Launch Your Legal Career: General Attorney at the U.S. Small Business Administration
Are you a legal professional looking for a position that offers both complexity and a significant human impact? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently hiring a General Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas. This role is a cornerstone of the agency’s disaster recovery efforts, ensuring that small business owners receive the critical support they need to rebuild and thrive.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney (GS-09), your primary focus will be the legal sufficiency of disaster loan instruments. Your responsibilities include:
- Reviewing loan authorizations for accuracy and compliance.
- Advising borrowers on legal requirements and loan terms.
- Utilizing automated systems to manage loan documentation.
- Supporting disaster relief operations, which may include travel to affected areas.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this position:
- Education: A JD or LLB degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Licensure: An active, good-standing membership in any U.S. state or territory bar.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level.
- Compliance: Ability to pass a federal background investigation.
Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement | Level GS-07 Equivalent | Preferred Additional Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Experience | Basic closing knowledge | Complex commercial loan handling |
| Systems Usage | Web-based data entry | Advanced case management software |
| Communication | Standard correspondence | Conflict resolution for borrowers |
Salary and Benefits
- Salary Range: $67,100 – $87,235 per year.
- Benefits: Access to federal insurance, retirement programs, and the potential for significant overtime compensation during disaster peaks.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Keep your resume to two pages and clearly delineate your hours per week if you are counting unpaid or part-time experience.
- USA Hire Assessment: This is a crucial step. Ensure you are ready to complete the assessment within 48 hours of receiving the link.
- Documentation: Upload all required transcripts and, if applicable, military service documentation (DD-214) before the submission deadline.
Serving as a General Attorney for the SBA is more than just a job; it is a chance to provide stability and hope to small business owners facing disaster. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to tackle meaningful legal work, we encourage you to apply before the August 31, 2026, deadline.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Launch a meaningful legal career with the U.S. Small Business Administration, playing a vital role in disaster recovery and economic empowerment for small businesses nationwide.
General Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking a dedicated General Attorney to join the Processing and Disbursement Center in Fort Worth, Texas. In this role, you will ensure the legal integrity of disaster loan processing, closing, and disbursement. You will serve as a core contributor to the agency's mission of fueling the American entrepreneurial dream, particularly during critical disaster response efforts. This position functions on an as-needed basis, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to community rebuilding and economic stability.
Requirements for General Attorney
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current, active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, DC, or Puerto Rico.
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 grade level.
- Proficiency in utilizing web-based loan processing or closing systems.
- Proven ability to effectively communicate legal and complex information to diverse audiences.
- Successful completion of a rigorous background investigation.
- Ability to work mandatory, compensated overtime during disaster response periods, potentially including weekends and extended hours.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Experience in the full life-cycle of closing and disbursing commercial or mortgage loans.
- Demonstrated skill in reviewing loan documentation for legal sufficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Strong ability to multitask and maintain high attention to detail in high-pressure environments.
- Prior experience working in federal government or similar regulatory legal roles.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunities for telework based on agency policy.
- ✓Participation in disaster relief efforts with potential for significant overtime compensation.
- ✓Professional development within a mission-driven federal agency.
- ✓Access to federal retirement plans and health insurance programs.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Complete the online application via USAJOBS including all required documentation.
- Submit a resume not exceeding two pages that specifically addresses the specialized experience requirements.
- Complete the mandatory USA Hire online assessment within 48 hours of invitation.
- Ensure all educational transcripts (official or unofficial) are uploaded if using education as a qualification substitute.
- Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise: Do not rely on assumptions; explicitly detail how your experience meets the GS-09 requirements.
- Check your documents: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less and contains all necessary contact and work history details.
- Manage your time: The USA Hire assessment requires at least 3 hours; schedule it accordingly.
- Monitor email: Watch for notifications regarding assessments, as missing the 48-hour deadline will remove you from consideration.
- Veterans: Ensure your DD-214 or related service documentation is clearly uploaded if claiming preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'as-needed basis' mean for this position?
Employees are in a pay and duty status primarily when activated to respond to workload needs, such as disaster activity. While you may be placed in a non-pay status when activity is low, workload increases may result in a full-time schedule.
Is travel required for this role?
Yes, you may be required to travel to disaster sites with little notice. Conditions may be primitive, though all travel expenses are covered per federal regulations.
Do I need to be a member of the Texas Bar?
No, you must be a member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Is this a full-time position?
It functions on an 'as-needed' basis, meaning your work status shifts based on the volume of disaster activity.
Can I work from home?
Telework opportunities are available consistent with SBA policy and collective bargaining agreements.
Job from Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary advocate for small business owners. For over 70 years, the SBA has empowered entrepreneurs by providing capital, federal contracts, and disaster recovery expertise. Joining the SBA means joining a mission-driven team dedicated to the economic backbone of America.