Federal Government Lawyers

Anyone know the lag time between calling references to getting agency approval for an offer? DOD/military sector

What should an AUSA expect in terms of salary raises in years 1, 2, 3? (Currently AD-25 or AD-26 if that matters). Also, curious whether raises always come the same time each year (start of new calen… more

Anyone ever go from Main Justice to USAO and get a salary “match” or negotiate salary on AD scale reasonably close to salary on GS scale?

How long did it take for your security clearance to be complete for DOJ job? Thanks!

Question about background check/security clearance for AUSA. My SF-86 and paperwork were sent from the USAO to investigators about two months ago and I have not heard anything since (not been asked to submi… more

Can anyone give tips on navigating USA jobs to get an interview? I am trying to transition from the military to a federal civilian job, and I am finding it so difficult to get into the federal system.… more

I’m sure this is a narrow area here, but does anyone have any tips on getting a role within the Department of Transportation? I’ve spent the last 6+ years as an in-house counsel with two large transpo… more

I’m interested in applying for an AUSA position with the DOJ but I see a lot of vacancies, particularly in the Southern District of Florida. Just wondering why that is and what the work atmosphere is … more

Has anyone moved from the Hill to federal agency recently? How was the process? Advice on making this transition?

Has anyone needed maternity leave within 12 months of starting with the government? I understand paid leave has a 12 month eligibility requirement but wondering if anyone has experienced this and how … more

What’s your USAO’s telework policy?

If you are promoted to a higher grade on the GS-scale, when does the pay raise happen? For example, do all pay raises take effect in January? This may be agency specific; anecdotes welcomed.

Any advice for transitioning (or not) to the pay cut? I have a GS 13 offer as a biglaw 4th year and the salary just seems insanely low.

I'm looking for guidance about jumping grades. I work in a toxic work environment and am trying to leave. I received two offers from government agencies at the same time. One is a GS14 position, b… more

Would love some opinions - former govt employee (statistician - 6 yrs), left for big law (bankruptcy). Looking to switch practice to tax and go back to govt - getting my Tax LLM to try and go IRS, bu… more

Does anyone have insight on working as an attorney for EEOC? Work/life balance, if it's as rewarding and interesting as it sounds, whether there's room for advancement within the agency or gov… more

Completed 2 year in big law as a Capm associate. What is the pay at the SEC for my background. From my understanding i would be SK13?

Is it typical for AUSAs (assuming one has the accrued PTO of course) to take 2-week (10 business days off) vacations, or is 1 week at a time more common?

Summer is here! Do you usually use your six weeks vacation every year?

Opinions on working for the Federal Trade Commision in terms of prestige, wlb, exit options, etc.? I am a junior associate at a V50 interested in litigation with a strong antitrust background. Ultimat… more

Hi, as a fed, do you work outside of 9-5? I heard some criminal prosecutors work overtime when short handed.
Thanks!

Does anyone have any employment experience with the Department of Energy? Do you mind sharing your thoughts?

What step on the GS scale do attorneys start at? I thought it was always step 1 but I have also heard of ex-biglaw attorneys coming in at step 10 because their previous salary exceeded the government … more

Been waiting for an interim clearance for what feels like forever, USAO job. Submitted eQIP mid-March. HR says no updates, we just need to wait on OARM. Can’t quit current job but losing my mind here.… more

How badly is this debt ceiling thing going to delay my background check?

Does anyone know anything being an attorney for FinCEN or Treasury in general?

Not a question, but, if you are interested in moving to govt., there is a rare opportunity to join the Market Participants Division of the CFTC. See USAJOBS.

Would anyone have insight into the criminal antitrust division of the DOJ? What’s a “normal” week look like? Is remote work once or twice a week an option?

Those who came from big law, any tips for adjusting to the pay cut?

Does anyone have any familiarity with MDFL? Looking at AUSA positions in this district and wondering about the reputation, exit ops, etc

Apologies; reposting because I was on public mode so Im reposting anonymously. If anyone knows of any firms or organizations that do Bivens/1983 actions in PA or DC I would love to know of any. I real… more

I have a start date with the DOJ in July. Does anyone know if the debt ceiling will affect this, should it not get raised?

Anybody works, or knows someone who works, at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), or the CA state agency equivalent?

Just completed (haven’t submitted yet, want to proof it all) my e-QIP. The one concern I have that I might get a ding for is my honest answer to providing financial support to a foreign national. I … more

Is there no published Administratively Determined Pay Plan chart for 2023? DOJ’s website still shows the 2022 chart which indicates it was posted in Jan 2022. I know OPM posted 2023 GS pay charts, loc… more

Big law associate who just got an offer at DOJ. How long does the background check process take? When did you notify your firm that you were leaving? What was life like for you after you notified th… more

Biglaw junior litigator. Dream job is to be an AUSA. What steps should I be thinking about to make myself a competitive candidate? I’m not interested in leaving current firm yet, but I know it’s somet… more

For an AUSA, how long after the offer/submitting your SF-86 does it take to receive interim clearance/until you can start working? Also a second question - how long until your current employer finds … more

For USAO AUSA offers, would you take: 1) offer in a medium-sized district in State 1 where you would be instantly starting in the specialized unit you want to work in (and doing only those types of cr… more