Loading...
Loading...
Federal legal position researching, analyzing, and advising on international law, foreign legal systems, treaties, and comparative law for federal agencies and diplomatic missions.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0095
Education:
OR
Experience:
Special Requirements:
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal foreign law specialist position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0095
JAG Officers have experience in legal research and advising on international law, making them well-suited for roles involving foreign legal systems.
Air Force Judge Advocates have experience in legal research and international law, which aligns well with the duties of a Foreign Law Specialist.
Navy JAG Officers are trained in international maritime law and often deal with treaties, providing a strong foundation for foreign law specialist roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Expert knowledge of one or more foreign legal systems.
Skill in researching foreign law using primary and secondary sources.
Ability to read and translate foreign legal materials.
Skill in comparing foreign and U.S. legal frameworks.
Ability to prepare clear legal memoranda and research reports.
Skill in assisting researchers with foreign law inquiries.
Knowledge of acquiring foreign legal materials.
Understanding of international law and treaties.
Proficiency in using foreign legal databases.
Understanding of cultural context affecting legal systems.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A GS-0095 Foreign Law Specialist researches, analyzes, and advises on international law, foreign legal systems, and treaties. These legal experts support diplomatic missions, federal agencies, and government decision-makers on matters involving foreign law and international legal frameworks.
Foreign Law Specialists typically earn between $63,163 (GS-11 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-12/13/14, earning $75,706-$138,296 annually. Senior specialists at GS-15 can exceed $125,000 base pay.
GS-0095 positions have a positive education requirement: candidates must have a law degree (J.D., LL.B., or equivalent) plus specialized knowledge of foreign legal systems. Foreign language proficiency and graduate study in international or comparative law are typically required for these specialized positions.
For Foreign Law Specialist positions, military experience cannot substitute for the required legal education. However, military JAG officers with international law experience have directly applicable credentials. Intelligence or foreign area officers with legal backgrounds may also qualify with appropriate education.
Foreign Law Specialists typically enter at GS-11/12 and progress to GS-13/14/15. Senior positions include regional legal advisors and policy experts. Opportunities exist at State Department, Library of Congress, DOJ, and agencies with international legal responsibilities.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Foreign Law' or '0095' series. These specialized positions are limited in number. Your federal resume should detail foreign legal system expertise, language proficiency, international law experience, and relevant publications. Bar admission and foreign credentials are valuable.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.