Federal

Counsel for Employment

Senate Β· Legislative Branch
πŸ“ Washington, District of Columbia AD-14 $141,294 - $219,002/yr
Posted: Feb 24, 2026 Deadline: Aug 31, 2026 (Closes in 148 days days left)

About This Position

The Secretary of the Senate's Senate Chief Counsel for Employment Office is seeking a Counsel for Employment. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties.

Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise permitted by the Chief Counsel or required by the Office of the Secretary. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Work requires a juris doctorate degree and a minimum of five years of experience providing the full scope of legal representation to employers/management regarding their compliance with federal employment laws (or state law equivalents). Employment law experience representing private sector employers and/or congressional employing offices is preferred.

Work requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Specific knowledge of federal labor and employment laws and their application to the private sector and/or to congressional employing offices. General knowledge of constitutional law and rules of court. Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred.

Ability to research and analyze complex legal issues. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients. Ability to ascertain and articulate a winning defense strategy in employment lawsuits.

Ability to professionally handle confidential/sensitive matters and materials. Ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to pay careful attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individual clients, with large groups, with colleagues, and before courts and administrative tribunals.

Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload. Knowledge of modern legal practices, including the Electronic Discovery Reference Model, and research resources, including LEXIS and/or WESTLAW. Knowledge of and experience using electronic discovery platforms.

Ability to operate a computer and utilize applicable software programs. LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Licensed and in good active standing to practice law from a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Major Duties

This is professional work in the Office of the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. Serve as defense attorney for Senate offices in labor and employment law matters. Nature of work is similar to the work of corporate in-house employment counsel as well as outside employment counsel.

Work primarily entails performing legal research and writing; serving in second-chair capacity in case preparation, and at trials and administrative hearings; advising clients regarding personnel policies and policy implementation; and giving employment law seminars. Work requires high-level thinking in the application of law to facts and requires the use of independent judgment. Work is bound by Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures, the U.S.

Senate Handbook, and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgement in setting priorities and handling assignments.

The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

Education

See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview.

Additional Information

The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.

Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email [email protected] with β€œApplicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

How to Apply

https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa All applicants must use the link above and follow instructions. DO NOT submit any paper application materials or resumes via U.S. Postal Mail or in person. All applicants MUST use the online employment application.

Required Documents

Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Veterans' Preference Application, if applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Counsel for Employment position at Senate?
The salary range for this position is $141,294 - $219,002/yr. This is a AD-14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Counsel for Employment job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and m...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Aug 31, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
No security clearance is required for this position.
What does AD-14 mean?
AD-14 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.