Attorney Advisor

Commodity Futures Trading Commission•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Attorney Advisor is a senior attorney in the Products Compliance Branch of the Division of Market Oversight (DMO) at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). DMO supports the CFTC’s mission to promote the integrity, resilience, and vibrancy of U.S. derivatives markets through sound regulation. The division regulates derivative trade execution exchanges and swap data repositories. The Products Compliance Branch reviews exchange product filings to assess compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and Commission regulations. Its review considers product terms and conditions, product design, underlying market conditions, cash market fundamentals, susceptibility to manipulation, and other potential risks to market integrity. The role includes formal compliance reviews, legal analysis, risk assessments, and interaction with exchanges and market participants to communicate regulatory expectations and resolve filing deficiencies. The attorney may represent the branch on interdivisional projects and initiatives. Selections may be made at the CT-11, CT-12, CT-13, or CT-14 grade level. The position requires a J.D. or equivalent and active bar membership in good standing, with post-J.D. relevant legal practice experience of one, two, three, or four years, respectively. At CT-14, the role also requires the ability to function as a lead attorney and lead interdivisional projects and initiatives. A two-year trial period may be required. Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Requirements

J.D. or equivalent and active membership in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; proof of bar membership is required before entry on duty.
Post-J.D. relevant legal practice experience commensurate with the selected grade: one year for CT-11, two years for CT-12, three years for CT-13, or four years for CT-14. Qualifying experience may be as an attorney, law clerk, or in another legal role after law school graduation; work during law school and experience before completing a law degree do not count.
Demonstrated skills in reviewing product filings for compliance with applicable laws and regulations, conducting legal analyses and risk assessments, and communicating regulatory requirements and expectations to exchanges and market participants.
For CT-14, ability to function as a lead attorney and lead interdivisional projects and initiatives.
U.S. citizenship.
Favorable background/security investigation.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Applicants must provide J.D. and/or LL.M. and bar membership details, including institution, state of bar membership, and dates, on their resumes.
Successful completion of a full course of study for a J.D. or LL.M. at an American Bar Association-accredited law school; foreign education used to meet qualifications must be evaluated as equivalent to accredited U.S. education.

Responsibilities

Review and analyze exchange product filings for compliance with the CEA and Commission regulations, evaluating product design, underlying market conditions, and risks to market integrity.
Conduct formal compliance reviews of exchange product filings, including products and amendments, and ensure filings align with the CEA and Commission regulations.
Perform legal analysis and remain current on legislation related to market trends and the impact on exchange product development, launch, and operations.
Interact with exchanges and market participants to set expectations, communicate regulatory requirements and instructions, and resolve deficiencies in filings.
Conduct risk assessments for new or amended product filings to identify and prevent potential compliance concerns.
Represent the Products Compliance Branch on interdivisional projects and initiatives.
At the CT-14 level, function as a lead attorney and lead interdivisional projects and initiatives.