Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Attorney Advisor

Washington, District of Columbia, Chicago, Illinois, New York, New York Full time

Attorney Advisor

Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia, Chicago, Illinois, New York, New York

Salary Range: $148873 - $272407 Per Year

Job Summary: The Division of Market Oversight supports the CFTC's mission to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of the U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. The Division regulates derivative trade execution exchanges and swap data repositories.

Major Duties:

  • This position is located in the Division of Market Oversight (DMO) in the Compliance Branch. The Branch is responsible for providing oversight of self-regulatory responsibilities at all designated contact markets (DCMs) and swap execution facilities (SEFs) to promote market integrity, customer protection and compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and Commission regulations. The Branch also is responsible for system safeguards oversight of DCMs, SEFs, and Swap Data Repositories (SDRs). At the full performance level, duties may include: Conducts examinations, known as Rule Enforcement Reviews (RERs) to evaluate DCM and SEF self-regulatory programs and compliance with the CEA and Commission regulations through working with a team to determine the scope of RERs and generally participates in all aspects of planning and conducting RERs. Drafts RER initiation letters and document requests, develops, and drafts questions for interviews and participates in on-the-record interviews of senior exchange officials. Reviews RER documentation, completes checklists, and identifies industry best practices. The incumbent will work with team members to identify exchange non-compliance with the Act and Commission regulations and assist in developing findings and recommendations. The incumbent also will have substantial responsibility for drafting RER reports and presenting findings to the Commission. Work on inter-divisional teams in review of DCM and SEF registration applications; including participating in all aspects of planning and conducting reviews that involve comprehensive analysis and evaluation of applicant's self-regulatory programs. Adheres to the Act, Commission regulations, and policies consistent with general legal principles and reasonable in light of cash and derivatives market practices or other practical or operational considerations. Collaborates with the Market Review Branch to review and analyze rules submitted by exchanges relating to trading, governance, disciplinary, audit trail and recordkeeping to ensure that exchange rules, operations, and practices meet the statutory standards of the Act and the Commission's regulations and policies. Addresses legal and policy issues and problems related to derivatives trading and the CFTC's oversight program to identify, plan, and solve issues and problems; includes working on rulemakings. Provide technical guidance to the Deputy Director and Division Director regarding matters related to the oversight of regulated entities and advise on interpretations of law or on proposed changes in market-related regulations.

Qualifications: BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following: J.D.; and Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty) AND To qualify at each grade level, you must have the following: CT-13: You must have a J.D. Degree and/or LLM equivalent, bar membership and 3 years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school. Demonstrated skill in research and analysis of sophisticated legal issues, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of commodities or related law and regulations, financial markets, corporate law, and general administrative law. CT-14: Candidates with a law degree (J.D. or equivalent) and bar membership and 4 years of relevant legal experience after completion of law school. Relevant legal experience is defined as attorneys, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained after graduation from a law school. Legal and non- legal experience gained in the Federal government or private sector prior to completing a law degree cannot be used to satisfy the legal experience requirement. Work while in law school does not count. Demonstrated skill in research and analysis of sophisticated legal issues, as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Knowledge of commodities or related law and regulations, financial markets, corporate law, and general administrative law. Knowledge of derivatives markets, including futures, options, and swap markets. Selections may be made at either grade level.

How to Apply: RESUME REQUIREMENT: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts. Please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications for the position within the two-page limit. YOU MUST APPLY ONLINE: Your complete application, including required documents, must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. You must complete and submit an application by accessing the USAJOBS website at USAJOBS.GOV. To begin, click the Apply Online button within the vacancy announcement and follow the prompts to create an account using LOGIN.GOV, if you have not done so already. LOGIN.GOV will walk you through each step of the account set-up and will automatically link your USAJOBS profile to LOGIN.GOV. Once you have established an account using LOGIN.GOV, you will then go back to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to answer the questions and submit all required documents. If you already have established an LOGIN.GOV account or want to return to your saved application, go to USAJOBS.GOV using your LOGIN.GOV username and password to apply or view your profile. If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by e-mail at mgshelp@monster.com or phone at 1-866.656.6831. The help desk is available Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

Application Deadline: 2026-03-17