Attorney Advisor (Safety Law)

Federal Railroad Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Safety Law seeks attorneys who will advise on regulatory and enforcement issues related to railroad safety. The role requires law degree and bar admission, with progressive attorney experience across GS-11 to GS-15 equivalents.

Applicants must meet the education and experience requirements and demonstrate strong administrative law, written and oral communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal administrative law and precedents.
• Ability to write clearly and convincingly for diverse audiences.
• Ability to present oral arguments and information effectively.
• Ability to analyze problems and generate practical solutions.

Skills

Administrative Law

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Problem Solving

Education

J.D./LL.B. from an accredited law school

Job description

The Office of Safety Law supports FRA's mission-driven rail safety program by advising on the legal requirements relating to railroad safety, focusing on regulatory and enforcement issues. Staff attorneys specialize in subject matter areas such as operating practices, operating crew certification, hazardous materials, track and structures, signal and train control, and motive power and equipment.

To qualify your experience should include experience and education equal or equivalent to the following:

GRADE 12 -

You must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

• Be a graduate of an accredited law school with a LL.B., J.D., or equivalent AND 1 years of professional legal work experience.
• Be an active member in good standing of the bar in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

GRADE 13

You must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-12, it must include:

• Be a graduate of an accredited law school with a LL.B., J.D., or equivalent AND 2 years of professional legal work experience.
• Be an active member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

GRADE 14

You must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

• Be a graduate of an accredited law school with a LL.B., J.D., or equivalent AND 3 years professional legal work experience of a progressively responsible nature.
• Be an active member in good standing of the bar in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

GRADE 15

You must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-14, it must include:

• Be a graduate of an accredited law school with a LL.B., J.D., or equivalent AND 4 years of professional attorney experience.
• Be an active member in good standing of the bar in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

You cannot qualify for any grade on education alone; you must also have experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

1. Administrative Law - Knowledge of state and Federal administrative laws, including procedures, regulations, guidelines, and precedents related to case preparation and settlements.
2. Written Communication - Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations.

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.

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.