Search Options | ||||
Index | Site Map | FAQ | Facility Info | Reading Rm | New | Help | Glossary | Contact Us |
Honor Law Graduate ProgramUniquely in the Federal Government, the NRC is a point of convergence for far-reaching issues of law, technology, energy policy, environmental concerns, and the role of the public in decisionmaking. The push and pull of conflicting views and varied approachesfrom the public, the Congress, the scientific and technical communityframe the issues on which NRC attorneys work every day. NRC's Honor Law Graduate Program offers graduating law students or judicial law clerks an opportunity to join NRC's team of attorneys working on these issues. See also, the Honor Law Graduate Program brochure. On this page:
How does the program work?The NRC selects a small number of graduating law students or judicial law clerks to participate in the Honor Law Graduate Program. Participants in the Honor Law Graduate Program serve in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The 2-year program is a prelude to a continuing permanent career as an attorney in OGC. Those selected for the 2-year program work in a probationary status. Once they successfully complete the program, they may continue to work under the guidance of one of the Assistant General Counsels, without having to reapply. To give them broad exposure to the diverse fields of legal practice at NRC, NRC assigns each intern to 6-month rotations in four of the seven divisions of the OGC. Program participants continue their education by taking courses, in the Washington area and elsewhere, to strengthen their skills in trial and appellate practice, environmental law, procurement law, personnel law, the Freedom of Information Act, and the use of computers in legal research. How do I qualify?Academic qualifications. Generally only those students who are in the upper 30 percent of their law school class are eligible for consideration. This criterion may be waived for applicants with unusual compensating qualificationsfor example, other academic degrees or pertinent work experience. To be considered for the program, an applicant must be:
An applicant who is a graduate law student or a judicial clerk must have no significant post-J.D. employment preceding graduate study or the clerkship. Other than academic qualifications, an applicant must:
What is NRC's selection process?NRC considers all qualified candidates and bases appointment solely on merit, using a three-step process:
What salary will I earn?Grade and Salary Levels. Federal grade and salary levels are used at NRC; these are directly related to the qualifications and experience the attorney brings to the position being filled. Special salary schedules are in effect for entry-level attorneys. Members of the program will normally start at grade Government Grade (GG)-11, Step 10 . Attorneys who have served as judicial law clerks may enter at a higher grade (see tables of pay scales). Promotions. After one year of satisfactory performance and passing the Bar examination, a member of the program is eligible for a promotion to grade GG-12, Step 6. Thereafter, promotions and assignments are based on the quality of performance and years of employment, with promotions to GG-14 and 15 being competitive. Other Incentives. A recruitment bonus may be authorized. The NRC may also pay a portion of an employee’s Federally guaranteed student loans as a retention incentive. Such bonuses and loan repayments incur a service obligation. Periodic Pay Increments; Awards. Periodic pay increments within grades are based on acceptable performance and conduct after specified periods of service. In recognition of outstanding accomplishments, the NRC offers several kinds of monetary awards. Relocation Expenses. The NRC may be able to reimburse members of the program for such relocation expenses as moving costs. To learn about retirement, health benefits, work schedules, and other reasons to chose NRC, see our Employee Benefits page. How do I apply?NRC accepts applications from July 15 October 15. Send your cover letter, resume, three references; a copy of your law school transcript (explaining your school's grading system if available); and a sample of your legal writing unedited by anyone else by October 15 to the address below, or email the information to HONORLAW.Resource@nrc.gov. Honor Law Graduate Program Coordinator For more information, see Contact Us about Employment and select "Honor Law" from the dropdown list. |
Privacy Policy |
Site Disclaimer |