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Law Clerk/Attorney-Advisor (General)
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Office of the Under Secretary, Office of General Counsel (OGC)
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Summary
This is a Public Notice. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
This position is located in the Office of the Under Secretary, Office of General Counsel (OGC), Honors Attorney Program, with few or many vacancies in Silver Spring, MD.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
This is a Public Notice. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
This position is located in the Office of the Under Secretary, Office of General Counsel (OGC), Honors Attorney Program, with few or many vacancies in Silver Spring, MD.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
Silver Spring, MD
2 vacancies
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $85,447 - $158,322 per year Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Promotion potential 15 - If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you may be non-competitively promoted if you perform successfully and if recommended by management.
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union Yes - The Attorney-Advisor position is in the bargaining unit. This position is covered by (2161).
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes - The incumbent is required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450), within 30 days after entrance-on-duty date, and annually thereafter.
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number OGC-26-13052919-ES Control number 883292100
This job is open to
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The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Clarification from the agency
Applicant must be a law student who will receive his/her J.D. degree by June 30, 2027; or a graduate law student with a J.D. who will receive his/her L.L.M. or other graduate law degree by June 30, 2027; OR a recent law school graduate with a J.D. who will complete a judicial clerkship or a legal fellowship by September 2027. A successful candidate must be admitted as an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) within 14 months of commencing work.
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Duties
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Individuals selected will participate in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of the General Counsel\''s Attorney Honors Program. Those selected for the Law Clerk position cannot be promoted above the GS-11 level without meeting eligibility and qualification criteria for the Attorney position.
Promotion Potential Explanation: Attorneys are considered for promotion on each annual anniversary date based on successful performance and management recommendation. There is no promotion potential for Law Clerks until being admitted to a bar and conversion to an Attorney position.
As an Attorney with the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of General Counsel, your specific duties will include:
As a Law Clerk / Attorney Advisor in the Attorney Honors Program, you will work closely with experienced National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists and other program specialists on a variety of cutting-edge issues relating to the management and conservation of natural resources. NOAA General Counsel attorneys and law clerks perform a variety of legal duties, including conducting legal research, presenting to agency decisionmakers, reviewing applications for governmental approval or protection, and working in adversarial proceedings. This position requires interaction with other NOAA General Counsel Office attorneys, NOAA scientists, policy makers and technical staff, Department of Commerce officials, other Federal and state agency officials, members of the regulated community, and representatives of public interest organizations. It also involves active participation, in concert with U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, in prosecuting and defending NOAA cases brought under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Oil Pollution Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and other similar laws. The work involves complex and challenging legal issues on important matters.
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of the General Counsel employs numerous attorneys at headquarters in the Silver Spring, MD/Washington, DC area and six regional offices. The Office provides legal advice to the NOAA Administrator and NOAA program offices on a wide variety of legal issues including U.S. and international fisheries, marine mammals, endangered and threatened marine species, preservation of coastal areas, marine sanctuaries, and licensing of commercial satellites.
NOTE: All positions are developmental, leading to the Full Performance Level (FPL) GS-15.
NOAA is a premier environmental agency located within the U.S. Department of Commerce and employs over 12,000 individuals nationwide. NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them.
From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA\''s products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America\''s gross domestic product. NOAA\''s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.
NOAA\''s roots date back to 1807, when the Nation\''s first scientific agency, the Survey of the Coast, was established. Since then, NOAA has evolved to meet the needs of a changing country. NOAA maintains a presence in every state and has emerged as an international leader on scientific and environmental matters.
NOAA\''s mission touches the lives of every American and we are proud of our role in protecting life and property and conserving and protecting natural resource. For more information see www.noaa.gov and www.gc.noaa.gov.
NOAA GC will host a webinar for interested candidates.
This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other equivalent positions throughout the Federal government. The position must be alike (e.g.: within the same geographic locations, equivalent grade/band and requires the same qualifications and specialized experience as indicated in this vacancy announcement).
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Key Requirements:
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Are There Any Special Requirements For This Position?
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Qualifications
This position has a positive education requirement: transcripts and proof of Bar membership MUST be provided with your application package to receive further consideration.
Eligibility Requirements: This program is available to recent law students who have graduated or will graduate by with a J.D. degree by June 30, 2027, or a graduate law student with a J.D. who will receive his/her L.L.M. or other graduate law degree by June 30, 2027, or a recent law school graduate with a J.D. who will complete a judicial clerkship or a legal fellowship by September 2027.
Basic Qualification Requirements
Law Clerk-GS-0904-11: Graduated or will graduate from law school with a LL.B. or J.D. Appointments as a Law Clerk are limited to 14 months during which time appointee must be admitted in good standing to the bar of a court of general jurisdiction of a state, territory or possession of the United States and after which will be appointed to a permanent appointment as an Attorney. There is no promotion potential for Law Clerks.
Attorney, GS-0905-12/13: All applicants must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, and must be an active member in good standing of a State bar; the bar of the District of Columbia; the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the bar of one of the U.S. Territories or the bar of one of the U.S. Possessions.
Attorneys are considered for promotion on each annual anniversary date based on successful performance and management recommendation.
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by 11:59pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.
Education
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Additional information
Other Information:
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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.
Benefits
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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.
Agency Benefits:
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Review our benefits
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
To preview the announcement questionnaire, click here:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13052919
Benefits
Help
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.
Agency Benefits:
\t
Review our benefits
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.
Required documents
Required Documents
Help
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit documentation may result in not receiving consideration for this position.
Current & Former Federal Employees
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All Applicants
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Cover Letter requirements: Your cover letter should be no longer than 3000 characters, including spaces, and should address why you are applying to the NOAA GC Honors Program, your interest in public service, the characteristics and qualifications that make you a strong candidate, and what distinguishes you from other candidates.
Law School Transcript requirements: This position requires proof of higher education. You are required to provide a law school transcript (unofficial) which includes semester hours earned and grades received, by the closing date of this announcement. Please ensure that all documentation is legible. You must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education\''s website. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.
Additional documentation required prior to receiving a formal offer:
Official Law School Transcript: Please note that prior to receiving a formal offer, you will be asked to submit an official law school transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: Name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Proof of bar membership: Please note that prior to receiving a formal offer, applicants qualifying for the Attorney, GS-0905-12/13 position must provide evidence of being an active member in good standing of a State bar; the bar of the District of Columbia; the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the bar of one of the U.S. Territories or the bar of one of the U.S. Possessions. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with NOAA.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
Help
Application is made by emailing a cover letter, resume, and unofficial law school transcript in one PDF file to: ogcattorney.honors@noaa.gov
Applications sent by any other method will not be accepted.
Emailed applications must be received by 9/23/2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Agency contact information
Jeffrey Geise
Email jeffrey.geise@noaa.gov Address NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US
Next steps
Applicants will not be notified that their application has been received. Interviews may be arranged at the discretion of NOAA for those subject to further consideration based upon qualifications.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
Required Documents
Help
To apply for this position, you must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to submit documentation may result in not receiving consideration for this position.
Current & Former Federal Employees
\t
All Applicants
\t
Cover Letter requirements: Your cover letter should be no longer than 3000 characters, including spaces, and should address why you are applying to the NOAA GC Honors Program, your interest in public service, the characteristics and qualifications that make you a strong candidate, and what distinguishes you from other candidates.
Law School Transcript requirements: This position requires proof of higher education. You are required to provide a law school transcript (unofficial) which includes semester hours earned and grades received, by the closing date of this announcement. Please ensure that all documentation is legible. You must submit an unofficial transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. A listing of these accredited organizations can be found on the Department of Education\''s website. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation by the closing date of the announcement will result in lost consideration.
Additional documentation required prior to receiving a formal offer:
Official Law School Transcript: Please note that prior to receiving a formal offer, you will be asked to submit an official law school transcript or a list of courses that includes the following information: Name of accredited institution, grades earned, completion dates, and quarter and semester hours earned.
Proof of bar membership: Please note that prior to receiving a formal offer, applicants qualifying for the Attorney, GS-0905-12/13 position must provide evidence of being an active member in good standing of a State bar; the bar of the District of Columbia; the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the bar of one of the U.S. Territories or the bar of one of the U.S. Possessions. Employees must maintain active bar membership while employed as an attorney with NOAA.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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 from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
Help
Application is made by emailing a cover letter, resume, and unofficial law school transcript in one PDF file to: ogcattorney.honors@noaa.gov
Applications sent by any other method will not be accepted.
Emailed applications must be received by 9/23/2026. Applications received after this date will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Jeffrey Geise
Email jeffrey.geise@noaa.gov Address NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US
Next steps
Applicants will not be notified that their application has been received. Interviews may be arranged at the discretion of NOAA for those subject to further consideration based upon qualifications.
Expand Hide next steps
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Financial suitability New employee probationary period
Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy
Selective Service Signature and false statements
Social security number request
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
An extraordinary opportunity is available to start your legal career in 2027 in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of the General Counsel by gaining a position through its selective Attorney Honors Program. This position requires interaction with other NOAA General Counsel Office attorneys, NOAA scientists, policy makers and technical staff, Department of Commerce officials, other Federal and state agency officials, members of the regulated community, and representatives of public interest organizations. It also involves active participation, in concert with U.S. Department of Justice attorneys, in prosecuting and defending NOAA cases brought under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Oil Pollution Act, the National Marine Sanctuaries Act and other similar laws. The work involves complex and challenging legal issues on important matters.
The NOAA Office of the General Counsel employs approximately 110 attorneys at headquarters in the Silver Spring, MD/Washington, DC area and six regional offices. The Office provides legal advice to the NOAA Administrator and NOAA program offices on a wide variety of legal issues including U.S. and international fisheries, marine mammals, endangered and threatened marine species, preservation of coastal areas, marine sanctuaries, and licensing of commercial satellites.
Agency contact information
Jeffrey Geise
Email jeffrey.geise@noaa.gov Address NOAA Office of Human Capital Services (OHCS)
1315 East West Hwy
SSMC4
Silver Spring, MD 20910
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what it\''s like to work at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.gc.noaa.gov/honors_program.html
Summary
This is a Public Notice. Please read this Public Notice in its entirety prior to submitting your application for consideration.
This position is located in the Office of the Under Secretary, Office of General Counsel (OGC), Honors Attorney Program, with few or many vacancies in Silver Spring, MD.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
Silver Spring, MD
2 vacancies
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $85,447 - $158,322 per year Pay scale & grade
GS 11 - 13
Promotion potential 15 - If you are selected for a position with further promotion potential, you may be non-competitively promoted if you perform successfully and if recommended by management.
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union Yes - The Attorney-Advisor position is in the bargaining unit. This position is covered by (2161).
Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes - The incumbent is required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450), within 30 days after entrance-on-duty date, and annually thereafter.
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number OGC-26-13052919-ES Control number 883292100
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| Location | Washington, DC |
| Salary | $85,447–$158,322 Per Year |
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