Launch Your Legal Career in Antitrust at the Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stands as the guardian of the American marketplace, ensuring that competition remains robust and consumers are protected from deceptive or unfair practices. For legal professionals looking to make a substantial impact, the Bureau of Competition offers a unique platform to engage in the most significant antitrust litigation in the country. We are currently accepting applications for General Attorney positions ranging from GS-12 to GS-15.

Job Responsibilities

Attorneys at the FTC handle a wide array of duties including:

Conducting all phases of investigations, from initial theory development to evidence gathering.
Negotiating settlements with major corporations.
Drafting and reviewing high-stakes legal documents like complaints, subpoenas, and trial motions.
Representing the agency in court, including examining and cross-examining witnesses during litigation.
Contributing to internal policy discussions regarding market enforcement.

Comparison: Attorney Grade Levels

Grade Level	Required Experience (Post-JD)	Typical Responsibilities
GS-12	12 Months	Non-complex litigation, basic research.
GS-13	24 Months	Moderately complex matters, solid drafting.
GS-14	42 Months	Independent analysis, trial participation.
GS-15	60 Months	Lead counsel on major cases, expert advocacy.

Requirements

To be considered, you must possess a J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited school and be an active member of the bar. Beyond these fundamentals, success in this role requires:

Exceptional writing and oral advocacy skills.
A proven track record in legal analysis.
The capacity to work effectively in a team-oriented, high-pressure environment.
Adherence to the specific post-graduation legal experience requirements associated with each GS level.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive federal salary, ranging from $102,415 to $197,200 per year, depending on grade level, locality, and individual qualifications. As a federal position, compensation packages also include standard cost-of-living adjustments and opportunities for promotion within the career ladder.

Benefits

FTC employees enjoy an industry-leading suite of benefits, including:

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision coverage.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with employer matching.
Generous paid annual and sick leave policies.
Flexible telework programs to support work-life balance.

Application Tips

Showcase Impact: Use your resume to describe not just your duties, but the outcomes of your legal work.
Writing Sample: Select a piece that demonstrates clear, persuasive argumentation—the most critical skill for an FTC attorney.
Follow Instructions: Ensure you apply through the specific Bureau of Competition portal rather than only through general platforms, as these are the only applications that will be processed.

A career with the FTC Bureau of Competition is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the public interest. If you are ready to tackle the most complex legal challenges facing our modern economy, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Are these positions remote?

These positions are based in Washington, D.C., but offer flexible telework options.

Why This General Attorney (Tr) Antitrust Law Enforcement Job Matters

Protect the American marketplace and shape the future of antitrust enforcement at the Federal Trade Commission.

General Attorney (Tr) Antitrust Law Enforcement Job Overview

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Bureau of Competition is seeking dedicated attorneys to join its various divisions. In this role, you will perform critical legal work to challenge anticompetitive mergers, conduct complex investigations, and uphold the integrity of the national economy. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-impact litigation and policy development in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Requirements for General Attorney (Tr) Antitrust Law Enforcement

Possession of a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing of the bar of a state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory.
Strong legal writing, research, and analytical skills.
Ability to work effectively with others and exercise sound professional judgment.
Post-law school legal experience commensurate with the target grade level (12-60 months).
Submission of academic transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (Tr) Antitrust Law Enforcement

Experience in antitrust litigation or merger review.
Proven history of managing complex investigations independently.
Demonstrated ability to prepare and examine witnesses in trial settings.
Expertise in drafting motions, subpoenas, and legal memoranda for significant matters.
Demonstrated leadership capabilities for GS-15 level positions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Eligibility for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework opportunities.
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and comprehensive sick leave.
✓Opportunities for professional development and continuing legal education.

💡 How to Apply General Attorney (Tr) Antitrust Law Enforcement Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Attorney (Tr) Antitrust Law Enforcement Job

Review the specific hiring divisions on the FTC Bureau of Competition Legal Careers website.
Prepare a comprehensive resume detailing hours worked per week and specific duties.
Draft a professional cover letter and select a high-quality writing sample.
Gather necessary documentation, including law school transcripts and, if applicable, veterans' preference forms.
Submit your complete application package following the specific instructions located on the FTC's official legal careers portal.

💡 General Tips

Tailor your resume to highlight experience directly related to antitrust, complex litigation, or economic regulatory matters.
Ensure your writing sample showcases your ability to synthesize complex legal arguments clearly.
Clearly label your supporting documents to ensure the review committee can easily access your credentials.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure your DD-214 is current and clearly indicates your status.
Double-check that all post-law school legal experience is clearly dated to align with the specific GS-grade requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required for this position?

A formal security clearance is not required; however, the position is designated as 'High Risk,' which necessitates a thorough suitability and fitness investigation.

Can I apply for this position if I have a foreign law degree?

You must have your foreign credentials evaluated by an organization specializing in foreign education programs to confirm equivalence to a U.S. law degree.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

While the position is based in Washington, D.C., the role is telework eligible, depending on agency policies and specific division needs.

Can I apply if I am a recent graduate?

Candidates must meet the specific post-law school legal experience requirements (minimum 12 months for GS-12).

Job from Federal Trade Commission

The FTC is a non-partisan, independent agency tasked with promoting competition and protecting consumer interests. The Bureau of Competition is the engine behind our antitrust enforcement, investigating and challenging anticompetitive mergers, acquisitions, and conduct across industries as diverse as technology, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Joining the FTC means joining a team dedicated to market fairness and economic innovation.