SEC Scholars Program (Law)

The SEC’s Scholars Program is a ten-week program for law students to become acquainted with the regulation of the securities markets. Over the course of the program, students work with Commission staff on projects particular to the specific Division or Office to which they are assigned. Students also have the opportunity to participate in seminars/workshops, roundtable discussions, and a mentoring program that will provide guidance on securities laws and regulations.

For more details, see the SEC Scholars Program.

Chair’s Attorney Honors Program

The Chair’s Attorney Honors Program is a highly sought after federal entry-level attorney hiring program. The program is a two-year structured program opened to U.S. citizens, which secures employment for current 3L students and entry-level attorneys currently serving a judicial clerkship. Upon graduation, 3L students begin employment with the SEC as law clerks. Participants may be converted to an entry-level attorney position after admittance to a state bar association. Judicial clerks selected for the program will begin employment after they have completed their clerkship. The two-year developmental program will provide:

• Documented performance plans
• Individual Development Plans
• Formal training designed by the SEC University
• Rotational assignments within the respective Division or Office

For more details, see the Chair’s Attorney Honors Program.

Entry-Level Attorneys

In most instances, interested applicants should go to USAJOBS to review a current listing of vacant positions. For Attorney Advisor positions at the SK-13 grade level and below, the SEC is allowed to hire candidates through noncompetitive procedures. This means that an application to an existing job opportunity announcement is not required to be selected for a position; however, all applicants must be U.S. citizens.

If you are interested in such opportunities, please make sure you meet the minimum qualifications and follow the application guidelines as listed in the Apply to the SEC section.

Experienced Attorneys

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requires the expertise and hard work of a diverse team of professionals to maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets. Positions are located at our Washington, DC, headquarters and at our 11 regional offices in the following cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco.

Our positions support and partner with all Divisions and Offices throughout the agency. Applicants must be U.S. citizens upon applying. Please see the list below for an overview of each Division or Office:

• Division of Corporation Finance
• Division of Enforcement
• Division of Examinations
• Division of Investment Management
• Division of Trading and Markets
• Office of the Chief Accountant
• Office of the General Counsel
• Office of International Affairs

Learn more about Experienced Attorney positions.

Continuous Attorney Announcements

The SEC has Attorney job opportunities posted on USAJOBS that are open for the duration of the fiscal year. These Attorney positions are open for all grade levels. Interested candidates can submit their application at any time, and will be referred to the hiring official at predetermined cutoff dates (i.e. every 30 days or as listed in the job announcement). If you are interested in such opportunities, please see the current listings at USAJOBS.