Become a Supervisory Attorney Advisor at the Department of Transportation
Are you a seasoned legal professional looking to pivot into a leadership role that directly impacts the nation's infrastructure? The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently inviting applications for a Supervisory Attorney Advisor to join the Office of the General Counsel in Washington, D.C. This position offers the rare chance to shape policy, oversee complex fiscal matters, and contribute to one of the most vital agencies in the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be the right hand to the Assistant General Counsel for Federal Financial Assistance, Acquisition, and Fiscal Law. Key duties include:
- Supervision: Leading and mentoring a team of attorneys, staff, interns, and honors attorneys.
- Legal Counsel: Providing expert guidance on administrative operations, procurement, and innovative financing.
- Policy Development: Ensuring departmental policies are both efficient and consistent with the intent of federal law.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinating with internal and external parties to resolve complex legal disputes and policy challenges.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for the GS-15 level:
- Must be a graduate of an ABA-accredited law school with a J.D. or LL.B.
- Active member in good standing of a state or U.S. territory bar.
- At least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 federal level.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
Comparison Table: Why Join the DOT?
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Work Culture | Mission-driven and collaborative |
| Professional Growth | High-level leadership and mentorship |
| Work-Life Balance | Telework-eligible position |
| Impact | Influences national infrastructure policy |
Salary Overview
This position is classified at the GS-15 grade, offering a highly competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay scales.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Transportation enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement planning (TSP), competitive leave accrual, and the stability that comes with a permanent federal appointment.
Application Tips
- Respect the Constraints: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
- Be Specific: When responding to questionnaire items, use the exact paragraph format requested and map duties back to your resume entries.
- Verify Uploads: Double-check that your bar membership and transcripts are attached correctly to your application package.
If you have the legal acumen and leadership drive to influence the future of transportation, this position at the DOT is your next professional milestone. Apply today to contribute your expertise to a team that is building a modern, safer America.
Why This Supervisory Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Shape the future of American infrastructure at the highest level of federal legal practice. Join the Department of Transportation as a Supervisory Attorney Advisor and lead critical initiatives that modernize our nation's transportation systems.
Supervisory Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Office of the Secretary of Transportation is seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Attorney Advisor to join the Office of the General Counsel. In this vital leadership role, you will oversee and manage legal matters related to federal financial assistance, acquisition, fiscal law, and innovative public-private partnerships. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced legal professional to influence departmental policy, ensure regulatory compliance, and guide a team of attorneys and staff in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Supervisory Attorney Advisor
- Possess a J.D., LL.B., or equivalent law degree from an accredited law school.
- Maintain active, good standing membership in the bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
- Submit a complete application package by the closing date.
- Successfully pass a background/security investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Attorney Advisor
- Expertise in Federal administrative law and fiscal regulations.
- Proven experience supervising legal staff, interns, or attorneys.
- Strong ability to manage multi-faceted legal projects simultaneously.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex legal positions clearly and convincingly.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health and life insurance programs.
- ✓Retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within a mission-critical federal agency.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Attorney Advisor Job
- Prepare a resume of no more than two pages detailing your experience.
- Review the vacancy questions and prepare narrative responses in full paragraph format.
- Gather supporting documentation, including proof of bar membership and academic transcripts.
- Submit your application through the official federal jobs dashboard portal.
- Monitor your status through the applicant dashboard after the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit as specified in the hiring plan.
- Be explicit in your narrative responses; HR cannot make assumptions regarding your background.
- Cite your specific employment dates, series/grade, and duties as they appear on your resume to ensure full credit.
- Verify that all documents are fully uploaded and attached before hitting the submit button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applied to this position?
Because this is an excepted service attorney position, there is no formal rating system for veterans' preference. However, the DOT considers it a positive factor in the selection process.
What is the expected trial period?
As an excepted service role, selected candidates may be subject to a two-year trial period to evaluate performance and agency fit.
What is the trial period for this role?
This is an excepted service position, and selected candidates typically serve a two-year trial period to demonstrate fitness and efficiency.
Is a security clearance required?
While a specific clearance isn't listed as a prerequisite, you must successfully pass a background/security investigation.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of Transportation
The U.S. Department of Transportation is the cornerstone of American mobility. Committed to safety, innovation, and modernization, the DOT is currently pushing forward initiatives that will serve American families and businesses for decades. Frequently ranked as a top place to work in the federal government, the agency fosters a collaborative environment where legal experts provide the foundation for essential departmental operations.