Law Clerk/Attorney Advisor (General)

This position has a positive education requirement: transcripts must be provided, and proof of Bar membership for those seeking an attorney position, MUST be provided with your application package to receive further consideration.

NOTE: 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.

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be a law student who will receive his/her J.D. degree by June 30, 2025; a graduate law student with a J.D. who will receive his/her LL.B. by June 30, 2025; or a recent law school graduate with a J.D. who will complete a judicial clerkship or a relevant fellowship by September 2025.

Significant academic achievement in law school (such as ranking in the top 20% of the class), graduation with honors, judicial clerkship experience, or participation in law review, will be favorably considered.

Basic Requirements:

NOAA seeks attorneys with a comprehensive knowledge of Federal environmental statutes and conservation laws, as well as laws and regulations related to the implementation and oversight of large-scale natural resource restoration projects. Applicants must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to identify and resolve complex legal issues. Applicants also must demonstrate the ability to manage large projects independently, assimilate large amounts of materials quickly, balance a large and diverse workload, and work effectively in a team with other attorneys and support staff. Significant academic achievement in law school (such as top 20% class ranking, graduation with honors, judicial clerking experience, or participation in moot court or law review) or experience practicing environmental law will be favorably considered.

Attorneys are considered for promotion on each annual anniversary date based on successful performance and management recommendation.

Qualification Requirements:

Law Clerk, GS-0904-11:

Holds a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an accredited law school.
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, after which the appointee will be appointed to a permanent appointment as an Attorney.
**This is a developmental position for the 18-month long Honors Program.

Attorney Advisor, GS-0905-12:
Holds a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) 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 a U.S. territory, or the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
**Individuals appointed as Law Clerks at the GS-11 grade may be promoted to GS-12 Attorney-Advisor positions upon admission to the bar, regardless of time-in-grade.

Attorney Advisor, GS-0905-13:
GS-13: Holds a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) 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 a U.S. territory, or the bar of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and possess at least twenty-four months of relevant legal experience.

Conditions of Employment:
Law Clerk, GS-0904-11:

• This position is designated as Position Sensitivity 5N, Moderate Risk, and is subject to all requirements applicable to that designation.
• 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.
• This position is NON-EXEMPT from coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

• This position is designated as Position Sensitivity 5, Moderate Risk, and is subject to all requirements applicable to that designation.
• 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.
• This position is EXEMPT from coverage under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, and libraries.