sufficiency of all instruments in the loan process. Your daily duties will include:
- Reviewing Loan Documentation: Analyzing draft loan approvals and authorizations to ensure compliance with eligibility, capacity, and collateral requirements.
- Legal Consultation: Providing clear guidance to the processing and accounts departments regarding complex loan files.
- System Utilization: Managing loan files through automated systems to track document creation and status.
- Disaster Response: During peak disaster activity, you will be expected to support high-volume surges, which may include extended travel to impacted regions.
Comparison of Key Position Factors
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Salary Range | $81,186 - $105,547 |
| Grade | GS-11 |
| Travel Requirement | High (during disasters) |
| Schedule | As-needed / Surge support |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: You must hold a JD or LLB degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Bar Membership: You must be a member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state or territory.
- Experience: Candidates must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level, specifically in loan processing, legal document review, or related financial legal work.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $81,186 to $105,547 annually, commensurate with experience and grade. Employees also benefit from federal government standard benefits, which include retirement planning, insurance options, and the potential for telework as aligned with agency policies.
Application Tips
- Be Explicit: Federal recruiters do not make assumptions. Ensure your resume explicitly connects your experience to the duties mentioned in the job announcement.
- Document Management: Verify all documents are uploaded properly within the portal. An improperly attached document can lead to an automatic disqualification.
- Assessment Readiness: If invited to the USA Hire assessments, treat them with the same importance as an interview. Preparation is key to scoring above the required threshold.
Serving as an Attorney Adviser with the SBA is more than just a legal role; it is an act of national service. By ensuring the legal integrity of disaster loans, you are helping individuals and small business owners rebuild their lives. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to contribute to this vital agency, submit your application today.
Why This Attorney Adviser (General) Job Matters
Ready to protect the backbone of the American economy? Join the Small Business Administration as an Attorney Adviser and play a critical role in supporting disaster recovery and small business success nationwide.
Attorney Adviser (General) Job Overview
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking dedicated legal professionals for the position of Attorney Adviser (General) at the Processing and Disbursement Center (PDC) in Fort Worth, Texas. This role is vital to the agency’s mission, as it ensures the legal sufficiency of disaster loan instruments, from processing and closing to disbursement. If you are passionate about public service and possess the legal acumen to safeguard essential economic recovery efforts, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the nation’s resilience.
Requirements for Attorney Adviser (General)
- Possess a Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.
- Maintain active membership in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
- Demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-09 level or equivalent.
- Ability to utilize web-based loan processing or closing systems.
- Experience in drafting and reviewing loan documents for legal compliance.
- Must be able to successfully complete a federal background investigation.
- Willingness to travel to disaster sites, sometimes with limited notice and austere living conditions.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Adviser (General)
- Proficiency in analyzing complex commercial or consumer loan agreements.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with management and diverse borrower populations.
- Proven experience managing high-volume legal document preparation.
- Capability to guide legal support staff in creating non-standard documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the federal government.
- ✓Telework eligibility consistent with agency policy and bargaining agreements.
- ✓Meaningful work supporting disaster recovery and small business growth.
💡 How to Apply Attorney Adviser (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Adviser (General) Job
- Visit the online application portal via the provided URL.
- Submit a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing relevant work history and grade level.
- Attach required supporting documentation, such as law school transcripts.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment if prompted by the USA Hire system within 48 hours of closing.
- Verify that all documents are uploaded and correctly linked before the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the specialized experience requirements.
- Use standard date formats (mm/dd/yyyy) for all employment entries.
- Avoid including photographs in your resume documents.
- Set aside at least three hours to complete the USA Hire competency assessment.
- Check your application status regularly through your user account dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a full-time position?
This position is primarily on an 'as-needed' basis during disaster events, though schedules may shift to full-time depending on the volume of disaster activity.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will be evaluated based on your resume and potentially required to take the USA Hire Competency Based Assessment. You will receive notifications through your account dashboard regarding your status.
Job from Small Business Administration
The SBA has served as the primary advocate for small businesses for over 70 years. By providing capital, federal contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance, the agency empowers businesses to start, grow, and recover. Working at the Processing and Disbursement Center (PDC) means being on the front lines of disaster recovery, directly facilitating the aid that rebuilds neighborhoods and businesses across the United States.