Pursuing a Career as an Attorney Advisor (Safety Law) with the FRA
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of the nation's rail network. As the agency advances its mission to modernize infrastructure and prioritize safety, it is seeking skilled legal professionals to join its Office of Safety Law. This position offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of law, policy, and public safety.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Advisor, you will serve as a legal expert in rail safety. Your duties will include:
- Enforcement: Reviewing and closing civil penalty cases related to rail safety violations.
- Rulemaking: Drafting and developing rail safety regulations.
- Litigation: Counseling on legal matters and representing the agency in hearings.
- Technical Support: Assisting with legislative drafting and providing guidance to industry stakeholders.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet rigorous professional standards. Candidates are required to hold a J.D. or equivalent from an ABA-accredited law school and be an active member of the bar in a U.S. jurisdiction. Specialized experience is required, ranging from one year for a GS-12 position to four years for a GS-15 role.
| Grade Level | Min. Legal Experience |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | 1 Year |
| GS-13 | 2 Years |
| GS-14 | 3 Years |
| GS-15 | 4 Years |
Salary and Benefits
Positions with the FRA offer highly competitive federal compensation ranging from $102,415 to $197,200 per year, depending on the grade level and qualifications. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, and work-life balance initiatives such as telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Tailor Your Resume: Keep your resume to two pages and be extremely specific about your past employment duties.
- Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and bar membership proof are attached correctly.
- Early Consideration: The vacancy is open for one year, but applications are reviewed starting 21 days after posting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there a trial period? A: Yes, excepted service appointments require a two-year trial period to assess performance and public interest.
Q: Are veterans' preferences applied? A: While these are excepted service positions, veterans' preference is considered as a positive factor in the hiring process.
Serving as an Attorney Advisor for the FRA is a prestigious opportunity to safeguard the traveling public and freight commerce. If you possess the legal expertise and commitment to public service, we encourage you to submit your application and contribute to a golden age of transportation.
Why This Attorney Advisor (Safety Law) Job Matters
Protect the nation’s railways and advance public safety by joining the Federal Railroad Administration as an Attorney Advisor.
Attorney Advisor (Safety Law) Job Overview
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking a dedicated Attorney Advisor to join the Office of Safety Law in Washington, D.C. In this vital role, you will provide expert legal counsel on the complex regulatory framework governing rail safety. You will play a key role in enforcing safety standards, drafting new regulations, and representing the agency in administrative proceedings. This position offers the unique opportunity to contribute to the nation's critical infrastructure and transportation safety initiatives at the federal level.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor (Safety Law)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Possession of a J.D., LL.B., or equivalent law degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico
- Must meet specialized experience requirements for the applied grade level (GS-12 through GS-15)
- Successful completion of a background and security investigation
- Agreement to a two-year trial period for Excepted Service positions
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor (Safety Law)
- Demonstrated experience in federal or state administrative law
- Proven background in regulatory drafting and legislative research
- Experience with litigation or administrative hearing representation
- Strong technical aptitude for complex safety enforcement programs
- Ability to communicate effectively with industry stakeholders and the public
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Professional development opportunities within the Department of Transportation
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor (Safety Law) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor (Safety Law) Job
- Register for an account on USAJobs if you haven't already.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant experience and education.
- Gather your transcripts and proof of bar membership.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the provided link.
- Email your cover letter, resume, transcripts, and proof of bar membership to [email protected].
- Verify that all documents are uploaded correctly and submitted by the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit as required by the OPM Merit Hiring Plan.
- Be specific about your employment dates and average hours worked per week.
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the qualifications requested for the grade level you are targeting.
- Review your application package for completeness before submission to avoid automatic disqualification.
- If you have veterans' preference, include all supporting documentation such as your DD214.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located in Washington, D.C. While telework may be eligible, it is not a fully remote role.
Can I qualify for this role based solely on my education?
No, you must have both the required law degree and professional legal experience to qualify for any grade level.
What happens if I hold railroad stock?
FRA employees are prohibited from owning individual railroad stock. You must be prepared to divest any such holdings within 90 days of your appointment.
Job from Federal Railroad Administration
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is a premier federal employer dedicated to operational excellence. The FRA, an operating administration within the DOT, focuses on the regulatory framework that keeps American railways moving safely. Employees at the FRA are part of a mission-driven organization that values innovation, discipline, and accountability.