The CRS Law Recruit Program offers law students the opportunity for permanent employment as legislative attorneys with the CRS American Law Division. The program is open to law students in their final year of law school. Library of Congress employees who possess a law degree but are not serving in the General Attorney (GS-905) series are also eligible to apply.

The American Law Division occasionally announces opportunities for those with law degrees. These openings are listed on the CRS Employment Opportunities home page. Attorneys may also register at that site for e-mail notification of vacancies that may become available in the future in American Law Division and throughout CRS.

Recruitment and Application Procedures
The recruitment and application process involves three steps: (1) an initial recruitment interview, (2) a formal application package, and (3) if invited, an on-site interview.

1. Interested candidates must complete an initial recruitment interview before proceeding to the second, formal application stage of the process. Initial recruitment interviews are generally conducted at selected regional job fairs and recruitment conferences. If a candidate has not had the opportunity to attend such fairs or conferences, recruitment interviews may also be conducted in response to individual expressions of interest (consisting of a cover letter and a resumé) sent to the e-mail address below by October 1. All candidates must possess a portfolio of high-quality legal analytical writing. Only expressions of interest that address specifically the candidate's qualifications and interest in legal research and writing in a public service legislative context and demonstrate strong research, writing and oral communication skills will be considered. The division is not able to respond to all correspondence.

2. Candidates who complete the initial recruitment interview may submit a formal application. A formal application package consists of a resumé and the Optional Application for Federal Employment form, law school transcript or self-prepared course list, and evidence of the ability to research and write legal analytical documents. Applications must be submitted by December 1.

3. Application packages are examined by division recruiters, and selected applicants are invited to a more in-depth interview held in the American Law Division in Washington, D.C. Such interviews are generally conducted in January and February. Offers are extended in March and are finalized upon the candidate's graduation from law school. Law recruits typically report for work in September.

For information on the current status of the Law Recruit Program, please contact Kevin Greely, American Law Division, at kgreely@crs.loc.gov.

Salary, Promotion Potential and Benefits
CRS law recruits are hired at the GS-11 level ($58,206 - $75,669), which requires graduation from law school but does not require bar membership. Bar membership must be obtained within 14 months of hire. The legislative attorney position carries a promotion potential to the GS-15 level ($115,317 - $149,000). Staff are eligible for promotion after one year in grade and demonstrated performance at the next highest grade.

The standard federal benefits apply.

Citizenship Requirements
See the CRS citizenship requirements page for information.

More Information
To learn more about the Law Recruit Program or the American Law Division, contact Kevin Greely, American Law Division, at kgreely@crs.loc.gov.