Attorney Advisor

U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Division of Market Oversight, seeks attorneys with a J.D. or LL.M. and active bar membership to support regulatory reviews of product filings and ensure compliance with applicable laws. Candidates progress from CT-11 to CT-14 with increasing responsibilities.

Responsibilities include legal analyses, risk assessments, engaging with exchanges and market participants, and leading interdivisional projects to advance regulatory objectives.

Qualifications

• J.D. or LL.M. with bar membership in good standing.
• Post-J.D. legal experience required, varies by grade level (CT-11 to CT-14).
• Experience focusing on legal analyses, compliance, and regulatory expectations.
• Legal work with product filings and market regulation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the review process for product filings and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Conduct legal analyses and risk assessments; communicate regulatory requirements.
• Interact with market participants and exchanges to ensure regulatory expectations are met.
• Lead interdivisional projects and initiatives as a senior attorney.

Skills

Legal analysis

Regulatory compliance

Risk assessment

Stakeholder communication

Education

J.D.

LL.M. (equivalent)

Job description

The Division of Market Oversight supports the CFTC's mission to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. The Division regulates derivative trade execution exchanges and swap data repositories.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following:

AND

To qualify at each grade level, you must have the following:

• J.D.; and
• Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty)

CT-11: You must have a Juris Doctorate (J.D). Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 1 year of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.
Demonstrated skill in supporting the review process for product filing and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; conduct legal analyses, and risk assessments; and interact with market participants on meeting expectations and communicate clear regulatory requirements and interpretations.

CT-12: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 2 years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.
Demonstrated skill in actively participating in the reviewing submissions for product filing and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations; conduct legal analyses, and risk assessments; engage with exchanges and market participants on meeting expectations; provide communication on regulatory requirements and instructions.

CT-13: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 3 years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.
Demonstrated skill in providing legal expertise in conducting formal compliance reviews and ensuring they are timely, consistent, and comply with applicable laws and regulations; conduct legal analyses, and risk assessments; engage with exchanges and market participants on meeting expectations; provide communication on regulatory requirements and instructions.

CT-14: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 4 years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired post J.D., commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Legal and non-legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count.
Demonstrated skill in providing legal expertise in conducting formal compliance reviews and ensuring they are timely, consistent, and comply with applicable laws and regulations; conduct legal analyses, and risk assessments; engage with exchanges and market participants on meeting expectations; provide communication on regulatory requirements and instructions; ability to function as a lead attorney and lead interdivisional projects and initiatives.

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 volunteer experience.

Selections may be made at any grade level.