In most instances, interested applicants should go to USAJOBS to review a current listing of vacant positions. For Attorney Advisor positions at the SK-13 grade level and below, the SEC is allowed to hire candidates through noncompetitive procedures. This means that an application to an existing job opportunity announcement is not required to be selected for a position; however, all applicants must be U.S. citizens.
If you are interested in such opportunities, please make sure you meet the minimum requirements below and follow the guidelines in the “How to Apply” section.
Minimum Qualifications
- SK-11: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction).
- SK-12: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction). In addition, applicant must have one year post-J.D. experience as a practicing attorney OR possess a LLM.
- SK-13: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction). In addition, applicant must have two years post-J.D. experience as a practicing attorney, one year of which was in the specialty area of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position OR possess a LLM and have one year post-LLM experience as a practicing attorney.
Special Qualifications
One year of legal experience may be credited if the applicant possesses any one or combination of the following special qualifications:
- A second professional law degree (Master of Law/LL.M.);
- Membership on a law school’s journal or law review;
- Membership in the Order of the Coif;
- Graduation in the top 33 percent of law school class;
- One year of significant non-legal work experience in a field related to the position for which the applicant is being considered (e.g., work experience with FINRA or other financial regulatory authority, or other work experience directly applicable to the work of the position for which the attorney is being hired); or
- A judicial clerkship following law school graduation.
- Law Clerk and Legal Intern Appointments
How to Apply
If you are an attorney and want to apply directly to a specific Division or Office, please submit your complete application package to the desired Division/Office mailbox (listed below) with the following supporting documentation:
- Resume
- A cover letter outlining your relevant background and experience (which should also be addressed in the resume)
- Application for Attorney Appointment
- Veterans’ preference documentation (if applicable)
- Transcripts (unofficial is acceptable; if hired, you will be asked to provide an official transcript)
- Documentation showing that you are an active member of the bar in good standing
