Attorney (Legal Counsel for Nuclear Regulation)
Legal expert position focused on nuclear regulation, licensing, and enforcement at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Best for:Best for experienced attorneys with a strong background in administrative law, regulatory practice, litigation, and nuclear/environmental law, seeking a federal role with significant independence and impact on public safety and policy.
Overview
This position at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) involves providing high-level legal counsel on nuclear materials, fuel cycle regulation, licensing, and enforcement. The role requires independent legal judgment, complex litigation experience, and expertise in administrative law, regulatory policy, and nuclear safety. Candidates will advise the General Counsel, Commission, and staff on licensing, regulations, cybersecurity, and enforcement matters, including adjudications and complex legal disputes. The position demands substantial experience in federal or state legal practice, litigation, and regulatory interpretation, with a focus on nuclear and environmental law.
What you'll do
- Provide legal advice and support to the General Counsel, Commission, and staff on nuclear licensing, regulation, and enforcement matters, including materials, fuel cycle, and decommissioning activities.
- Develop and interpret federal laws, statutes, regulations, and cases related to nuclear adjudicatory processes and complex legal issues.
- Conduct original legal research and draft legal opinions, motions, and briefs for agency adjudications and litigation before Atomic Safety Licensing boards and the Commission.
- Represent the agency in complex administrative hearings, negotiations, and disputes involving licensees, applicants, intervenors, and federal/state/local agencies.
- Analyze and advise on new or amended NRC regulations, guidance, and policy statements, including backfitting and issue finality.
- Investigate allegations of wrongdoing, conduct enforcement actions, and provide legal support for cybersecurity, safeguards, and physical security matters.
- Review technical documents to assess their legal sufficiency and provide recommendations for compliance and policy improvements.
Requirements
Degree required: Juris Doctor (J.D.), LL.B., or equivalent degree from an accredited law school, plus active membership in good standing of the Bar of a U.S. state or territory.
Language: English; no specific proficiency test required (assumed due to U.S. bar membership).
Instruction: English
- Substantial experience in federal or state government legal offices, federal/state judiciary, or private practice of law, with a focus on regulatory and statutory interpretation.
- Proven litigation experience in civil, criminal, trial, or appellate contexts, particularly in administrative law, security, enforcement, regulatory, or environmental practice areas.
- Ability to perform complex legal research, draft persuasive legal opinions, and provide independent legal advice on high-stakes matters.
- Experience in administrative adjudication, including preparation of motions, briefs, and testimony in technical-scientific legal contexts.
- Strong written and oral communication skills for legal opinions, negotiations, and persuasive advocacy in hearings.
- Familiarity with nuclear, environmental, and cybersecurity laws and regulations.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Must pass security and suitability requirements, including a background investigation and potential drug testing.
- Subject to a 1- or 2-year trial period for evaluation of fitness and public interest advancement.
- Foreign education must be evaluated and deemed equivalent to a U.S. degree by a recognized credentialing agency.
- Transcripts and proof of bar membership must be submitted in English or with an English translation.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 08/27/2026, 09/24/2026, 10/22/2026 (review dates) (America/New_York)
Applicants must submit a resume, unofficial/official transcripts, and proof of bar membership via the USAJOBS portal. A supplemental vacancy question may be used to address specialized experience and qualifications. Background investigations and security clearances are required post-selection.
- CV/Resume
- Unofficial or official college/university transcripts (including school name, student name, degree, and date awarded)
- Proof of bar membership in good standing
- Proof of foreign education evaluation (if applicable)
Contact
Nuclear Regulatory Commission· Human Resources/Recruitment
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