Senior Counsel for Employment Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. req875 Department Senate
Salary $159,461.00 to $228,000.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/24/2026 Close Date 8/31/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

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

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

This is supervisory, professional work in the Office of Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. Serve as defense attorney in labor and employment law matters to offices of United States Senators, the Vice President, Committees, Senate Officers, and other Senate employing offices. Work requires litigating cases as first chair in trial and appellate courts, the Supreme Court, and at administrative hearings; advising clients of their legal obligations; giving employment law seminars; and doing legal research and writing. 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 judgment 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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa

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 juris doctorate degree, and a minimum of eight years of experience defending employment claims and advising employers regarding 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:

Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of federal employment laws, labor laws, constitutional law, and rules of court.

Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred.

Demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex legal issues.

Demonstrated ability to write coherent, accurate, and persuasive legal briefs and motions for trial and appellate courts.

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 packages.

Ability to provide accurate legal advice and to exercise independent judgment in defending clients at trial and appellate court levels.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Senators, staff of the Office of the Vice President, Chiefs of Staff, Administrative Directors, and Senate Officers.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in determining and implementing the client’s best defense strategy in 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 assign, direct, and review work of subordinate staff.

Ability to work extended and unscheduled hours as dictated by workload.

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.

Education

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

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 resumes@sec.senate.gov with “Applicant 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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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.

Required Documents

  • Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

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

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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.

Agency contact information

Email
resumes@sec.senate.gov
Address
Secretary of the Senate, Human Resources
Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510

Next steps

Candidates will be contacted if granted an interview.