FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel is seeking to fill several attorney positions (GS-11/12/13/14). These positions offer intellectually challenging work, a variety of interesting assignments, and the satisfaction of working with highly motivated colleagues who are dedicated to integrity, excellence, respect. We promote a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are valued, and where we enjoy our work. The Office of the Chief Counsel is looking for experienced attorneys with a demonstrated interest in public service, and is particularly focused on attorneys with expertise in any of the following:

Alternative:

• the regulation of medical products
• the regulation of animal drugs
• the regulation of food
• the regulation of tobacco products
• administrative law
• litigation

FDA regulates almost 25 percent of the United States consumer economy to help ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical products, the safety of the food supply, and the regulation of tobacco products. FDA is responsible for regulating products as diverse as electronic cigarettes, artificial hearts, gene therapy products, pet food, dietary supplements, food from genetically engineered plants and animals, and counterterrorism medical products. The Office of the Chief Counsel provides litigation and counseling support for FDA’s mission of promoting and protecting the public health. The work of our attorneys has an immediate impact on public health and law across the country.

Candidates must have a record of strong academic achievement, along with outstanding legal research, writing, oral, and analytical skills and be adept at working with and advising clients. Recognizing that diversity is a strength, the Office of the Chief Counsel values varied backgrounds and encourages members of historically underrepresented groups to apply. Positions are located at FDA headquarters at the White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland. Positions may also be located in Rockville, Maryland. Salary currently ranges from $72,750 (GS-11) to $122,530 (GS-14) with promotion potential to $172,500 (GS-15). Additional information on the Office of the Chief Counsel is available at FDA Office of the Chief Counsel.

These career positions are in the Excepted Service under a Schedule A appointment. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. If selected, an applicant must submit a copy of the applicant’s state bar card or a certificate of good standing from all jurisdictions in which the applicant holds an active license to practice law prior to appointment and must complete an OGE 450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Form within thirty (30) days of entrance on duty. FDA is an equal opportunity employer and a smoke-free workplace.

This is an open continuous announcement. To be considered, applicants must email to [email protected] the following items: a resume; law school transcript; an analytical legal writing sample; and a cover letter describing (1) your interest in a position with FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel, including any areas you are particularly interested in and (2) your legal experience, education, or training that would qualify you for this position.

If you have questions about submitting your materials or need more information, please email [email protected].

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the Federal Government will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. Safer Federal Workforce Task Force guidance on other Federal agency safety protocols based on vaccination status—including guidance on protocols related to masking, distancing, travel, testing, and quarantine—remains in effect.