Become an Attorney Advisor (Section 337) at the USITC
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is currently seeking an accomplished legal professional to serve as an Attorney Advisor (Section 337). This high-level position offers a unique chance to work within the Office of Commissioner Peter-Anthony Pappas, focusing on the critical intersection of intellectual property rights and international trade. If you have an extensive background in federal litigation and a passion for complex regulatory law, this role provides the platform to influence significant U.S. economic policy.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be deeply involved in the following:
- Providing rigorous legal analysis regarding unfair competition and IP rights violations under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
- Assisting Commissioner Pappas in preparing for hearings, briefings, and regulatory votes.
- Drafting and reviewing complex legal opinions, memoranda, and statements.
- Analyzing hearing transcripts, patents, and investigative briefs to support Commission decisions.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must:
- Hold a J.D. or LL.B from an accredited law school.
- Be an active member in good standing of a U.S. Bar.
- Demonstrate 5 years of legal experience, including 4 years of specialized work in litigation and complex federal regulatory matters.
- Provide a 3-10 page writing sample.
Skills Comparison Table
| Competency | Level Required | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Analysis | Expert | Section 337 Investigations |
| Communication | Advanced | Briefing Commission Leadership |
| Litigation | Expert | IP and Appellate Matters |
| Regulatory Research | Expert | Federal Law Precedents |
Salary and Benefits
This position is classified at the GS-15 level, offering a salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year. Benefits include access to robust federal health and retirement programs, telework flexibility, and the professional prestige of serving a federal commission.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume explicitly highlights your experience with Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The review panel does not make inferences; therefore, detailed descriptions of your past litigation work are essential. Ensure your writing sample is redacted appropriately and clearly labeled.
Serving as an Attorney Advisor at the USITC is a rewarding career move for those looking to apply their legal expertise to global trade and innovation protection. With a closing date of November 5, 2026, interested applicants should begin gathering their transcripts and writing samples immediately to ensure a complete application package.
Why This Attorney Advisor (Section 337) Job Matters
Join the forefront of international trade law as an Attorney Advisor for the U.S. International Trade Commission, directly supporting Commissioner Peter-Anthony Pappas in shaping complex Section 337 intellectual property investigations.
Attorney Advisor (Section 337) Job Overview
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Attorney Advisor to provide expert legal analysis within the Office of Commissioner Peter-Anthony Pappas. This high-impact role focuses on intellectual property rights and unfair competition proceedings under Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in drafting critical Commission documents, advising on complex trade matters, and preparing the Commissioner for high-stakes hearings. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the agency's mission of protecting U.S. industry while working in one of the most highly-rated, engagement-focused work environments in the federal government.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor (Section 337)
- Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
- Must be a current member in good standing of the Bar of any U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of five years of total professional legal experience.
- One year of general legal experience and four years of specialized experience in areas such as appellate litigation and federal regulatory matters.
- Proven experience with Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and/or intellectual property litigation.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service if applicable (males born after Dec 31, 1959).
- Must submit a 3-10 page unedited or self-edited legal writing sample.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor (Section 337)
- Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Extensive experience in district court and appellate litigation concerning intellectual property.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex legal research and draft policy statements or reports.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓High-performing agency culture with exceptional work-life balance.
- ✓Telework eligibility options.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in an independent federal agency.
- ✓Standard federal leave, retirement, and insurance benefits.
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor (Section 337) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor (Section 337) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload a comprehensive resume detailing paid and non-paid experience, hours worked, and salary history.
- Submit your proof of Bar membership and law school transcripts.
- Attach a legal writing sample (3-10 pages) indicating the level of editorial input.
- Submit current or former federal employees' SF-50 and recent performance appraisals if applicable.
- Finalize and submit the application package before the closing date of November 5, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume includes the phone numbers and names of your current and past supervisors to avoid delays.
- Be explicit about your experience with Section 337; the hiring panel relies solely on the information provided in your resume.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS account.
- If claiming veterans' preference, ensure all supporting documentation (like DD-214 or SF-15) is included in your initial package.
- Verify that your writing sample clearly states if it was edited by others or is an original unedited draft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hiring authority for this position?
This role is a Schedule C position, which is in the excepted service. Appointments are policy-determining or confidential in nature and do not confer permanent civil service status.
Is a Secret security clearance required?
Yes, as this position involves sensitive information, the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance is a requirement.
What happens if I forget to submit my writing sample?
Failure to include required documentation, such as the writing sample, proof of bar membership, or transcripts, will result in an incomplete application and may lead to a loss of consideration.
Job from U.S. International Trade Commission
The USITC is an independent, non-partisan federal agency responsible for analyzing the impacts of trade on U.S. industry. Consistently ranked among the best small agencies in the federal government, the USITC fosters an inclusive and high-engagement environment. Employees here benefit from a culture that values work-life balance and high-quality analytical output.