Become an Attorney Advisor at the U.S. International Trade Commission
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) offers a unique landscape for legal professionals to influence global economic policy. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Attorney Advisor to join the Office of Commissioner Samuel T. Negatu. This position is perfect for a seasoned legal expert with a background in trade remedy law who wishes to apply their skills within a mission-driven, small agency environment.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Advisor, you will serve as a principal legal advisor. Your primary responsibilities will include:
- Advising on antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) matters under Title VII of the Tariff Act.
- Analyzing complex investigative reports and party submissions.
- Preparing the Commissioner for hearings, votes, and briefings.
- Researching Commission precedent and relevant Federal Circuit decisions.
- Drafting critical legal documents and memoranda.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Bar Membership: Must be a member in good standing of a U.S. Bar.
- Education: A J.D. or LL.B from an ABA-accredited school.
- Experience: Five years of professional legal experience, including four years specifically in international trade remedy or AD/CVD law.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.
Experience Comparison Table
| Experience Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Legal Experience | 1 Year minimum |
| Specialized Trade/AD/CVD Experience | 4 Years minimum |
| Total Professional Experience | 5 Years minimum |
| Bar Membership | Active & In Good Standing |
Salary Overview
This position is at the GS-15 grade level. The salary range is $169,279 to $197,200 per annum, reflecting the high level of technical expertise and advisory capacity required for this role.
Benefits
Employees of the USITC enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:
- Robust health insurance programs.
- Retirement and savings plans (TSP).
- Paid annual and sick leave.
- Professional development and agency-led training.
- Opportunities for telework.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume highlights specific investigations or litigation you have handled before the USITC or the Department of Commerce. Clearly define the nature of your involvement in trade remedy matters, and ensure your writing sample reflects your best, unedited analytical work. Submit all required documentation, including proof of Bar standing and transcripts, well before the September 18, 2026, deadline.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney who thrives on complex analysis and wants to contribute to the mission of the U.S. International Trade Commission. If you possess the required specialized experience and a commitment to excellence, we encourage you to submit your application package before the closing date.
Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Step into the inner circle of trade policy and shape international commerce decisions as an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Office of Commissioner Samuel T. Negatu at the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking a highly skilled Attorney Advisor to provide expert legal counsel on antidumping and countervailing duty matters. As an independent agency, the USITC plays a pivotal role in U.S. trade policy, and this Schedule C appointment offers the unique opportunity to provide high-level analysis directly to agency leadership, influencing proceedings that impact domestic industries and global market dynamics.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor
- Must be a member in good standing of the Bar of any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
- Possession of a J.D. or LL.B degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school or equivalent training.
- Minimum of five years of professional legal experience, including one year of general legal experience and four years of specialized experience in antidumping and/or countervailing duty law.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must be a U.S. citizen and, if applicable, comply with Selective Service registration requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor
- Documented experience practicing before the U.S. International Trade Commission.
- Prior litigation experience involving the Federal Circuit or the U.S. Court of International Trade.
- Demonstrated history of advising senior government officials or principal-level decision-makers.
- Strong background in federal administrative law.
- Previous experience as a judicial law clerk.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary range (GS-15 level)
- ✓Work-life balance in a highly rated, small federal agency
- ✓Opportunity for telework eligibility
- ✓Federal health, retirement, and insurance benefits
- ✓High-impact, intellectually challenging work environment
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account and navigate to the vacancy announcement.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Prepare your resume detailing legal experience, technical skills, and supervisory history.
- Upload required documentation, including law school transcripts, proof of Bar membership, and a 3-10 page writing sample.
- Submit your application package prior to the deadline on September 18, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard for notifications regarding receipt and referral.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week and salary for each position to verify specialized experience.
- When submitting your writing sample, clearly indicate if it is unedited or specify the level of editing involved.
- Make sure all bar membership documentation is current, as a Certificate of Good Standing will be required upon offer.
- Take time to detail your experience with USITC or Department of Commerce proceedings, as this is a key evaluative factor.
- Double-check that your transcripts clearly show your degree award and GPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Schedule C appointment?
A Schedule C position is an excepted service role that is confidential or policy-determining in nature. Appointees serve at the pleasure of the agency and do not have competitive civil service status.
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this role is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive (Moderate Risk) and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
Can I submit unofficial transcripts?
Yes, unofficial transcripts are sufficient for the initial application, but official, sealed transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.
Does this position offer civil service protection?
*A: No, this is a Schedule C appointment, which does not confer permanent competitive service status.*
Can I use an excerpt as a writing sample?
*A: Yes, provided the sample is between 3 and 10 pages and clearly marked as an excerpt.*
Job from U.S. International Trade Commission
The USITC is an independent federal agency providing Congress and the President with high-quality analysis on international trade, tariffs, and competitiveness. Regularly recognized as a top-tier workplace among small federal agencies, the USITC prides itself on its high employee engagement scores and commitment to an inclusive, intellectual culture. Working here means collaborating with leading economists and legal experts to maintain the integrity of U.S. trade laws.