Become an Attorney Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education

Are you a legal professional dedicated to fairness, integrity, and the future of higher education? The Department of Education (ED), specifically the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Enforcement Office, is looking for experienced attorneys to join their team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the oversight of the nation's student aid programs.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney Advisor, you will serve as a legal expert tasked with:

Investigating and analyzing complex borrower defense claims.
Providing actionable legal advice to senior management.
Drafting detailed legal memoranda and administrative orders.
Collaborating on high-stakes litigation and administrative proceedings.

Comparison of GS-13 and GS-14 Levels

Feature	GS-13 Level	GS-14 Level
Complexity	Routine to Moderate	High Complexity
Supervision	Periodic Supervision	Minimal Supervision
Decision Making	Supports Senior Management	Provides Expert Final Recommendation

Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and be an active member of the Bar. You must also demonstrate significant professional legal experience. Applicants will be assessed on their analytical prowess, legal writing skills, and ability to think strategically under pressure.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $150,359 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with your experience and the specific locality of the position.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

Participation in the Student Loan Repayment Program.
Recruitment and relocation incentives (subject to service agreements).
Flexible work schedules and work-life balance programs.
Standard federal leave policies with additional agency-specific flexibilities.

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume: Keep it to two pages and emphasize legal accomplishments.
Act Quickly: This announcement is capped at 200 applications.
Detail Your Experience: Clearly describe the complexity of the legal issues you have handled in your past roles.

This role offers more than just a job; it provides an opportunity to protect the integrity of the federal student aid system. If you are a dedicated legal professional looking for a meaningful career, consider applying to the Department of Education today.

Why This Attorney Advisor, Gs-0905-13/14 Fpl 14 (Excepted Service) Job Matters

Protect the integrity of federal student aid programs by serving as a key legal advisor within the Department of Education’s Enforcement Office.

Attorney Advisor, Gs-0905-13/14 Fpl 14 (Excepted Service) Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Education is seeking skilled Attorney Advisors to join the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Enforcement Office. In this role, you will play a critical part in upholding the standards governing federal student aid programs. You will conduct complex investigations, analyze borrower defense claims, and provide expert legal recommendations to protect students and taxpayers alike.

Requirements for Attorney Advisor, Gs-0905-13/14 Fpl 14 (Excepted Service)

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Must hold a J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Must be an active member in good standing of a state, territory, or D.C. Bar.
Must pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
Males 18+ must be registered with the Selective Service.
Must meet qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement closing.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor, Gs-0905-13/14 Fpl 14 (Excepted Service)

Proven experience in federal or non-federal legal settings equivalent to the GS-12/13 level.
Demonstrated ability to draft complex legal memoranda and pleadings.
Extensive experience in civil or criminal litigation and administrative law proceedings.
Superior academic performance (e.g., Law Review, Order of the Coif).
Expertise in advising senior management on legal strategy.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary package.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives.
✓Student Loan Repayment Program eligibility.
✓Work-life balance initiatives, including flexible schedules.
✓Excused leave for health screenings and parent/teacher conferences.
✓Structured career development in the Excepted Service.

💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor, Gs-0905-13/14 Fpl 14 (Excepted Service) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney Advisor, Gs-0905-13/14 Fpl 14 (Excepted Service) Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages.
Submit your application through the official portal before the 200-application cap or the closing date.
Complete the required occupational questionnaire.
Await notification for USA Hire Assessments if applicable.
Monitor your status via the official application dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Focus your resume on accomplishments rather than just duties.
Clearly explain the complexity of cases or legal issues you have managed.
Ensure your resume reflects the exact qualifications required for the grade level sought.
Submit your application as early as possible, as the window closes after 200 submissions.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all supporting documentation is included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a competitive service position?

No, this is an Excepted Service position within the Department of Education.

What happens if I exceed the two-page resume limit?

Only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed and considered.

Does the agency pay for relocation?

Relocation expenses will not be paid, though you may be eligible for a relocation incentive.

How do I request a reasonable accommodation?

*A: Requests for accommodations regarding the assessment process must be made prior to beginning the USA Hire assessments.

Is Veterans' Preference applicable?

*A: While these are excepted service positions, the Department of Education considers veterans' preference as a positive factor in the hiring process.

Job from Department Of Education Headquarters

The Federal Student Aid (FSA) office is the largest provider of student financial assistance in the United States. Managing billions in grants, loans, and work-study programs, the FSA ensures that postsecondary education remains accessible. The Enforcement Office plays a critical role in this mission by investigating institutional non-compliance and addressing borrower defense claims to ensure that rules are followed and students are protected.