Content created by Office of the General Counsel (OGC)
A Federal career can definitely tip the scales in your favor when it comes to the balance between your professional and personal life, and the benefits needed to enjoy both.
Salary
Individual salaries are determined by such factors as the grade level of the position and professional experience. Attorneys’ grade levels are in accordance with the General Schedule, 5 U.S.C. §§ 5331-5338, and range from GS-11 to GS-15.
Flexible Work Schedules Available
Five days a week, eight hours a day • flexible time with core time during which all employees must be present • eight nine-hour days and one eight-hour day in a biweekly pay period • telecommuting • part-time.
Holidays
The Federal Government observes ten legal holidays: New Years Day • Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. • Washington’s Birthday • Memorial Day • Independence Day • Labor Day • Columbus Day • Veterans Day • Thanksgiving Day • and Christmas Day.
Leave
Sick leave - 13 days per year which may accumulate without limit.
Annual leave accumulates according to length of Federal service:
- employees with fewer than three years of service accrue 13 days of annual leave per year;
- employees with three years but fewer than 15 years of service accrue 20 days per year;
- employees with 15 or more years accrue 26 days per year.
Training, Mentoring and Leadership Development
On-the-job and specialized training is offered.
Other Amenities
Several work locations offer child care facilities and fitness centers.
Group Health Benefits
Health benefits available to Federal employees are widely recognized as among the best in the country. Cost depends upon the plan selected, with the Government paying a portion of the membership cost.
Retirement
Newly appointed employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement Systems (FERS), a contributory three-tier plan which includes a Federal pension, Social Security and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a defined contribution plan similar to the 401K plans. Employee contributions, which are made by payroll deduction, and the interest earned are tax-deferred.
Other Benefits
- Group Life Insurance
- Workers Compensation
- Disability Benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts