Protecting the Social Safety Net: Careers as a General Attorney (Fraud) at the SSA

The Social Security Administration (SSA) plays a foundational role in the lives of millions of Americans, providing vital support through retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. Ensuring the integrity of these programs is a massive, ongoing legal effort. The SSA is currently looking for experienced legal professionals to join the Division of Law and Policy as General Attorneys (Fraud).

Job Responsibilities

As a Fraud Attorney, your role is pivotal. You will be on the front lines of investigating and prosecuting criminal fraud that impacts government benefit programs. Your daily duties will include:

Managing active caseloads from the initial investigation stage.
Drafting indictments and managing grand jury proceedings.
Conducting motion practice and plea negotiations.
Representing the government in jury trials and sentencing hearings.
Collaborating with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

Requirements

To be considered for this high-responsibility role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Education: Must hold a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Transcripts are mandatory.
Bar Membership: Must be an active member in good standing of a U.S. Bar.
Experience: Applicants must demonstrate years of legal experience, with specific requirements for GS-13 and GS-14 levels regarding litigation aptitude.
Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.

Salary and Grade Comparison

Grade Level	Experience Requirement	Salary Range (Approx)
GS-13	3 Years	$106,437 - $138,370
GS-14	4 Years	$125,776 - $163,514

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides robust benefits, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Federal retirement system participation.
Flexible work arrangements (flextime).
Access to professional training and intensive mentoring.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Keep your resume strictly to two pages as per current OPM guidance.
Documentation: Ensure all required forms—including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable—are attached.
Writing Quality: Choose a sample that demonstrates your ability to simplify complex legal issues.

Serving as a General Attorney for the SSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the public good. If you have the litigation skills and the desire to protect the nation’s social safety net, apply today.

Why This General Attorney (Fraud) Job Matters

Protect the integrity of America's safety net—bring your legal expertise to the Social Security Administration as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.

General Attorney (Fraud) Job Overview

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is seeking dedicated attorneys to serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSA) within the Division of Law and Policy. This unique opportunity allows legal professionals to directly support U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country by investigating and prosecuting criminal fraud cases. These cases are essential to safeguarding vital retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for millions of citizens. You will work in a fast-paced environment, managing a significant caseload while collaborating with the Office of the Inspector General and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Requirements for General Attorney (Fraud)

Possession of a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Must be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a State, Commonwealth, Territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia.
Three years of professional legal experience for GS-13 (including one year equivalent to GS-12).
Four years of professional legal experience for GS-14 (including one year equivalent to GS-13).
Proven experience handling criminal or civil litigation matters.
Must undergo and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Submission of a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
Provision of a substantive legal writing sample (max 15 pages).

Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney (Fraud)

Experience specifically related to fraud, false statements, or program-integrity issues.
Background in complex federal enforcement litigation.
Proven history of managing cases from the investigative stage through trial or final disposition.
Strong aptitude for research, writing, and courtroom advocacy.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and intensive mentoring.
✓Work-life balance with flextime availability.
✓Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
✓Participation in federal retirement and health insurance programs.
✓Meaningful work protecting the social safety net.

💡 How to Apply General Attorney (Fraud) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Attorney (Fraud) Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS portal.
Prepare a resume limited to two pages per OPM guidelines.
Draft a sanitized legal writing sample (max 15 pages).
Gather your law school transcripts and proof of active bar membership.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS system by the current cut-off date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically highlights litigation experience including specific duties performed.
Double-check that your transcripts include your name, degree, and graduation date.
Sanitize your writing sample thoroughly to comply with Privacy Act requirements.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential technical issues.
Ensure your bar membership documentation is current and reflects your active status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of an SSA Fraud Attorney?

You will function as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, investigating and prosecuting criminal fraud cases involving SSA and other federal benefit programs.

Can I apply if I am not currently a member of a state bar?

No. You must be an active member in good standing of a U.S. Bar to be eligible for this position.

Are there multiple locations for this role?

Yes, this position is open in various cities, including Washington D.C., Boston, Kansas City, and several others listed in the announcement.

Job from Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration is an independent agency of the U.S. government. Its Law and Policy department functions as a modern, high-stakes public service law firm. Attorneys within this department are given the unique responsibility of serving as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs), working directly within U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) to uphold the law and defend federal interests.