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Attorney-Advisor (Public Utilities)


Job Location:

Washington, DC - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 102415 - 102415
Posted: 6 October 2026 (13 hours ago)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is ranked within the top 5 mid-size agencies as a Best Place to Work in the Federal government! This Attorney-Advisor (Public Utilities) position is located in the Office of the General Counsel. For more information visit: OGC


Duties

This Attorney Adviser position is located in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) Energy Markets section.

The Energy Markets section is seeking mid- or higher-level attorneys with electric utility or pipeline regulatory experience who will be able to advise on complex issues relating to the Federal Power Act the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act the Natural Gas Act the Natural Gas Policy Act the Interstate Commerce Act and other relevant statues. Such issues include cost-of-service rate design wholesale energy markets design and terms and condition of service.

As an Attorney-Advisor (Public Utilities) some of your typical work assignments include:

  • Drafting orders opinions regulations memoranda or other documents related to Commission jurisdictional matters affecting the electric utility natural gas and oil pipeline industries.
  • Evaluating facts legal pleadings and briefs data or other relevant materials marshaling evidence and arguments to support conclusions and identifying and recommending appropriate resolution of questions of law and policy.
  • Working collaboratively with cross-departmental teams that may include attorneys analysts engineers other subject-matter experts or external stakeholders.
  • Providing advice to senior staff members and senior officials within the Commission.
  • Performing legal research and analysis of legal decisions opinions rulings and other documents.
  • Applying the provisions of statutes such as the Federal Power Act Natural Gas Act Natural Gas Policy Act Interstate Commerce Act Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act Public Utility Holding Company Act and Administrative Procedure Act.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • A two-year trial period may be required.
  • A background investigation is required.
  • This is a bargaining unit position (AFGE Local 421).
  • Generally male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • This position has an education requirement; you must submit transcripts.
  • Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Current active bar membership required.
  • Relocation expenses will not be paid.
  • If hired you may be required to divest certain energy-related securities.
  • Maximum of 2-page resume.
Qualifications

You must meet the following basic requirements by the closing date of this announcement: (1) hold a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an accredited college or university and (2) be a current active bar member in good standing.

In addition to the minimum requirements above you must meet the following qualifications for each grade level by the closing date of this announcement:

For the GS-12: You must have one full year of relevant professional legal experience at the GS-11 level post-bar admission. Experience at the GS-11 level is defined as: conducting legal research and analysis; drafting memoranda orders regulations or other documents; and developing legal conclusions on statutes regulations and matters.

The GS-12 salary range is $102415 through $133142 per year.

For the GS-13: You must have at least two years of relevant professional legal experience post -bar admission with one year equivalent to the GS-12 level. Experience at the GS-12 level is defined as: conducting independent legal research and analysis; drafting memoranda orders regulations or other documents; and developing legal conclusions on statutes regulations and matters.

The GS-13 salary range is $121785 through $158322 per year.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g. Peace Corps AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g. professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community student social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies knowledge and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience including any volunteer experience.

Please do not cut and paste the Duties section specialized experience statement or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

Education

This position has an education requirement and therefore transcripts are required. Failure to submit a copy of your transcripts at the time of application will result in your application being marked incomplete and you will not receive further consideration.

Additional information

The duty location of this position is Washington DC.

When promotion potential is shown future promotions will be dependent on your ability to perform the duties at a higher level the continuing need for an employee assigned to the higher level and administrative approval.

If selected for this position you will be required to:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position you may be required to serve a two-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public determining if your employment advances the public interest we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification in writing that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

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.

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 Experience:

Unclear Seniority