0905 - General Attorney Series

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This series covers professional legal positions involved in preparing cases for trial and/or the trial of cases before a court or an administrative body or persons having quasi-judicial power; rendering legal advice and services with respect to questions, regulations, practices, or other matters falling within the purview of a Federal Government agency (this may include conducting investigations to obtain evidentiary data); preparing interpretative and administrative orders, rules, or regulations to give effect to the provisions of governing statutes or other requirements of law; drafting, negotiating, or examining contracts or other legal documents required by the agency's activities; drafting, preparing formal comments, or otherwise making substantive recommendations with respect to proposed legislation; editing and preparing for publication statutes enacted by Congress, opinions or discussions of a court, commission, or board; drafting and reviewing decisions for consideration and adoption by agency officials. Included also are positions, not covered by the Administrative Procedure Act, involved in hearing cases arising under contracts or under the regulations of a Federal Government agency when such regulations have the effect of law, and rendering decisions or making recommendations for disposition of such cases. The work of this series requires admission to the bar.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the LEGAL AND KINDRED GROUP, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

  • 0901 - General Legal and Kindred Administration Series
  • 0904 - Law Clerk Series
  • 0930 - Hearings and Appeals Series
  • 0950 - Paralegal Specialist Series
  • 0958 - Employee Benefits Law Series
  • 0962 - Contact Representative Series
  • 0963 - Legal Instruments Examining Series
  • 0965 - Land Law Examining Series
  • 0967 - Passport and Visa Examining Series
  • 0986 - Legal Assistance Series
  • 0987 - Tax Law Specialist Series
  • 0991 - Workers' Compensation Claims Examining Series
  • 0993 - Railroad Retirement Claims Examining Series
  • 0996 - Veterans Claims Examining Series
  • 0998 - Claims Assistance and Examining Series
  • 0999 - Legal Occupations Student Trainee Series

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Legal Manager (CLM) Is Not In Demand Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) someSome    
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Is Not In Demand International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation
Board Certification - Business Bankruptcy Law Is Not In Demand American Board of Certification someSome    
Board Certification - Consumer Bankruptcy Law Is Not In Demand American Board of Certification someSome    
Board Certification - Creditors' Rights Law Is Not In Demand American Board of Certification someSome    
Certified Manager (CM) In DemandIs In Demand Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Estate Planning Law Specialist Is Not In Demand National Association of Estate Planners & Councils someSome    
Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) Is Not In Demand National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI) someSome    
Board Certification in Civil Trial Advocacy Is Not In Demand National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) mostMost    
Board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy Is Not In Demand National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) mostMost    
Board Certification in Family Law Trial Advocacy Is Not In Demand National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) someSome    
Project Management Professional (PMP) In DemandIs In Demand Project Management Institute (PMI) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
GIAC Law of Data Security and Investigations (GLEG) Is Not In Demand Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) (US) In DemandIs In Demand Regulatory Affairs Certification Program mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) In DemandIs In Demand International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) mostMost   AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) Is Not In Demand International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) someSome   AccreditationAccreditation

State Licenses

State Bar Examinations for Lawyers

In the United States, the practice of law is regulated independently by each state.  In order to practice law in a given state, a candidate for the legal profession is required to gain admission to the bar for that state by passing the state's bar examination.  Admission to a state's bar constitutes licensure to practice law in that state. The link above provides access to information about the state bar examinations for most of the states.

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 0905 - General Attorney Series. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Judicial Law Clerks someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Lawyers mostMost     find local salaryfind local salary
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This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Legal Manager (CLM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), Certified Legal Manager (CLM) credential is an intermediate level certification for professional legal office managers. CLMs provide office management support; they supervise work in legal offices. CLMs are expected to have competence in financial management and accounting, human resources management and development, office services management, information systems management, and an awareness of trends in the legal industry. Candidates for the CLM are required to meet educational, experiential, and ethical qualifications and they must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) credential is recommended for mid-career level office management and business administrative professionals. Administrative professionals should have basic knowledge of office systems, technology, office administration, and management, and know how to apply the principles of human relations and communications. Candidates must take an pass a written examination based on knowledge acquired by the office professional through education and reading. Candidates must have 4 years of experience of which advanced education may be used in place of some experience.

Click here to go to Board Certification - Business Bankruptcy Law COOL Snapshot page.

Board Certification - Business Bankruptcy Law. Candidates must be engaged in the continuous practice of law, for at least a five-year period ending on December 31 of the calendar year in which the candidate applies for certification. Candidates must be licensed to practice law and be active members of the bar in at least one or more states or territories of the United States, and must have participated in at least sixty hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in both bankruptcy law and creditors' rights law within the thirty-six months immediately prior to seeking certification. Candidates must make a satisfactory showing of qualification in the specialty area through peer review by providing nine references by lawyers familiar with the competence and qualification of the candidate in the specialty area. Candidates must also pass an examination, which consists of 50 multiple choice questions, and a section consisting of essay questions. This credential must be renewed every four years.

Click here to go to Board Certification - Consumer Bankruptcy Law COOL Snapshot page.

Board Certification - Consumer Bankruptcy Law. Candidates must be engaged in the continuous practice of law, for at least a five-year period ending on December 31 of the calendar year in which the candidate applies for certification. Candidates must be licensed to practice law and be active members of the bar in at least one or more states or territories of the United States, and must have participated in at least sixty hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in both bankruptcy law and creditors' rights law within the thirty-six months immediately prior to seeking certification. Candidates must make a satisfactory showing of qualification in the specialty area through peer review by providing nine references by lawyers familiar with the competence and qualification of the candidate in the specialty area. Candidates must also pass an examination, which consists of 50 multiple choice questions, and a section consisting of essay questions. This credential must be renewed every four years.

Click here to go to Board Certification - Creditors' Rights Law COOL Snapshot page.

Board Certification - Creditors' Rights Law. Candidates must be engaged in the continuous practice of law, for at least a five-year period ending on December 31 of the calendar year in which the candidate applies for certification. Candidates must be licensed to practice law and be active members of the bar in at least one or more states or territories of the United States, and must have participated in at least sixty hours of continuing legal education (CLE) in both bankruptcy law and creditors' rights law within the thirty-six months immediately prior to seeking certification. Candidates must make a satisfactory showing of qualification in the specialty area through peer review by providing nine references by lawyers familiar with the competence and qualification of the candidate in the specialty area. Candidates must also pass an examination, which consists of 50 multiple choice questions, and a section consisting of essay questions. This credential must be renewed every four years.

Click here to go to Certified Manager (CM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 1 year

The Certified Manager (CM) is a general management certification. It is appropriate for supervisors, managers and leaders at all levels, in any industry, and benefits certificate recipients and their organizations. The CM program consists of 3 course modules of which each includes a study manual, online learning resources, practice exams and a certification exam. To earn the CM certification one must pass three certification exams. Successful completion of the CM exams is a reliable indicator that an individual possesses the skills that leaders and managers need. Eligibility for the CM certification is determined by a point system that considers both experience and education. A candidate must have at least 10 points including at least 3 Education points, and at least 4 Experience points. Candidates may count a maximum of 6 Education points and 7 Experience Points toward eligibility. Those who do not qualify for CM status may still participate in the CM program if they have met at least one of the minimum eligibility requirements. These individuals will earn Associate Certified Manager (ACM) status upon completion of the program. An ACM may earn full CM status through additional education and/or experience.

Click here to go to Estate Planning Law Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Estate Planning Law Specialist. This certification is for experienced attorneys who demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment to the concept of specialization. Candidates must have five or more years as an estate planning attorney, during which at least 1/3 of the attorney's practice is devoted to estate planning; have 12 or more hours of continuing legal education in estate planning topics per year for the last three years; verification of professional liability insurance coverage; and have recommendations from at least five colleagues that are not related to or within the same firm as the candidate. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive examination, which is designed so that competent attorneys who have constant exposure to estate planning can pass without substantial independent study.

Click here to go to Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) COOL Snapshot page.

The National Association of Legal Investigators (NALI), Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) credential is an intermediate career-level certification recommended for legal investigators. Legal investigators assist attorneys by reviewing police reports and discovery materials, analyzing and photographing crime or accident scenes, interviewing parties and witnesses, obtaining signed or recorded statements, performing background investigations, preparing documentary and demonstrative evidence, recommending experts and testifying in court. Legal investigators must exhibit the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. The Certified Legal Investigator (CLI) certification requires various exams. Candidates must devote the majority of their practice to negligence investigations for the plaintiff, and/or criminal defense, and be employed by either a law firm or an investigative firm. Candidates must be licensed, if required, by the state in which he/she is practicing or employed. They must also have a minimum of five years verifiable related work experience.

Click here to go to Board Certification in Civil Trial Advocacy COOL Snapshot page.

Board Certification in Civil Trial Advocacy. This is an advanced-level credential. Board certified civil trial lawyers represent private parties who typically are suing or being sued for money damages. These lawyers are qualified to try cases before juries and judges in state and federal courts. They are also competent in resolving disputes before lawsuits are filed, handling mediations and arbitrations. Applicants must furnish evidence of their good standing in the state of their admission, or if admitted in more than one state, in the state of their principal practice; along with having spent five years in the actual practice of civil law. Applicants must be able to show substantial involvement relevant to civil law, with at least thirty percent of their time spent practicing civil trial litigation during the three years preceding the filing of the application for certification. Within the applicant's career, the applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to civil law by personal participation in at least forty-five days of trial during which the applicant examined or cross-examined witnesses, delivered an opening statement or closing argument or conducted a voir dire jury examination. The applicant must also have actively participated in one hundred additional contested matters involving the taking of testimony, along with demonstrating substantial participation in continuing legal education. Applicants must also submit professional references, a legal writing document, and pass an examination testing their proficiency, knowledge, and experience in civil law.

Click here to go to Board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy COOL Snapshot page.

Board Certification in Criminal Trial Advocacy. This is an advanced-level credential. Board certified criminal trial lawyers engage in the practice of law dealing with the defense and prosecution of misdemeanor and felony crimes in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Applicants must furnish evidence of their good standing in the state of their admission, or if admitted in more than one state, in the state of their principal practice; along with having spent five years in the actual practice of criminal law. Applicants must be able to show substantial involvement relevant to criminal law, with at least thirty percent of their time spent practicing criminal trial litigation during the three years preceding the filing of the application for certification. Within the applicant's career, the applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to criminal law by personal participation in at least forty-five days of trial during which the applicant examined or cross-examined witnesses, delivered an opening statement or closing argument or conducted a voir dire jury examination. The applicant must also have actively participated in one hundred additional contested matters involving the taking of testimony, along with demonstrating substantial participation in continuing legal education. Applicants must also submit professional references, a legal writing document, and pass an examination testing their proficiency, knowledge, and experience in criminal law.

Click here to go to Board Certification in Family Law Trial Advocacy COOL Snapshot page.

Board Certification in Family Law Trial Advocacy. This is an advanced-level credential. Board certified family trial lawyers engage in the practice of law dealing with legal cases arising from the family relationship of husband and wife, cohabitant and parent and child. It includes litigation of civil controversies arising from those relationships. In addition, a Board Certified Family Lawyer's duty includes evaluating, handling and resolving such controversies prior to the initiation of a suit and post judgment proceedings. Applicants must furnish evidence of their good standing in the state of their admission, or if admitted in more than one state, in the state of their principal practice; along with having spent five years in the actual practice of family law. Applicants must be able to show substantial involvement relevant to family law, with at least thirty percent of their time spent practicing family trial litigation during the three years preceding the filing of the application for certification. Within the applicant's career, the applicant must make a satisfactory showing of substantial involvement relevant to family law by personal participation in at least forty-five days of trial during which the applicant examined or cross-examined witnesses, delivered an opening statement or closing argument or conducted a voir dire jury examination. The applicant must also have actively participated in one hundred additional contested matters involving the taking of testimony, along with demonstrating substantial participation in continuing legal education. Applicants must also submit professional references, a legal writing document, and pass an examination testing their proficiency, knowledge, and experience in family law.

Click here to go to Project Management Professional (PMP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Management Professional (PMP) is an advanced skill level credential for professionals who lead and direct projects. Project Managers perform their duties under general supervision for the duration of a project and are responsible for all aspects of a project. PMPs lead cross-functional teams to deliver projects within the constraints of schedule, budget, and scope. Project Management Professionals seeking certification through PMI demonstrate knowledge and experience to apply a methodology to projects that have well-defined requirements and deliverables. To apply for the PMP, candidates must meet experiential and educational requirements and are required to pass the written exam.

Click here to go to GIAC Law of Data Security and Investigations (GLEG) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC), Law of Data Security and Investigations (GLEG) is an advanced level certification targeted toward Security and IT Professionals, Lawyers, Paralegals, Auditors, Accountants, Technology Managers or Vendors and individuals interested in the law of business, contracts, fraud, crime, IT security, IT liability and IT policy with a focus on electronically stored and transmitted records. GLEG does not require any prerequisites or specific training. GLEG candidates are required to pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) (US) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) credential demonstrates a strong foundation in U.S. privacy laws and regulations and understanding of the legal requirements for the responsible transfer of sensitive personal data to/from the U.S., the EU and other jurisdictions. Candidates must have knowledge of the U.S. legal system; U.S. federal laws for protection of personal data; U.S. federal regulation of marketing practices; U.S. state data breach notification; and regulation of privacy in the U.S. workplace. There are no prerequisites to take the CIPP exam.

Click here to go to Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) is an advanced career level credential for professionals with management responsibilities. CIPMs use the privacy program operational lifecycle to understand and apply privacy and data protection practices in the development, measurement, and improvement of privacy programs. The CIPM certifies subject matter expertise in organizational-level privacy program governance, development, implementation and measurement of privacy program frameworks. CIPMs support the application of privacy from access, protection, and sustainment, to response. There are no experiential or educational requirements for earning the CIPM; IAPP recommends that those pursuing the CIPM certification prepare for the exam.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Judicial Law Clerks
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Judicial Law Clerks
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Lawyers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Lawyers