We are accepting applications for our Federal Judicial Clerkship starting 9/1/2021 (due 9/30/2021) and would like to share the opportunity.

The OALJ is charged with resolving cases set forth for hearing concerning natural gas, oil, electric, and hydroelectric matters, and for doing so in a manner which is consistent with the public interest, protects customers, and promotes competitive markets. FERC administrative law judges are, in effect, the trial judiciary of that industry.  They operate in much the same fashion as Federal District Court Judges presiding over complex civil, non-jury cases.  FERC judges preside over all cases set for hearing at FERC, issuing initial decisions on which the Commission bases its final orders.  In addition to decisions there are many orders issued on motions, often after oral argument.  FERC judges also serve as mediators and assist the parties in settling complex disputes with large monetary impacts

The FERC law clerk position requires a firm two-year commitment.  The energy field is highly technical and requires substantial training to achieve competence.  Once achieved, however, this competence affords our attorney advisors highly coveted and otherwise unavailable employment opportunities, both within the agency and in prestigious private law firms throughout the country.  FERC law clerks typically receive multiple job offers within weeks of becoming eligible to interview (after twenty-two (22) months of service).

As a general rule the starting grade for law clerks at FERC is GS-11, currently starting at $72,750 (effective as of January 2021), where one or more of the following apply:

• Top third of law school graduating class.
• Member, Law Review.
• Member, Order of the Coif.
• Winner of moot court competition; member of law school moot court team.
• Full-time or continuous participation in a legal aid program.
• Significant summer associate or internship experience, particularly related to energy law.
• A background in accounting, economics, or engineering.
• Other equivalent evidence of superior achievement.

 

Law clerks also receive an annual cost of living increase if approved by the Congress each January.   In addition, if performing at the fully successful level at the end of the first year, the law clerk will be eligible for promotion to GS-12, currently starting at $87,198 (effective as of January 2021).

Please direct interested candidates to our website https://www.ferc.gov/legal-internships-and-alj-clerkships-oalj.   

Please contact Lakeshia Awatefe, Administrative Officer (lakeshia.awatefe@ferc.gov or 202-502-6576), should you have any question or concerns.