Become an Attorney Advisor at the Federal Railroad Administration

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is embarking on a mission to modernize and expand America’s rail networks. To achieve this, we are looking for expert Attorney Advisors to join our Office of Development Law in Washington, D.C. This role is perfect for legal professionals who want to apply their expertise to complex infrastructure challenges that directly impact the U.S. transportation sector.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will act as a key legal advisor to the Office of Railroad Development. Core responsibilities include:

Financial Assistance: Drafting and negotiating grant agreements and providing guidance on 2 CFR Part 200.
Environmental Oversight: Counseling on NEPA and NHPA regulatory compliance.
Amtrak Support: Managing the legal aspects of the agency's relationship with Amtrak.
Litigation: Representing the agency in administrative and legal matters.

Comparison of Grade Levels

Grade Level	Experience Required	Focus Area
GS-12	1 Year	Entry-level legal support
GS-13	2 Years	Mid-level project delivery
GS-14	3 Years	Advanced legal oversight
GS-15	4 Years	Expert legal counsel

Requirements

Candidates must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and maintain active bar membership. You must be able to pass a background investigation and commit to a two-year trial period in the excepted service.

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $102,415 to $197,200 per year, depending on qualifications and assigned grade level.

Benefits

Working with the DOT provides competitive benefits, including federal health and retirement plans, and the flexibility of telework options.

Application Tips

Remember that federal hiring is precise. Ensure your resume is capped at two pages and explicitly lists your professional history with dates, hours per week, and grade levels. Do not rely on recruiters to assume your experience; spell it out clearly.

If you are a driven legal professional ready to contribute to a historic transformation in American infrastructure, the FRA is the place for you. Apply online and start your journey today.

Why This Attorney Advisor (Development Law) Job Matters

Join the Federal Railroad Administration to help shape the future of American transit, providing critical legal oversight on major infrastructure and national rail projects.

Attorney Advisor (Development Law) Job Overview

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking dedicated Attorney Advisors to join the Office of Development Law in Washington, D.C. This role is essential to our national rail mission, involving high-level legal advisory services for infrastructure modernization, federal financial assistance programs, and environmental compliance. You will play a pivotal role in drafting complex grant agreements, supporting the Amtrak portfolio, and navigating the legal landscape of the U.S. transportation sector.

Requirements for Attorney Advisor (Development Law)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. from an accredited law school.
Active member in good standing of a U.S. state, territory, or District of Columbia bar.
Minimum one to four years of professional legal experience depending on the grade level.
Must complete a two-year trial period.
Subject to background investigation and potential financial disclosure requirements.
Must adhere to strict ethics regulations regarding railroad stock ownership.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor (Development Law)

Proven experience with federal financial assistance programs and grant management.
Expertise in environmental law, specifically NEPA and NHPA compliance.
Strong background in administrative law and legislative/regulatory analysis.
Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and draft complex legal instruments.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills for sensitive or controversial topics.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and comprehensive benefits package.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Transportation.
✓Telework eligibility available.
✓Participation in a high-impact, mission-driven legal environment.
✓Access to federal retirement and insurance programs.

💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor (Development Law) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney Advisor (Development Law) Job

Register and create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare a two-page maximum resume detailing relevant work, hours, and grades.
Gather proof of bar membership and law school transcripts.
Submit your application package online before the closing date.
Email your cover letter and required documents to the designated FRA email address.
Complete the assessment questionnaire.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must explicitly state your hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
Ensure all questionnaire answers are directly supported by the text in your resume.
Proofread your application to ensure all required documents are attached before submission.
Highlight your specific experience with federal grants or infrastructure if applicable.
Mention your veterans' preference eligibility if you qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the timeline for application reviews?

The office reviews applications after the first 21 days for early consideration, and subsequently on an as-needed basis throughout the year-long vacancy window.

Am I allowed to own railroad stocks in this position?

No, all FRA employees and their immediate family members are prohibited from holding individual railroad stocks to avoid conflicts of interest.

Job from Federal Railroad Administration

As a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the FRA is dedicated to safety, innovation, and efficiency. We are currently spearheading a 'Golden Age of Transportation' where we reduce bureaucratic red tape and build sustainable infrastructure. Our team thrives on collaboration and a shared goal of creating results that serve American families and businesses for generations.