General Attorney (Honors)

U.S. Department of Commerce
  • Washington, DC
  • $85,447–$133,142 Per Year
7 days ago

Job Description

b''nnnn USAJOBS - Job Announcementn n n n n n n n n n n n n n nn n nn n nnn Skip to main contentn n

n n

n

n

n

n n

n n An official website of the United States governmentn n

n

n

n

n n

n

Official websites use .gov

n

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

n

n

n

n n

n

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

n A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means you''ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.n

n

n

n

n n n

n n n n n MENUn n

n

n n n n

n

  • n n n Sign inn n n n n n n n n

n

  • n My jobsn n
  • n Profilen n
  • n Resumes & documentsn n
  • n Notificationsn n
  • n Talent networksn n
  • n Sign outn n

n n

n n n

n n n n n

n

  • n My jobsn n
  • n Profilen n
  • n Resumes & documentsn n
  • n Notificationsn n
  • n Talent networksn n
  • n Sign outn n

n n

  • n n n Eventsn n n
  • n n n Help Centern n n
  • n n n Searchn n n

n

n

n n

n n

n Back to resultsn

n nnnn

n

n

n

n

n General Attorney (Honors)n

n

Department of Commerce

n

Office of the Secretary

n

Office of the General Counsel (OGC), Office of the Deputy General Counsel for Administration

n

n

n

n

Print

n

n Sharen

n

n

n

  • n n n n n
  • n n n n n
  • n n n n n
  • n n n n n

n

n

n

n

n

n n Saven n

n

n

n

n

n

n

  • n n Summaryn n n
  • n n This job is open ton n n
  • n n Dutiesn n n
  • n n Requirementsn n n
  • n n How you will be evaluatedn n n
  • n n Required documentsn n n
  • n n How to applyn n n

n

n

nn

n

n n

n

nn

n

n

nnnn

n

n

Summary

n

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel (OGC), is seeking applications for its 2027 Honors Attorney Program. Honors Attorneys at the U.S. Department of Commerce provide legal advice and counsel to help the Department meet its strategic goals in its broad mission to promote U.S. commerce at home and abroad.

n n Learn more about this agencyn n

n

n

n

Summary

n

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel (OGC), is seeking applications for its 2027 Honors Attorney Program. Honors Attorneys at the U.S. Department of Commerce provide legal advice and counsel to help the Department meet its strategic goals in its broad mission to promote U.S. commerce at home and abroad.

n n Learn more about this agencyn n

n

n

n

n

n

Overview

n n n Helpn n

nn

n

Accepting applications

nn

n

nn

n

n

n

Location

n

Few vacancies in the following location:

n

nn

n

n

n n Washington, DC n

n

nn

n No matching locations found.n

n

n

n

n n

Work site options

n n Telework eligiblen Yes-as determined by the agency policy.n n n Remote jobn Non nn n Relocation expenses reimbursedn n Non n nn n Salaryn n $85,447 - $133,142 per yearn n nn n Pay scale & graden n

GS 11 - 12

n n Promotion potentialn n15 n n

n

n n n Learn more about pay scale and graden n

n

n Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.n

n

n n nn n Work schedulen Full-timen nnn n Travel Requiredn Not requiredn nn

n n Appointment typen Permanentn nn

n

Occupations and job series

n

n

  • n n 0905 Attorneyn n n

n

n n n Supervisory statusn Non nn n Federal service typen This job is in the Competitive Service n nn n Represented by a unionn Non nn

n n Drug testn Yesn nn n Security clearancen Top Secretn nn n Position sensitivity and riskn Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Riskn n

n n n n

n Jobs require an background check and some require an security clearance. The type depends on the job.n

n

nn

n

Background check type

n

n

  • n Credentialingn n
  • n Suitability/Fitnessn n
  • n National securityn n

n

nn n Financial disclosure requiredn Non n n

n Some jobs requiren financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.n

n n n n

nn n Announcement numbern OS- OGC-PNF-26-13025902n n n Control numbern 878961600n n

n

n

nn

n

n

This job is open to

n n n Helpn n

n

n

n n

n n

The public

n

n

n U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.n

n n

n

n

Clarification from the agency

n

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens.

n

nnnn

n

n

Duties

n n n Helpn n

nnn

n The Honors Attorney Program offers new law graduates and recent law graduates completing judicial clerkships or fellowships a unique opportunity to complete a two-year rotational program before being assigned to a permanent position in one of OGC''s many practice areas. Six-month rotational opportunities will provide each Honors Attorney with substantive and challenging assignments and broad exposure to Commerce''s diverse mission and the work of a Cabinet-level agency. On each rotation, Honors Attorneys will work in one of nearly two dozen programmatic and administrative legal offices, including:

n

nOffice of the Deputy General Counsel for Administration: Employment Litigation and Information (ELI) | Ethics Law and Program (ELP) | Legislation and Regulation (L&R) | Transactions and Program Management (TPM) | Office of Accountability (OA): OA is responsible for ensuring that the Department maintains the highest standards of performance and conduct across its 40,000+ person workforce. OA attorneys investigate instances of serious misconduct and poor performance and initiate appropriate corrective action. OA attorneys work on high-profile, sensitive personnel matters that threaten the Department''s mission.

n

nChief Counsel Offices: Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) | Office of the Chief Counsel for Economic Affairs (OCC-EA) | Office of the Chief Counsel of the Economic Development Administration (OCC-EDA) | Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance (OCC-TEC) | Office of the Chief Counsel for Industry and Security (OCC-IS) | Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce (OCC-IC) | Office of the Chief Counsel for National Institute of Standards and Technology (OCC-NIST) | Office of the Chief Counsel for National Telecommunications and Information Administration (OCC-NTIA) | Office of the Chief Counsel for Semiconductor Incentives (OCC-SI).n

n

nn

n

n

Requirements

n n n Helpn n

n

Conditions of employment

n

n

n

n

nt

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position. nt
  • This position requires a TOP SECRET CLEARANCE: Any required investigations and clearances must be completed before the selectee can be placed in the position. nt
  • You must successfully pass a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. nt
  • A trial period may be required. nt
  • Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/) nt
  • If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application. nt
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. nt
  • Drug Test Required: Yes, This position is subject to pre-employment drug testing and random drug testing thereafter. nt
  • License required: No nt
  • Pre-employment physical required: No nt
  • Bargaining Unit Position: No nt
  • Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): No nt
  • Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expense: Will not be paid n

n n

Qualifications

n

n

Eligibility Requirements

n

nEligibility is limited to graduating law students and recent law school graduates who entered judicial clerkships, graduate law programs, or qualifying legal fellowships within 9 months of law school graduation. To be eligible for our next program starting in September/October 2027, you must be a U.S. citizen graduating from law school in Spring 2027 or a recent law school graduate completing a judicial clerkship or fellowship in Summer 2027.

n n

n

Education

n

n See Qualifications Above.n

n

n

n

Additional information

n

This position does not confer non-competitive conversion to the competitive service. Acceptance of an excepted service appointment from applicants in the competitive service will require a written statement of understanding when voluntarily leaving the competitive service.

n n Expand Hide additional information

n

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

n

n

n

n

Benefits

n n n Helpnn

n A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.n

n

n

n

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

n

nn

n

n

n

nnn

n

How you will be evaluated

n

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

n

n

Applicants will be rated based on their education, experience, demonstrated legal research and writing abilities, and performance during the interview process.

nn

Basis for evaluation: If eligible and meeting basic qualifications, your application package will be evaluated in conjunction with your resume and supporting documents for the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to successfully perform the duties of this position:

nn

nt

  • Knowledge of research strategies and techniques sufficient to research the most complex legal issues. The issues researched are almost always factually complex and are in areas of the law which are often in a continual state of evolution, thus requiring atypical and innovative research strategies. nt
  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse clients and constituencies on varied and complex topics in writing clearly, concisely, and persuasively, with particular emphasis on the ability to analyze and explain complex legal issues. nt
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally with diverse clients and constituencies on varied and complex topics and independently present legal conclusions to adjudicatory authorities. nt
  • Ability to maintain effective working and reporting relationships with professional peers, support staff, and management officials. nt
  • Ability to organize work effectively to meet established deadlines and priorities related to legal cases and matters. n

n

nPlease be advised that Department of Commerce Attorney positions are in the Excepted Service. As such, these positions are not covered by the usual civil service hiring procedures. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications stated herein. We will perform an initial review of applications to determine basic eligibility and minimum qualifications for the position, and numeric scores will not be assigned. There are no numerical rating systems through which to apply veterans'' preference; however, the Office of the General Counsel favorably considers veterans preference eligibility in hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume. If selected, additional information may be required.n n

nn

n

n

Benefits

n n n Helpnn

n A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.n

n

n

n

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

n

nn

n

Required documents

n

n

Required Documents

n n n Helpn n

n

n

A complete application consists of the following:

nn

nt

  • Cover letter. Address demonstrated interests and qualifications as it relates to the position. nt
  • Resume showing relevant experience. Your resume should list your educational and work experience, including the dates (mm/dd/yyyy) and provide the hours per week, if less than 40. For work in the Federal Service, please include the pay plan and grade level for the position(s). nt
  • Copy of law school transcript. (Unofficial copy is sufficient, but official copy must be submitted before appointment). You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. nt
  • Certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. n

nn

Failure to provide documents, if selected, may result in lost consideration.

nn

Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

nn

n

n If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:n

n

n Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromn schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.n

n

n Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.n

n

nn

n

How to Apply

n nn n Helpn n

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESUMES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

nn

nt

  • Provide a cover letter, resume, law school transcript (official or unofficial), and writing sample to DOCHonorsProgram@doc.gov with the subject line: Honors Attorney Program-[LAST NAME]. nt
  • The application opens on July 31, 2026, and closes on September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. nt
  • Any questions or requests for an accommodation in order to complete the application should be directed to DOCHonorsProgram@doc.gov n

n

n

Agency contact information

n

n n Altovise Davisn

n

n n Emailn n adavis@doc.govn n n n Addressn n n Office of the Secretary

n 1401 Constitution Ave NW

n Washington, DC 20230

n USn n n n

n

nn

Next steps

n

Once your application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. You will only be contacted if you are found eligible and if you are selected for an interview. Applicants selected for interviews may be requested to provide a legal writing sample.

nn

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for OGC to share your application with others in OGC for similar positions.

nn

By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed.

nn

After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

nn

You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans'' preference, disability, etc.).

n

n

Fair and transparent

n

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

n

n n Criminal history inquiriesn n n Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policyn n

n

n n Financial suitabilityn n n New employee probationary periodn n

n

n n Privacy Actn n n Reasonable accommodation policyn n

n

n n Selective Servicen n n Signature and false statementsn n

n

n n Social security number requestn n

nn

n

n

nn

n

n

Required Documents

n n n Helpn n

n

n

A complete application consists of the following:

nn

nt

  • Cover letter. Address demonstrated interests and qualifications as it relates to the position. nt
  • Resume showing relevant experience. Your resume should list your educational and work experience, including the dates (mm/dd/yyyy) and provide the hours per week, if less than 40. For work in the Federal Service, please include the pay plan and grade level for the position(s). nt
  • Copy of law school transcript. (Unofficial copy is sufficient, but official copy must be submitted before appointment). You are not required to submit official documents at this time; copies are sufficient. nt
  • Certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. n

nn

Failure to provide documents, if selected, may result in lost consideration.

nn

Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

nn

n

n If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:n

n

n Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees fromn schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.n

n

n Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.n

n

nn

nn

n

n

How to Apply

n n n Helpn n

n

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESUMES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

nn

nt

  • Provide a cover letter, resume, law school transcript (official or unofficial), and writing sample to DOCHonorsProgram@doc.gov with the subject line: Honors Attorney Program-[LAST NAME]. nt
  • The application opens on July 31, 2026, and closes on September 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. nt
  • Any questions or requests for an accommodation in order to complete the application should be directed to DOCHonorsProgram@doc.gov n

n n Expand Hide how to apply

n

n

Agency contact information

n

n n Altovise Davisn

n

n n Emailn n adavis@doc.govn n n n Addressn n n Office of the Secretary

n 1401 Constitution Ave NW

n Washington, DC 20230

n USn n n n

n

nn

Next steps

n

Once your application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your eligibility. You will only be contacted if you are found eligible and if you are selected for an interview. Applicants selected for interviews may be requested to provide a legal writing sample.

nn

Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for OGC to share your application with others in OGC for similar positions.

nn

By submitting your application, you are certifying the accuracy of the information contained in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be terminated after you begin work; or, you may be fined or jailed.

nn

After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

nn

You will be required to submit official documentation prior to appointment. The agency will then verify the information provided on your application (i.e., degree, veterans'' preference, disability, etc.).

n n Expand Hide next steps

n

nn

n

Fair and transparent

n

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

n

n n Criminal history inquiriesn n n Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policyn n

n

n n Financial suitabilityn n n New employee probationary periodn n

n

n n Privacy Actn n n Reasonable accommodation policyn n

n

n n Selective Servicen n n Signature and false statementsn n

n

n n Social security number requestn n

nn

nn

nn n

n

n

n

n Office of the Secretaryn

n

nn

n

n The Department of Commerce''s mission is to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities. Through its 13 bureaus, the Department works to drive U.S. economic competitiveness, strengthen domestic industry, and spur the growth of quality jobs in all communities across the country. The Department serves as the voice of business in the Federal Government, and at the same time, the Department touches and serves every American every day.

n

nOGC provides legal services to the Secretary of Commerce and across the Department''s numerous bureaus and activities. The General Counsel is the chief legal officer for the Department. The mission of OGC is to have a lasting impact on rules of commerce that revitalize the economy and lay a foundation for sustainable U.S. leadership in a global economy in the 21st century. OGC seeks to be a leader in building a culture of excellence, service, and creative collaboration within its offices and across the Department, providing legal support, strategy, and analysis for a wide range of complex, cutting-edge issues. Innovation, economic security, and national security are deeply intertwined, and all rely on a resilient domestic industrial base, an effective innovation ecosystem, and strategic global engagement.n

nn

n

Agency contact information

n

n n Altovise Davisn

n

n n Emailn n adavis@doc.govn n n n Addressn n n Office of the Secretary

n 1401 Constitution Ave NW

n Washington, DC 20230

n USn n n n

n

nnn

n

Visit our careers page

n

n Learn more about what it''s like to work at Office of the Secretary, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.n

n

n https://www.commerce.gov/n

n

n

n

n

nnn

n nn

n

Summary

n

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of the General Counsel (OGC), is seeking applications for its 2027 Honors Attorney Program. Honors Attorneys at the U.S. Department of Commerce provide legal advice and counsel to help the Department meet its strategic goals in its broad mission to promote U.S. commerce at home and abroad.

n n Learn more about this agencyn n

n

n

n

n

n

Overview

n n n Helpn n

nn

n

Accepting applications

nn

n

nn

n

n

n

Location

n

Few vacancies in the following location:

n

nn

n

n

n n Washington, DC n

n

nn

n No matching locations found.n

n

n

n

n n

Work site options

n n Telework eligiblen Yes-as determined by the agency policy.n n n Remote jobn Non nn n Relocation expenses reimbursedn n Non n nn n Salaryn n $85,447 - $133,142 per yearn n nn n Pay scale & graden n

GS 11 - 12

n n Promotion potentialn n15 n n

n

n n n Learn more about pay scale and graden n

n

n Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.n

n

n n nn n Work schedulen Full-timen nnn n Travel Requiredn Not requiredn nn

n n Appointment typen Permanentn nn

n

Occupations and job series

n

n

  • n n 0905 Attorneyn n n

n

n n n Supervisory statusn Non nn n Federal service typen This job is in the Competitive Service n nn n Represented by a unionn Non nn

n n Drug testn Yesn nn n Security clearancen Top Secretn nn n Position sensitivity and riskn Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Riskn n

n n n n

n Jobs require an background check and some require an security clearance. The type depends on the job.n

n

nn

n

Background check type

n

n

  • n Credentialingn n
  • n Suitability/Fitnessn n
  • n National securityn n

n

nn n Financial disclosure requiredn Non n n

n Some jobs requiren financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.n

n n n n

nn n Announcement numbern OS- OGC-PNF-26-13025902n n n Control numbern 878961600n n

n

n

n n

n

n n

n

Previous result

n

Next result

n

nn

nnnnn

Your session is about to expire!

n

n Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes.n Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire.n Click the button below to continue your session.n

n

n Sign outn Stay signed inn

n

nn n

n

n Return to topn

n

n

n

n

n n

USAJOBS is a Opens in a new windowUnited States Office of Personnel Management website.

n

n

n n (Opens in a new window) OPM on LinkedInn n n n (Opens in a new window) OPM YouTube channeln n n n (Opens in a new window) OPM on Xn n n

n

n

n

n

  • Opens in a new windowEEO Policy Statement n
  • Opens in a new windowReasonable Accommodation Policy Statement n
  • Opens in a new windowVeterans Information n
  • Opens in a new windowLegal and Regulatory Guidance n

n

n

n

n

  • Opens in a new windowAbout USAJOBS n
  • Opens in a new windowAccessibility n
  • Opens in a new windowFOIA n
  • Opens in a new windowInspector general n
  • Opens in a new windowNo Fear Act Data n
  • Opens in a new windowPrivacy policy n
  • Opens in a new windowReports and publications n
  • Opens in a new windowTerms and conditions n
  • Opens in a new windowUSA.gov n

n

n

nnnn n n n n n n nn n n n nnnnn''

Numbers & Facts

LocationWashington, DC
Salary$85,447–$133,142 Per Year

More jobs like this

See more jobs

Be found by employers

5,500+ employers search our resume database daily. Add yours to get found by recruiters looking for candidates like you.