Launch Your Career as a General Attorney with the FTC
Are you looking to use your legal expertise to protect the public and ensure fair market practices? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently seeking a talented General Attorney for its Western Region San Francisco (WRSF) office. This is a unique opportunity for high-caliber attorneys to influence national policy while engaging in significant, impactful litigation.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney in San Francisco, your work will be diverse and critical. You will:
- Lead and conduct investigations into business practices.
- Formulate legal theories and litigation plans.
- Draft and file complaints, motions, and discovery requests.
- Represent the agency in administrative and federal court settings.
- Collaborate with government partners and stakeholders to disseminate legal policy information.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a solid foundation in legal practice. All applicants must hold a J.D. or LL.B. and maintain active bar membership. Candidates are evaluated on their ability to work independently and their capacity to handle increasing levels of case complexity.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Post-Law School Experience Required | Scope of Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| GS-12 | 12 Months | Basic litigation and research |
| GS-13 | 24 Months | Moderately complex, novel matters |
| GS-14 | 42 Months | Journeyman litigation and strategy |
| GS-15 | 60 Months | Expert advocate and independent lead |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary range of $111,896 to $197,200 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and the assigned GS level.
Benefits
Employees of the FTC enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, retirement contributions through the Thrift Savings Plan, and generous leave policies. The agency also supports a healthy work-life balance through telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Your writing sample is a reflection of your professional capability—choose one that showcases analytical rigor.
- Ensure your resume is detailed regarding your specific litigation experience.
- Pay close attention to the specific submission portal indicated on the FTC website.
This role offers the rare chance to combine public service with high-level legal practice. If you are ready to make a significant impact on consumer law, prepare your application package today.
Why This General Attorney (Trade Regulation)-Wrsf Job Matters
Shape the future of market integrity and consumer protection as a General Attorney with the Federal Trade Commission in San Francisco.
General Attorney (Trade Regulation)-Wrsf Job Overview
The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Western Region San Francisco (WRSF) office. This role is essential to our mission of identifying, investigating, and litigating unfair or deceptive trade practices. As a key member of the team, you will handle diverse and challenging legal matters, impacting consumers across Northern California, Colorado, Utah, and Northern Nevada.
Requirements for General Attorney (Trade Regulation)-Wrsf
- Possession of a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with the bar of a state, D.C., Puerto Rico, or U.S. territory.
- Minimum 12 to 60 months of post-law school legal experience, depending on the grade level (GS-12 to GS-15).
- Excellent legal writing, research, and oral advocacy skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and exercise sound professional judgment.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (Trade Regulation)-Wrsf
- Demonstrated experience in independent litigation and complex discovery management.
- Advanced ability to draft and argue motions, complaints, and legal memoranda.
- Proven track record of managing investigations and settlements in federal or administrative forums.
- Experience contributing to tactical and policy-driven legal strategy.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal government health and life insurance plans.
- ✓Retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the federal legal community.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney (Trade Regulation)-Wrsf Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney (Trade Regulation)-Wrsf Job
- Visit the official FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection careers website.
- Prepare a comprehensive application package including your resume, cover letter, and a professional writing sample.
- Ensure your resume clearly lists hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Attach required academic transcripts and, if applicable, veterans' preference documentation.
- Submit your application through the specific portal indicated on the FTC careers page.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your writing sample to demonstrate your ability to construct complex legal arguments.
- Clearly outline your litigation experience, even if gained through pro-bono or volunteer efforts.
- Double-check that your bar status is clearly indicated in your materials.
- Ensure your resume shows a clear progression of responsibility over your legal career.
- Follow the external link provided in the official job notice exactly as instructed to ensure your application is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No formal security clearance is required, though the position is designated as High Risk (HR) regarding suitability.
Can I apply via the USAJobs portal directly?
No. Applications must be submitted through the dedicated FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Careers website as specified in the instructions.
How do I prove my bar status?
You should include your bar status on your resume and be prepared to provide documentation upon request.
Is there a preference for veterans?
While there is no formal point-based rating for attorney roles, the FTC considers veterans' preference a positive factor.
Job from Federal Trade Commission
The FTC is a cornerstone of American economic integrity. By challenging anti-competitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices, the Commission ensures that the market functions fairly for both consumers and businesses. Joining the Bureau of Consumer Protection means working with a dedicated, consensus-driven team at the forefront of digital and traditional economic regulation.