Launch Your Legal Career at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently seeking talented, driven, and analytical attorneys to join its dynamic legal team. If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your legal expertise to the most pressing energy challenges facing our nation, this is your chance to contribute to a mission that impacts millions.

Position Overview & Responsibilities

FERC is recruiting for multiple vacancies across several high-impact offices. As an Attorney-Advisor (GS-12/13), your responsibilities will vary depending on your assigned department:

Office of Administrative Litigation (OAL): Serve as trial staff, manage complex litigation, conduct discovery, and argue procedural motions.
Office of Enforcement and Regulatory Accounting (OERA): Initiate and execute investigations into energy market violations and recommend legal remedies.
Office of the General Counsel (OGC): Advise on electric utility mergers, market-based rate designs, infrastructure project approvals, and defend Commission orders in U.S. Courts of Appeals.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-12 Level	GS-13 Level
Min. Experience	1 Year post-bar	2 Years post-bar
Primary Focus	Drafting, research, analysis	Independent research, complex advisory
Promotion Potential	Yes (to GS-13)	N/A (Max level)

Requirements

To be considered for these positions, candidates must fulfill the following base requirements:

Educational Credential: Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited law school.
Bar Membership: Must be an active member in good standing of a bar in any state, the District of Columbia, or a territory.
Legal Experience: You must document your legal history clearly. Your experience should demonstrate proficiency in drafting legal documents, analyzing statutes, and participating in regulatory or litigation processes.

Salary and Benefits

Selected candidates will receive a competitive federal salary, with a pay scale ranging from $102,415 to $158,322 per year. In addition to your salary, FERC employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and paid federal holidays. Employees also benefit from a culture that values continuous learning and professional growth.

Application Tips for Success

Follow Formatting Rules: We cannot stress enough the importance of the two-page resume limit. Overly long resumes will not be considered.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly state your duties, including hours worked per week and employment dates, for every role. This is crucial for verifying that you meet the specialized experience requirements.
Prepare Documentation: Have your transcripts and proof of bar membership ready before you start the application process.
Use the Resources: Explore the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to get comfortable with the assessment process.

Working as an Attorney-Advisor at FERC is more than just a job; it is a chance to play a significant role in the regulatory landscape of the United States energy sector. If you possess the legal acumen, the drive to handle complex regulatory matters, and the desire to serve the public interest, we invite you to submit your application and join our team.

Why This Attorney-Advisor Job Matters

Shape the future of national energy policy as an Attorney-Advisor at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission—where legal expertise meets critical infrastructure oversight.

Attorney-Advisor Job Overview

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is seeking skilled legal professionals for multiple Attorney-Advisor roles across several key divisions, including the Office of Administrative Litigation, the Office of Enforcement and Regulatory Accounting, and the Office of the General Counsel. These positions offer a unique opportunity to advise on complex matters related to electric power, natural gas, oil pipelines, and environmental regulations. As an independent agency, FERC plays a vital role in ensuring safe, reliable, and secure energy for all Americans, and our attorneys are at the forefront of these essential regulatory proceedings.

Requirements for Attorney-Advisor

Possession of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited institution.
Current, active membership in a bar association and in good standing.
For GS-12: Minimum of one year of post-bar professional legal experience at the GS-11 level.
For GS-13: Minimum of two years of post-bar professional legal experience, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Submission of law school and undergraduate transcripts.
Adherence to a strict two-page limit for your professional resume.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor

Demonstrated experience in conducting independent legal research and analysis.
Proven ability to draft high-quality legal memoranda, motions, briefs, or regulatory orders.
Experience in energy law, administrative litigation, or federal agency proceedings.
Strong interpersonal skills for negotiation and dispute resolution environments.
Ability to manage complex case files and meet strict regulatory deadlines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and advancement potential.
✓Opportunities for professional development within a mission-driven agency.
✓Participation in federal health and life insurance programs.
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS).
✓Work-life balance initiatives, including telework eligibility.
✓Collaborative environment working on high-impact national energy projects.

💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor Job

Review the full vacancy announcement on the official federal portal.
Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting specialized legal experience.
Complete the required online vacancy questionnaire.
Gather and upload all necessary documents, including transcripts and proof of bar membership.
Submit the application package before the closing date.
Monitor your account dashboard for any instructions regarding potential assessments.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your two-page resume to emphasize specific legal achievements relevant to the duties described.
Do not copy and paste the vacancy duties section into your resume; provide original descriptions of your experience.
Ensure your hours worked per week and specific dates (MM/DD/YYYY) are clearly documented for every job entry.
Prepare a strong writing sample early, as it may be requested during the interview stage.
Utilize the practice resources provided by the OPM before beginning any required assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for multiple offices at FERC?

Yes. This announcement covers multiple divisions. You can indicate your interest areas within the vacancy questionnaire, and hiring managers from various offices may contact you based on their specific needs.

Is the resume really limited to two pages?

Yes. Adhering to the two-page resume requirement is mandatory. Exceeding this limit can result in your disqualification from the hiring process.

Does FERC offer remote work options?

The position is located in Washington, DC. While the role is telework eligible, it is not a fully remote position.

What is the security level for this position?

These positions are categorized as Moderate Risk (MR).

Is a writing sample required?

It is optional for the initial application but may be required if you are selected for an interview.

How do I know if my application is being reviewed?

You can track your application status directly through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Job from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERC is an independent agency entrusted with the critical responsibility of regulating the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. Our mandate includes reviewing proposals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, overseeing interstate natural gas pipelines, and licensing hydropower projects. Our mission is clear: to ensure economically efficient, safe, reliable, and secure energy for consumers. By joining FERC, you are stepping into a vital role that balances market innovation with regulatory integrity.