The Office of Regional Counsel, U.S. EPA Region 6 (Dallas, Texas) is seeking to hire several newly licensed attorneys. Annual salary range $66,831 – $95,253 (GS-11,12,13) depending on experience and qualifications, plus full federal employment benefits. Promotion potential is up to the GS-14 level ($112,560). Relocation expenses are not included.

The Office of Regional Counsel, Region 6 is a fast paced, high profile practice in environmental law. There are approximately 60 attorneys from diverse backgrounds employed in the Region who provide legal advice and support to the Region on environmental matters arising out of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Attorneys in EPA Region 6 provide legal support for enforcement or counseling matters under the federal statutes administered by EPA including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Enforcement attorneys are responsible for preparing and pursuing administrative and judicial cases against violators of environmental laws. These cases involve developing and using technical and legal strategies for negotiation and litigation purposes. ORC attorneys serve as legal counsel for the Agency in administrative proceedings and work with the Department of Justice in bringing cases to federal court. Counseling attorneys provide legal advice and support to regional staff and management on the interpretation of environmental laws, regulations and policies as they relate to permitting, rulemaking, state program approvals and other agency decision making. They also defend agency actions on administrative appeal or work with the Department of Justice to defend agency actions in federal court.

Qualified applicants must: (1) be a U.S. citizen; (2) have received a J.D. from an accredited law school; and (3) be admitted to practice before the highest court of a State, U.S. Territory, or the the District of Columbia (or a 2019 J.D. graduate with bar membership pending). The ideal candidate possesses exceptional research and analytical skills; excellent oral and written communication skills; an ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team; and an interest in public service and the mission of EPA.

Contact Information

Submit the following information by Monday, October 7, 2019 to vaughn.lorena@epa.gov:

  • Cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position
  • Resume
  • Law school transcript
  • Legal writing sample not to exceed 10 pages
  • Proof of active bar membership and license to practice law (or a statement that you are a recent graduate with a pending bar membership)
  • Contact information for 3 references

EPA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection for these positions will be based solely on merit without regard to race; color; religion; sex (including pregnancy, sex stereotyping, gender identity or gender expression); national origin; sexual orientation; physical or mental disability; age; protected genetic information; status as a parent; marital status; political affiliation; or any other non-merit factors.

You may visit our website for more information regarding EPA Region 6.
https://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central