Become an Attorney Advisor with the Federal Transit Administration

Are you a legal professional looking to bridge the gap between complex federal law and the physical development of our nation's infrastructure? The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is hiring an Attorney Advisor to serve in its Region 9 office. This is a unique opportunity to influence how the federal government manages transit grants, legal compliance, and regional policy in California.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney Advisor, you will play a critical role in the oversight of Region 9. Key duties include:

Providing legal research and counseling on grant and loan administration.
Assisting in litigation support, including working with the Justice Department and other agencies.
Reviewing environmental documents under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Ensuring agency decisions remain supported by robust administrative records.
Offering legal advice on public safety and security for regional transit agencies.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen.
Education: Completion of a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Bar Membership: Active member in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, or D.C.
Experience: Must meet specialized experience requirements for GS-13 or GS-14 grades.

Grade Comparison Table

Grade Level	Minimum Years of Experience
GS-13	3 Years (or 1 Year + LL.M)
GS-14	5 Years

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $89,924 to $138,136 annually. Beyond base pay, employees receive federal benefits, including health and life insurance, retirement planning (FERS/TSP), and a work-life balance that is highly regarded in the federal sector.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The two-page resume requirement is strict; prioritize your most relevant achievements.
Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and bar membership proofs are attached before the deadline.
Clarity: Use your resume to provide a narrative that matches the competencies listed in the job description.

Serving as an Attorney Advisor for the FTA is a meaningful way to apply your legal expertise to public service. If you are ready to tackle complex challenges in transportation and administrative law, submit your application before the deadline.

Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters

Shape the future of American transit infrastructure as a Regional Counsel with the Federal Transit Administration.

Attorney Advisor Job Overview

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is seeking a highly skilled Attorney Advisor to join the Office of Chief Counsel as a Regional Counsel in Region 9. This pivotal role provides essential legal support for grant and loan programs, ensuring compliance with federal mandates, administrative policies, and safety regulations. You will serve as a primary legal resource, facilitating collaboration between agency staff, state partners, and industry stakeholders to modernize transportation infrastructure.

Requirements for Attorney Advisor

U.S. Citizenship.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Current member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Three years of professional attorney experience for Grade 13 (or one year plus an LL.M).
Five years of professional attorney experience for Grade 14.
Compliance with the 2-year trial period for Excepted Service appointments.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor

Demonstrated experience in federal government contracting and grant agreements.
Background in environmental law (NEPA) and historic preservation compliance.
Knowledge of federal ethics regulations and civil rights law.
Experience with real property law and administrative litigation support.
Strong oral communication skills with the ability to explain complex legal concepts to diverse audiences.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with defined progression.
✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job

Register and create a profile on the USAJobs portal.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages as per OPM guidance, ensuring it details specific dates, hours worked, and job titles.
Collect proof of bar membership and academic transcripts.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the online portal before the closing date.
Monitor your status through the My USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—do not leave room for the reviewer to make assumptions.
Ensure your resume explicitly mentions your current bar membership and education credentials.
Upload all documents well in advance of the deadline; do not wait until the final hour.
If you have veterans' preference, include your supporting documents like the DD214.
Double-check that your questionnaire answers are fully supported by the narrative in your resume.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Grade 13 and Grade 14 for this role?

Grade 13 requires at least three years of professional attorney experience (or one year plus an LL.M). Grade 14 requires a minimum of five years of professional attorney experience.

Is this a permanent position?

Yes, this is a permanent position in the Excepted Service, which includes a mandatory 2-year trial period.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, per the OPM memorandum dated May 29, 2025, applications must include a resume with a maximum length of two pages for this specific announcement.

Job from Federal Transit Administration

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its branch, the FTA, are committed to modernizing aging infrastructure and building safe, efficient transit systems for the American public. Joining the DOT means working in an environment that values results, innovation, and continuous improvement.