Attorney Positions at the NLRB

the work of a board attorney (staff counsel):

An attorney who joins the staff of a Board Member or the Office of Representation Appeals functions in much the same way as a law clerk does for a judge. When assigned a case, attorneys must read and familiarize themselves with the record and with the formal documents, including the briefs. They ascertain, analyze, and discuss the issues and research the law. Attorneys orally present cases for the Board's consideration and, after the case has been decided, pursuant to instructions from the Board Members, they prepare a draft of the final decision.

the work of a general counsel attorney (general counsel staff):

An attorney who joins the staff of offices with the General Counsel will provide legal advice and support for the Agency’s privacy program and disclosure activities, including requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Agency’s Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) policies, created pursuant to Executive Order 13556 (Nov. 4, 2010). Attorneys will provide legal advice concerning proposed legislation, regulations or policy initiatives that may impact the Agency.

For recent law school graduates as well as experienced attorneys, the NLRB’s unique mission gives you the opportunity to gain experience in many areas of legal practice.

• Investigate charges of unfair labor practices
• Prosecute cases before administrative law judges
• Represent the Agency in Federal courts
• Appeal decisions of administrative law judges
• Draft appellate briefs and present appellate arguments before the U.S. Courts of Appeals
• Provide counsel to NLRB colleagues
• Inform the public of their rights and obligations under the National Labor Relations Act
• Prepare cases and draft decisions for the Board

the work of a field attorney (general counsel):

Field attorneys act on behalf of the General Counsel by investigating charges of unfair labor practices, resolving or litigating cases, conducting elections to determine union representation preferences, and acting as hearing officers in contested representation matters.

As a Field Attorney, you could be assigned to any one of the NLRB’s many field offices, located in major cities across the country. Our Regional Offices provide the greatest opportunity for one-on-one interaction with members of the public. Your responsibilities will vary from case to case, as needed.

Each case you are assigned is an opportunity to make a difference. You will need to be energetic, resourceful and diplomatic — gathering valuable facts and evidence — and make sound recommendations on disposition of cases that inspire confidence in your objectivity. Cases may require you to visit the homes, offices, and workplaces of people involved. Depending on the size of your region and the requirements of your cases, your job as a Field Attorney might take you around the corner or across the state.

Please check periodic NLRB vacancy announcements posted in USAJobs.gov if you are interested in applying for a position as a Field Attorney or Field Examiner with the National Labor Relations Board.

For information about our Honors Program, which is available for recent law school graduates, Click here.

applying for a position:

To apply for positions, you must provide a complete Application Package on USAJOBS , which includes 1) Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire, 2) Your resume and 3) Any other documents needed to verify your qualifications or eligibility (see the required documents section).

If you have never applied through USA Jobs for a position with the Federal Civil Service, you will need to create a USA Jobs account. To change or update your application, simply reapply through My USAJOBS, before the closing date.

education:

• Bar Admission -- Proof of active bar certification in good standing.

• Copy of undergraduate, graduate and law school transcripts (as applicable). An official transcript will be required, prior to your first day. Education must be accredited by an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications (particularly positions with a positive education requirement). You MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Applicants can verify accreditation here.

  All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.(Note: If you are selected for this position based on education,) You must meet all qualification requirements. (Required - if applicable) All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, here. All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly.

   

  special instructions for foreign education:

  If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in accredited U.S. education programs; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

  For further information regarding Foreign Education, please click here.

other:

Applicants are requested to submit a writing sample of a legal document of their choice - of no more than 10 pages.