Demo

Trial Attorney

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC Full Time
POSTED ON 5/1/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/28/2026

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is ranked in the top 5 among mid-sized agencies through the Partnership for Public Service’s Best Places to Work in the Federal Government! This Trial Attorney position is in the Office of Administrative Litigation. For more information visit: OAL

The Legal Division of OAL is looking for trial attorneys with strong analytic, oral, writing and team skills and familiarity with federal energy law or energy industry experience who will be able to conduct complex multi-party litigation in proceedings before the agency's administrative law judges. 

As a Trial Attorney, some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Managing case assignments, whether lead or co-counsel, to achieve timely, high-quality work products by appropriately developing OAL legal positions and strategies to achieve objectives in settlement and litigation. Timely responding to problems and challenges as they arise in the course of discovery, settlement or litigation.  Responding appropriately to positions adversaries take and orders administrative law judges issue in various technical, procedural, and legal contexts.
  • Significant legal research and analysis of energy cases, often involving accounting, economic, engineering, or financial principles.  Cases require preparation and/or evaluation of expert testimony.
  • Writing legal documents that appropriately reflect relevant Commission policy, facts, and law.  Legal documents contain appropriate citation; are clear, concise, and well-organized; and appropriately advance OAL’s position.
  • At hearing, appropriately and effectively  cross-examines witnesses and argues discovery, procedural, evidentiary and other motions.  Appropriately and effectively deposes witnesses.  In settlement discussions, including multi-party negotiations, appropriately and effectively advances OAL positions.
  • Appropriately and effectively presents legal positions in case team and other internal meetings.
  • Whether lead or co-counsel, collaborates with other team members to create high quality, timely products.

Qualifications:

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Current, active bar membership required.
  • A two-year trial period may be required.
  • This is a bargaining unit position.
  • Generally, male applicants must be registered with the Selective Service.
  • A background investigation is required.

You must meet all eligibility and qualification (experience and/or education) requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

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.

At the GS-12: No additional requirements. (The GS-12 salary range is $102,415 through $133,142 per annum.)

At the GS-13:  A minimum of two years of professional legal experience post bar admission. (The GS-13 salary range is $121,785 through $158,322 per annum)

At the GS-14: A minimum of three years of professional legal experience post bar admission. (The GS-14 salary range is $143,913 through $187,093 per annum)

At the GS-15:  A minimum of five years of professional legal experience post bar admission . (The GS-15 salary range is $169,279 through $197,200 per annum.)

More information and application instructions, for the GS-12/13: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/866957300

More information and application instructions, for the GS-14/15: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/866957000

Salary : $102,415 - $197,200

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