Positions in the Office of Regional Counsel in Chicago (EPA Region 5)
On this page:
We are hiring!
- Attorney, GS 13/14
- Attorney, GS 11/12
How to Apply
This position is posted on USAJobs:
Pay and Benefits
Generally, during the first year, attorney salary will be at the General Schedule (GS)-11 level. View the most recent GS pay tables from the Office of Personnel Management’s Salaries and Wages page.
Judicial law clerks or those with qualifying experience may be hired at a salary level adjusted to reflect additional years of legal practice.
Each year Region 5 ORC attorneys are eligible for a grade-level salary increase with promotion potential up to the GS-14 level. Meaning an attorney who is continually meeting all performance standards could be hired at a GS-11 level salary and achieve a GS-14 level salary within three years.
Relocation expenses are not authorized; however, Region 5’s basic pay includes Locality Pay that reflects the relative cost of living in the Chicago area. Region 5’s Chicago Office is in the locality pay area known as “Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI.”
Federal employment benefits are among the most comprehensive programs available anywhere. These benefits often include:
- Flexible work hours and days
- Flexible work location
- A monthly public transit subsidy
Additional benefit information
Diversity in Region 5, ORC
ORC embraces Region 5’s vision of a workplace free from discrimination that promotes diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible employment opportunities and delivers environmental and public health protection to all.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values, and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. At EPA, diversity is a vital element in bringing a balance of perspectives to bear on every challenge we face. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce because we know that the individual strengths and abilities of our employees make us a stronger organization. The more inclusive our employee base is, the greater the variety of ideas that are generated, and the more representative we are of the nation we serve. To learn more about how EPA values and supports our diverse workforce, visit Equal Opportunity Employment at EPA. You can also hear a diverse group of attorneys talk about their careers at EPA on the Legal Careers at EPA Webinar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Honors Attorney Fellowship?
An Honors Attorney Fellow in Region 5 serves as an attorney for a period of two years. Honors Attorneys do the same multi-media enforcement and counseling work of an entry level ORC attorney (see the other FAQs for more about R5 ORC work). They also receive many of the same pay and benefits. (see the pay and benefits section above). An Honors Attorney is not guaranteed a permanent position within ORC, though some Honors Attorneys have been converted or hired as ORC attorneys. Funding availability and performance are the relevant considerations in whether an Honors Attorney is converted to or hired for a permanent position. The Honors Fellowship is a great opportunity for newer attorneys to learn about EPA and gain experience under the mentorship of seasoned EPA staff.
What qualifications do l need to apply for an attorney position in Region 5 ORC?
Each position available in ORC will list the qualifications in the job posting on USAJOBS. In general, all attorney positions will require a juris doctorate from an accredited law school and certification of a state bar membership in good standing or for recent graduates, a pending bar membership application. Many positions are entry-level, but some may require years of legal practice experience. ORC appreciates candidates with legal research and writing experience and/or knowledge of the federal environmental statutes and regulations. ORC has hired recent law school graduates, judicial law clerks, as well as attorneys from non-profit organizations, state governments, private practice, and other federal agencies and departments.
Diversity, equity and inclusion are core values at EPA. Our excellence can only be fully realized by staff who share our commitment to these values. Successful candidates are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in the Agency’s workplace and mission. We encourage applications from candidates with a variety of personal experiences, values and worldviews that arise from differences of culture and circumstances. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply and will need to undergo a background check.
Does Region 5 ORC hire any non-attorneys?
Yes, the most common non-attorney positions in ORC are paralegals and administrative professionals. Each provide support and critical skills that allow ORC to be successful. The qualifications for those positions vary depending on office needs. You are encouraged to closely review any USAJOBS posting for details on qualifications.
If I work in Region 5 ORC will I be limited to a specific media of practice, such as assignment as only a water attorney or an air attorney?
No, Region 5 ORC attorneys work across media disciplines, so you may work, for example, on a CERCLA response action, a RCRA administrative penalty case, a CWA permitting matter, and a CAA enforcement case all at once. That said, if you have particular interest areas or strengths, you can seek relevant assignments from your supervisor.
What is the office environment like at Region 5 ORC?
Region 5 ORC is a professional legal office with approximately 100 attorneys and supervisors, paralegals, civil investigators, and administrative support staff. The environment is collegial and cooperative – working together to accomplish the overall goal of protecting human health and the environment. At Region 5 ORC, you will always find colleagues who are willing to help you in their areas of experience and generally mentor those new to the office. ORC employees have a lot of pride in the work and accomplishments of the office and will want you to be part of it.
Do new ORC attorneys lead enforcement and counseling work or primarily serve as support to more experienced attorneys?
New ORC attorneys and Honors Attorney Fellows will be given substantial independent responsibilities from the start. You will begin by leading the more standard case work on your own, with the support of a mentor or supervisor. You will learn and develop experience by co-counseling with a seasoned ORC attorney on more complex matters. Ideally, new ORC attorneys will be exposed to a variety of styles and strategies as they develop their own skills needed to lead their docket of cases, largely working independently. ORC attorneys are empowered to manage the small to the very complex aspects of their casework.
What impacts does Region 5 work have?
One of the most rewarding parts of working in Region 5 is that the impact of your work can be seen in many contexts. Whether it is transforming a former Superfund Site into a new park, ensuring safe drinking water via the Safe Drinking Water Act programs, improving air quality in inner cities, or removing unregistered pesticides from the marketplace, Region 5 cases make a difference in the lives of real people and neighborhoods.