Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer)

Summary

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), Office of the General Counsel, is seeking full-time attorneys to join the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce (OCC-IC). This Attorney-Advisor position provides legal support to the International Trade Administration on international trade and investment issues. Learn more about this agency

Duties

As an Attorney Advisor in OCC-IC, you will, among other things: Serve as a legal advisor to ITA concerning the interpretation and application of U.S. and international law, including international trade and investment agreements. Support ITA in working with other U.S. Government agencies on trade and investment policy, trade negotiations, monitoring compliance by foreign trading partners, and trade compliance and enforcement actions. Advise on matters relating to export and inward investment promotion programs and activities. Research and analyze U.S. law, U.S. trade and investment agreements, and foreign trade agreements, laws, regulations, and policies. Coordinate with legal offices in other parts of DOC and in other U.S. Government agencies. Perform duties on a range of legal issues that will vary in legal and factual complexity, often of a novel nature, and with limited if any applicable precedents. Conduct research, develop legal strategies, and develop and present recommendations to policy officials. Work on matters that can have an important impact on U.S. industry and the U.S. economy. Thoroughly and thoughtfully research and develop legal options in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines. This Job Opportunity Announcement may be used to fill other Attorney Advisor (Public Notice Flyer) GS-0905-12/13/14, FPL GS-15 positions within the Office of the Secretary in the same geographical location with the same qualifications and specialized experience.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position. 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. You will be required to access national security information and you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. (For more information, please see https://www.commerce.gov/osy/programs/personnel-security/backgroundinvestigationrequests). A two-year trial period is required. Selective Service: Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/) 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. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing. Drug Test Required: Yes, Applicants are required to undergo drug testing prior to selection. (For more information, please see: https://www.commerce.gov/hr/employees/drug-free-workplace). Bargaining Unit Position: No Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE form 450): Yes

Qualifications and evaluation

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Applicants will be rated based on their education, experience, demonstrated legal research and writing abilities, and performance during the interview process. 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. The Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to political or religious affiliation, marital status, race, color, sex, national origin, non disqualifying physical or mental handicap, age, or any other non-merit factor. For more information about the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce or about this position, please e-mail OCCIC@doc.gov.

Education

See Qualifications Above.

How to apply

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUBMITTING RESUMES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. OCC-IC will prioritize review of applications received by November 19, 2026. Applications will also be considered for any future vacancies. Please submit required documents email to OCCIC@doc.gov with the subject line "Attorney Advisor Position OS-OGC-PNF-27-13108998 for GS grade applying for", and including at least the following information in the email's body: [PERSON'S NAME] [PERSONS' ADDRESS] [PERSON'S PHONE NUMBER] [PERSON'S EMAIL ADDRESS]

Required documents

A complete application consists of the following: Cover letter: Address demonstrated interests in international economic or commercial matters. Resume showing detailed relevant experience, skills, education, and qualifications. Your resume must not be more than 2 pages and 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). For current and former Federal employees: For prior work in Federal service, please include the grade level for the position(s) on your resume. You must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, which shows competitive or excepted service appointment and salary. 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. Writing Sample. Seven pages or less, preferably on an international trade or investment law issue or administrative law topic. Certificate of bar membership and proof of good standing. Failure to provide documents, if selected, may result in lost consideration. 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. 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.

Additional information

OCC-IC attorneys work on a wide range of legal topics in support of ITA's work, including: Developing and Implementing the Administration's Trade Agenda: Providing advice on the negotiation and implementation of bilateral and multilateral trade deals and on implementation of tariff regimes to achieve reciprocal trade and protect the national security. Negotiating and Implementing Cross-Border Data Arrangements: Working with ITA and other agencies in developing, negotiating, and implementing international arrangements that allow for the free flow of data while maintaining high standards of privacy protection. Protecting the National Security and Fostering Foreign Investment: ITA seeks to promote foreign investment that creates American jobs and grows the U.S. economy while also restricting foreign investment that might endanger U.S. national security, and OCC-IC supports both activities. We also work with ITA in implementing new restrictions on U.S. investment in countries of concern. Bringing Down Trade Barriers: Advising ITA on addressing barriers to U.S. exports and foreign investment. We work with ITA to determine the nature of the barrier, the applicable international legal requirements, and the legal and policy tools available to address the barrier. Promoting U.S. Exports: Providing legal support to ITA in promoting U.S. exports through trade missions and other activities. OCC-IC is interested in candidates with specialized expertise in intellectual property and/or international tax, but such experience is not required. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply. OCC-IC is strongly committed to its mission, public service, and collegiality. OCC-IC attorneys are known for their dedication, creativity, and track record of providing high-quality legal service and counsel. Occasional domestic or international travel may be required. This position has promotion potential to GS-15. 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.