I’ve worked as an appellate prosecutor for state government for almost 3 years, but I’m now looking to transition into a federal government agency. I have the research, writing, and even oral argument experience, but are there any other skills or topics I should highlight to be considered by an agency like the FTC or SEC?

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If you’re looking for SEC enforcement I know they look for financial regulation experience and they do look for prior SEC interns or those who otherwise show they are interested in the mission. Investigation experience would be helpful for enforcement too.

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Appellate work is largely the same in a state prosecutor office as it is in a federal agency that litigates matters. DOJs appellate section and USAO appellate know what DA office appellate lawyers do.

The only thing you can really do to stand out is target your cover letter by talking to attorneys that work in the agency you want to move into.

The biggest advantage you have is your relatively low years of experience which makes it easier to be hired within a budget. And that they hope you'll stick around for a while.

Getting hired in a specific agency is a little harder. Many people I know that now work at SEC and FTC either came from a USAO and had handled investigations referred by the agency or they came from a big firm that often went up against the agency.

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What’re the various agencies/components’ return to office dates (if announced)? And what’re the remote work policies after that date? I hear DOJ said their individual components will decide when exactly to return between mid-March and early May and some are offering a lot of remote flexibility even after then. Curious to hear more details though, both for specific DOJ components and other agencies!

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Is it normal to wait a month after submitting an application before the application status changes from “received”?

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Good morning. I am currently a senior associate in BugLaw, and I have applied to several trial attorney jobs in Chicago offices of federal agencies since the start of the pandemic. According to usajobs.gov, my applications to the DOJ and CFTC were “referred,” and my application to the SEC was received and my GS scale verified. But I haven’t received any updates on these applications in over a month. Does anyone here have any insights on these or on federal hiring generally? Thanks!

I have an scheduled interview with DOJ for a criminal trial attorney with the Fraud Section. Any insight into the interview process would be greatly appreciated! (Also, I have a few other referrals, but haven’t heard back about interviews. The process is confusing…lol)

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Welcome to a discussion board for federal government lawyers.

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How do I negotiate a later start date? I have offer in hand and am coming from big law but would really like 8 weeks off between jobs because I am burnout and need time to rest. Is 8 weeks excessive?

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