Advance Your Career as an Attorney-Advisor with the Federal Highway Administration
Are you looking to pivot your legal career toward a mission-critical role that shapes the very landscape of the United States? The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Advisor to join the Office of the Chief Counsel in either Lakewood, Colorado, or Matteson, Illinois. This is an exceptional opportunity for legal professionals to apply their expertise in a setting that values innovation, safety, and infrastructure excellence.
Job Responsibilities
The selected Attorney-Advisor will handle a diverse and impactful portfolio of legal matters. Your work will influence the policy and implementation of major transportation programs. Responsibilities include:
- Environmental & Planning Law: Providing legal advice on environmental compliance, land use, and regional transportation planning.
- Infrastructure Litigation: Assisting in litigation matters involving real estate, civil rights, and complex infrastructure projects.
- Fiscal Oversight: Reviewing Federal funding eligibility and budgetary compliance for highway projects.
- Safety & Operations: Providing counsel on highway safety programs and compliance with national standards, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
Salary and Grade Comparison
This position is open to various experience levels within the GS-11 to GS-14 range. The following table outlines the expected progression based on experience:
| Grade Level | Requirements | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | J.D. + Bar Membership | Entry level/Recent Grad |
| GS-12 | J.D. + Bar Membership | 1 Year Legal Experience or LL.M |
| GS-13 | J.D. + Bar Membership | 2 Years Legal Experience |
| GS-14 | J.D. + Bar Membership | 3 Years Legal Experience |
Application Tips for Success
Federal hiring is a meticulous process. To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is clear and follows the format requested in the announcement. Because HR specialists evaluate applications strictly based on the provided facts, be descriptive about your specific duties, the tools you used, and the outcomes you achieved. Use paragraph formats to describe your experience rather than bulleted lists to ensure your narrative is robust.
The role of Attorney-Advisor with the FHWA is more than just a job; it is a chance to play a meaningful part in the future of American transportation. If you possess the required legal qualifications and a desire to serve the public, submit your application through the official portal today. Your expertise can help build the infrastructure that will serve the nation for generations to come.
Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Shape the future of American infrastructure as an Attorney-Advisor with the Federal Highway Administration, where your legal expertise directly impacts national transportation policy.
Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Office of the Chief Counsel is seeking a talented Attorney-Advisor to join their Field Legal Services-West team. Based in either Lakewood, Colorado, or Matteson, Illinois, the selected candidate will provide essential legal counsel on complex environmental, infrastructure, and fiscal matters. This role sits at the intersection of law and public service, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to high-stakes projects that improve transportation systems nationwide. You will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment supporting the agency's mission to modernize infrastructure and maximize operational excellence.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor
- Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S. State, Territory, or the District of Columbia.
- U.S. Citizenship eligibility.
- Completion of a two-year trial period for Excepted Service positions.
- Submission of all required application documents by the specified closing date.
- Ability to travel for official government business as required.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor
- Progressive professional legal experience relevant to environmental and infrastructure law.
- Demonstrated proficiency in federal administrative law and regulatory procedures.
- A second law degree (LL.M) in a relevant practice area.
- Strong ability to handle and prioritize a diverse, high-volume workload under tight deadlines.
- Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and career growth
- ✓Participation in the federal employee health and insurance programs
- ✓Retirement benefits and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) options
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework opportunities
- ✓Supportive and collaborative office culture
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job
- Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) and a cover letter detailing your specific interest and experience.
- Ensure all educational transcripts and proof of bar membership are ready.
- Register and apply through the USAJobs portal by the announcement closing date.
- Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire accurately.
- Verify all documents have successfully attached to your application before submission.
- Monitor your status via the 'My USAJobs' dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Be precise in your resume: include employment dates, hours worked, and specific roles to ensure your qualifications are easily verified.
- Draft a targeted cover letter that specifically addresses your experience in environmental or infrastructure law.
- Do not wait until the final hours to apply, as technical delays can occur.
- Double-check that all uploaded files are legible and correctly labeled.
- Review your application narrative to ensure it matches the language used in your resume for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this Attorney-Advisor role?
The role primarily involves rendering legal services related to environmental law, infrastructure development, real estate, and fiscal matters for the Federal Highway Administration.
Is this a competitive service position?
No, this is an Excepted Service position, which may involve a two-year trial period and utilizes an alternative hiring process.
Can I work remotely?
While the position is telework eligible, it is not a full-time remote role and requires a presence in the designated office location (Lakewood, CO or Matteson, IL).
Is veterans' preference applicable to this role?
While this is an Excepted Service position, the Department of Transportation considers veterans' preference as a positive factor in the hiring process.
Will I need to undergo a background check?
Yes, as a federal employee, you will be subject to a background and security investigation to meet suitability requirements.
Job from Federal Highway Administration
The Federal Highway Administration is a cornerstone of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its mission is to support the safety and modernization of the nation's transportation systems. By removing bureaucratic hurdles and encouraging infrastructure innovation, the FHWA ensures that the American transportation network remains the best in the world. As a member of the Office of the Chief Counsel, you will be joining a team that is consistently ranked as a top place to work within the federal government, offering a collaborative environment that values intellectual rigor and public service.