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Job Survey: Supervisory Attorney

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Location: Washington, DC
Company: FCC
Experience: Executive
Highest Level of Education: JD or LLM



Job Responsibilities
Writing rule making documents and reviewing and editing rule making documents prepared by others (90% of time). Writing decisional memoranda disposing of license applications and petitions objecting to those applications (5%). General management oversight (5%).
Job Requirements
A law degree and several years of experience as an attorney specializing in telecommunications are prerequisites for this career path. A similar career path for engineers exists for persons with a professional engineering degree and several years of experience in telecommunications. For both career paths, an understanding of telecommunications architectures, an ability to write, and an understanding of how government regulations affect market incentives are necessary.
Uppers
(1) Creative thought as to how telecommunications networks interconnect, and how to assess and minimize their vulnerabilities. (2) Implementation of creative ideas into flexible rules that will assure greater network reliability and security.
Downers
(1) Length of time that it takes from proposing new rules to adopting and implementing them. (2) Cumbersome requirements imposed on the rule making process.
Lifestyle
Work hours are flexible -- employees can choose to begin work day as early as 7:00 a.m. and as late as 10:00 a.m., with corresponding end of work day from 3:30 through 6:30. Up to two credit hours a day can be earned. Some telecommuting is permitted. Work environment is friendly and collegial. Diversity is encouraged. Travel is minimal. There are opportunities to attend professional events.
Compensation
Approximately $127K annually plus minor bonus (usually less than $1K). Annual leave is 26 days per year with fifteen years of experience. Sick leave is 13 days per year.
Advice to Jobseekers
Read up on telecommunications issues. Apply to the FCC and, along with your resume, explain your particular interest in telecommunications. Relate your academic work and experience to the needs of the FCC.

This Supervisory Attorney career survey is just one of 1000s of exclusive career surveys available on Vault. Find out what it's actually like on the job with Vault's job surveys.

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