General Attorney
Performs professional legal work including legal research, writing, litigation, and advisory services.
💰GS-0905 Salary Information
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-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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0905
General Attorney Individual Occupational Requirements
Education: Professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Bar Membership: Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Note: Attorney positions are in the excepted service and not covered by standard qualification standards. Agencies determine specific qualifications based on position requirements.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0905
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general attorney position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0905
Judge Advocate
Air Force Judge Advocates provide legal counsel and representation, directly translating to the responsibilities of a General Attorney.
Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG)
Navy JAG officers have extensive experience in legal proceedings and advisory roles, aligning closely with the duties of a General Attorney.
Judge Advocate General Corps Officer
Military law. Highlight legal practice, military justice, and counsel.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Provide legal advice and counsel
- •Conduct legal research and analysis
- •Draft legal documents and briefs
- •Represent agency in litigation
- •Review contracts and agreements
- •Interpret laws and regulations
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to research case law, statutes, and regulations effectively.
Skill in drafting legal documents, opinions, and briefs.
Ability to analyze complex legal issues and provide sound advice.
Skill in presenting legal arguments and representing clients.
Ability to advise clients on legal rights and obligations.
Skill in negotiating settlements and agreements.
Knowledge of legal ethics and professional responsibility requirements.
Knowledge of relevant areas of law (administrative, contracts, employment, etc.).
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0905
What is a federal Attorney?
GS-0905 General Attorneys provide legal advice, conduct research, draft documents, represent agencies in litigation, review contracts, and interpret laws. They work at DOJ, agency counsel offices, military JAG civilian positions, and virtually every federal agency requiring legal expertise.
How much does a federal Attorney make?
GS-0905 positions range from GS-11 ($63,163) at entry to GS-15 ($125,133-$162,672) for senior attorneys. Most attorneys are GS-12 to GS-14 ($75,706-$138,296). DOJ Trial Attorneys and agency General Counsel reach GS-15/SES. Add locality pay.
What are the requirements for GS-0905 positions?
A Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school AND active bar membership in a U.S. jurisdiction are mandatory—positive education requirement. Specialized experience in relevant practice areas (contracts, administrative, employment) needed for higher grades.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0905?
The JD and bar admission are mandatory—no substitution. However, military JAG experience is highly valued. JAG officers transition directly to civilian federal attorney positions. Your litigation, administrative law, and government legal experience translates directly.
What is the career progression for federal Attorneys?
Entry at GS-11/12, experienced attorneys at GS-13/14, and senior counsel at GS-15. Agency General Counsel and DOJ leadership enter SES. DOJ offers the most attorney positions, but every agency has counsel offices. Specialization in acquisition, employment, or litigation enhances advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0905 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Attorney' or 'Counsel.' DOJ, service JAG civilian positions, and agency counsel offices are major employers. Highlight your bar admission, relevant practice areas, and government law experience. Veterans with JAG backgrounds have significant advantages.
Ready to Apply for GS-0905?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.