FBI LEGAL PROFESSIONALS: An Inside Look
Legal professionals working for the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) embrace unique
career opportunities that allow them to apply
their knowledge to domestic and international
law enforcement and intelligence operations.
Participation in such meaningful work ranges
from policy and corporate issues to pre-
publication reviews and equal employment
opportunity matters. This means our
Legal professionals rely on an array of
work experiences and their legal studies
to support FBI investigations and inquiries.
All in a Day’s Work
Protecting the nation and providing legal
expertise simultaneously is not uncommon
at the FBI. Legal professionals advise Bureau
personnel on a variety of areas that include,
but are not limited to: national security, per-
sonnel, litigation and support, administrative,
investigative, technology, fiscal and contract
law, information law, legal instruction,
counterterrorism, counterintelligence,
cyber matters and foreign intelligence.
Working across a broad spectrum of legal
and legislative roles, FBI Legal professionals
have the opportunity to:
» Collaborate with international, federal,
state and local partners in law enforcement
and the Intelligence Community.
» Advise on proposed operations and
investigations, working closely with or as
Special Agents, Intelligence Analysts and
other professional sta.
» Assess the legal implications of FBI tools,
technologies and techniques.
» Gain exposure and provide support
to all facets of FBI operations both at
Headquarters and all Field Oces.
» Defend the nation’s physical and electronic
infrastructure and uphold its democracy.
» Provide critical leadership and investigative
assistance to agencies and partners at
all levels.
The Legal Team
FBI Legal professionals engage with fellow FBI employees, law enforcement partners and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) across a broad
spectrum of legal and legislative issues aecting international and domestic law enforcement, intelligence operations, investigations and policies.
Attorney Provide legal advice on
procedural, operational, adminis-
trative and personnel issues, as well
as criminal cases and other matters; prepare
legal documents to ensure the FBI’s interest is
protected in all legal manners; and stay abreast
of federal statutes and regulations, case law
precedents and other resources.
Paralegal Specialist Perform
research on legal matters by
analyzing case laws, statutes,
regulations, policies and other legal resources.
Prepare legal documentation to address civil
actions on behalf of the FBI.
Legal Administrative Specialist
Provide administrative and
technical support to legal
professionals for case management and
litigation and assist in conducting research
and preparing reports.
Legal Instrument Examiner
Review criminal records to ensure
adherence to security regulations
when documenting case information
and coordinate with state agencies for
outcomes as needed.
Twofold Satisfaction —
Imagine the adrenaline rush
you’ll experience when a case
is solved due to your legal
expertise and hard work!
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Not for the Faint of Heart —
Established Legal professionals
who consider a career as a Special
Agent must undergo extensive
training in interrogation
techniques, defensive tactics
and firearms, as well as pass the
rigorous Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.
CLICK TO
LEARN MORE
@FBIJOBS
@FBIJOBS
FACEBOOK.COM/FBI
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/FBI
YOUTUBE.COM/FBI
FBIJOBS.GOV
FBI LEGAL PROFESSIONALS: An Inside Look
Rigorous Obedience
to the Constitution
Respect
Compassion
Fairness
Integrity
Accountability
Leadership
Diversity
Applicant Process
If you’re inspired by our mission, here’s what you need to know about the application process:
Visit FBIJobs.gov to view careers
and open positions.
The hiring process varies depending on
the job and can take a year or more.
Once accepted, you will undergo an intensive background investigation including:
» Polygraph examination.
» Drug test.
» Credit and records checks.
» Interviews with former and current
colleagues, neighbors, friends, etc.
Once accepted, all employees attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, for a short new
employee introduction course. Employees may remain at Quantico for job-related training.
Becoming an FBI Legal Professional
Takes Dedication
The role of an FBI Legal professional is demanding and rewarding and requires stringent entry
qualifications. Those who complete the process become part of an elite team that assists to
preserve national security.
Minimum Qualifications You must:
» Be a U.S. citizen.
» Be able to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance.
» Meet all educational requirements.
» Have a J.D. from an accredited law school.
» Have an active membership in good stand-
ing in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction or the
District of Columbia.
» Meet the FBI’s Employment Eligibility standards.
All candidates making a lateral move from another federal
agency must have one year of post-J.D. legal experience or
relevant comparable experience.
Automatic Disqualifiers
» Non-U.S. citizenship.
» Conviction of a felony.
» Violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy.
» Default on a student loan insured by the
U.S. government.
» Failure of an FBI-administered drug test.
» Failure to register with the Selective
Service System (males only).
» Knowingly or willfully engaged in acts
or activities designed to overthrow the
U.S. government by force.
» Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
» Failure to file income tax returns.
STEP
1
INFORM & APPLY
STEP
2
TESTING
STEP
3
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER & BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
STEP
4
FINAL JOB OFFER & ONBOARDING
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.
@FBIJOBS
@FBIJOBS
FACEBOOK.COM/FBI
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/FBI
YOUTUBE.COM/FBI
FBIJOBS.GOV
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
A Career You Never Imagined
Did you know that many FBI Special Agents bring unexpected skillsets from backgrounds in education, psychology, journalism, professional
sports, veterinary science and others in addition to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Accounting, Legal and
Law Enforcement? That’s what makes a Special Agent’s talent so vital to the FBI mission. Imagine how you could be a Special Agent:
College Professor to Special
Agent From addressing a crowd
of students in university lecture
halls to testifying as an expert subject
matter witness.
Art Historian to Special Agent
From identifying forged
masterpieces to recovering
paintings stolen during World War II.
Psychologist to Special Agent
From administering Rorschach
tests to conducting psychological
assessments on undercover employees.
Pharmaceutical Sales to Special
Agent From promoting the
latest FDA-approved medication
to infiltrating an opioid sales ring within
your community.
Language Educator to Special
Agent From teaching a foreign
language to interpreting an inter-
view of a foreign suspect during an investiga-
tion.
Policy Analyst to Special Agent
From influencing government de-
cision making to obtaining a confession from
an assailant.
hello
CAN YOU PASS THE PFT?
In order to pass the FBI Special Agent
PFT, applicants will be required to
complete the following:
» A maximum number of
continuous sit-ups in one minute.
» A timed 300-meter sprint.
» A maximum number of
continuous push-ups (untimed).
» A timed 1.5 mile run.
FBI SPECIAL AGENT: An Inside Look
At the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
our Special Agents bring their skills, talents,
hearts and integrity to their crucial roles —
getting ahead of threats, upholding the law,
defending civil rights and civil liberties and
protecting innocent people.
Many Special Agents bring backgrounds in
fields not related to intelligence, surveillance
and law enforcement. This includes estab-
lished professionals, those seeking a second
career and whose unique backgrounds and
traits bring significant assets to the FBI.
Much More than a Job
A typical day in the life of a FBI Special
Agent may entail surveilling a subject in the
morning, tracking terrorists’ online social
activity before lunch, testifying in court
in the afternoon and addressing a public
forum on identity theft in the evening.
Special Agents seek out cyber thieves,
infiltrate organized crime rings, conduct
psychological profiles of subjects, witnesses
and informants and serve as mentors.
Our agents work on matters including cyber
crime, counterintelligence, terrorism, drug
tracking and other federal statute violations
often in tandem with local, state and foreign
counterparts using the latest technologies
in intelligence-gathering and data analysis.
We’re looking for individuals with leadership
abilities, those motivated to take on new
and complex challenges and set high moral
standards for their colleagues and teams.
If a fulfilling and exciting career that blends
your unique background and skills with
protecting the safety of the nation interests
you, consider a career with the FBI.
In fact, you can have multiple careers
inside of the FBI. The first step is getting in.
Why Fitness Matters
In order to be considered for employment,
Special Agent applicants must pass the FBI
physical fitness requirements, including
medical and hearing standards, and all
phases of the FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
Selectees must be physically fit to complete
training at Quantico and maintain a high level
of physical fitness throughout their careers.
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
CLICK TO
LEARN MORE
@FBIJOBS
@FBIJOBS
FACEBOOK.COM/FBI
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/FBI
YOUTUBE.COM/FBI
FBIJOBS.GOV
FBI SPECIAL AGENT: An Inside Look FBI SPECIAL AGENT: An Inside Look
Applicant Process
If you’re inspired by our mission, here’s what you need to know about the Special Agent
application process:
Other Points to Consider
In addition to meeting all physical and medical requirements, Special Agents must consider:
worldwide assignments on a temporary or long-term basis; working a minimum of 50-plus hours
per week; carrying a firearm; and being able to participate in arrests, the execution of search
warrants, raids and other dangerous assignments.
Rigorous Obedience
to the Constitution
Respect
Compassion
Fairness
Integrity
Accountability
Leadership
Diversity
STEP
1
INFORM
& APPLY
Visit FBIJobs.gov to view careers
and open positions.
STEP
2
INTERVIEW
& SELECTION
Be aware that the hiring process
can take a year or more.
STEP
3
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER &
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Once accepted, you will undergo an intensive background investigation including:
» Polygraph examination.
» Drug test.
» Credit and records checks.
» Interviews with former and current
colleagues, neighbors, friends, etc.
STEP
4
FINAL JOB OFFER & ONBOARDING
Once accepted, attend Quantico for onboarding and training.
Becoming a Special Agent Takes Dedication
The Special Agent Selection System (SASS) is a mentally and physically challenging process
designed to find only the most capable applicants. However, those who make it through
the process become part of an elite team that keeps our country safe.
Minimum Qualifications You must:
» Be a U.S. citizen.
» Be able to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance.
» Possess a valid driver’s license.
» Meet the FBI’s physical fitness requirements.
» Commit to serving as a Special Agent
for a minimum of three years.
Automatic Disqualifiers
» Non-U.S. citizenship.
» Conviction of a felony.
» Violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy.
» Default on a student loan insured by the
U.S. government.
» Failure of an FBI-administered drug test.
» Failure to register with the Selective
Service System (males only).
» Knowingly or willfully engaged in acts
or activities designed to overthrow the
U.S. government by force.
» Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
» Failure to file income tax returns.
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.
@FBIJOBS
@FBIJOBS
FACEBOOK.COM/FBI
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/FBI
YOUTUBE.COM/FBI
FBIJOBS.GOV
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.
FBI BENEFITS: An Inside Look
Ask Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
employees about the agency’s benefits
and, chances are, they’ll list adjectives such
as fulfilling, meaningful, rewarding, never dull,
sometimes intense and always interesting.
That’s a great start, but the real benefits —
compensation, health insurance, retirement
savings, leave and federal holidays — are just
as exceptional.
Beyond traditional benefit plans, the FBI
provides reimbursement opportunities for
tuition, federally backed student loans and
public transportation subsidies, as well as
participation in academic leadership
programs and sabbaticals. This is in addition
to excellent training, international travel,
career advancement and recognition as
a “great place to work.” That’s why some
37,000-plus employees dedicate their
careers to serving the FBI mission.
Peace of Mind
From life and long-term care insurance to
flexible spending accounts, the FBI operates
in compliance with the Oce of Personnel
Management (OPM) plans, including following
all of its leave policies. Standard benefit
plans include:
» Federal Employees Health Benefits Program
» Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program
» Federal Employees Group Life Insurance
Program
» Federal Flexible Spending Account Program
» Federal Thrift Savings Plan
FBI benefit plans are designed to foster
health, happiness and satisfaction, to be a
positive motivating factor and to help each
and every employee best contribute to the
agency’s mission.
Time Off
The nature of law enforcement work can be challenging and invigorating at the same time;
therefore, the FBI recognizes that personal time o is essential for its employees and their
families. This includes:
Annual Leave FBI employees
earn days of annual leave at a
rate determined by their total
years of federal government service (this
includes civilian and most military service,
with exceptions).
Sick Leave Permanent, full-time
employees receive four hours of
paid sick leave each pay period or
13 days each year. Part-time employees can
earn sick leave on a pro-rated basis.
Federal Holidays FBI employees
receive 10 paid federal holidays
each year. They are: New Year’s
Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents’
Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Military Leave FBI employees who
serve as Reserves of the Armed
Forces or are in the National Guard
are entitled to 15 days of full paid leave for
certain types of active or inactive duty,
including training, funeral duty or other duties.
U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI benefit plans include:
Health • Dental • Vision • Flexible
Spending Accounts • Health
Savings Accounts • Life Insurance •
Supplemental Life Insurance •
Disability Insurance • Mental Health
Care • Pension Plan • 401K Plan •
Dependent Care • Reduced or Flexible
Hours • Military Leave • Family
Medical Leave • Unpaid Extended
Leave • Vacation and Paid Time O •
Sick Days • Paid Holidays •
Bereavement Leave • Employee
Assistance Program • Justice
Employee Transit Subsidy (JETS) •
Diversity Commitment • Job Training
• Professional Development •
Student Loan Repayment Program
(SLRP) • Tuition Assistance
Rigorous Obedience
to the Constitution
Respect
Compassion
Fairness
Integrity
Accountability
Leadership
Diversity
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE
CLICK TO
LEARN MORE
@FBIJOBS
@FBIJOBS
FACEBOOK.COM/FBI
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/FBI
YOUTUBE.COM/FBI
FBIJOBS.GOV
FBI BENEFITS: An Inside Look
Other Benefits
Retirement
FBI employees participate in the Federal
Employees Retirement System (FERS),
which is considered one of the best retire-
ment plans. Special Agents can retire at
age 50 with 20 years of service and at any
age with 25 years of service. The pension
formula takes into account the agent’s
highest salary years and the length of
service, giving an advantage to longer
service or higher earnings. Former active-
duty military personnel may be eligible
for credit for their military service.
Special Agent Benefits
In addition to the extensive array of bene-
fits FBI employees receive, the agency has
established generous compensation ben-
efit packages for families of Special Agents
killed in the line of duty. These include:
» Special Agents Insurance Fund (SAIF)
— The SAIF is an FBI-sponsored, elective
insurance program that pays $30,000
upon the death of a Special Agent,
whether job-related or not.
» Charles S. Ross Fund — The Charles
S. Ross Memorial Fund compensates
($17,500) the beneficiaries of Special
Agents killed in the line of duty. Every
Special Agent automatically belongs
to the Fund.
» Public Safety Ocers’ Benefit (PSOB)
— The PSOB covers all federal, state
and local law enforcement ocers,
firefighters, rescue workers and any
other public safety ocer who loses
his or her life in the line of duty. All
FBI Special Agents are automatically
covered by this program.
» Employee Benevolent Fund —
An elective insurance program for
FBI employees that pays a set amount
to an employee’s beneficiaries upon
his or her death.
Applicant Process
If you’re inspired by our mission, here’s what you need to know about the application process:
STEP
1
INFORM
& APPLY
Visit FBIJobs.gov to view careers
and open positions.
STEP
2
The hiring process varies depending on
the job. For careers like Special Agent or
Intelligence Analyst, the hiring process
can take a year or more.
STEP
3
CONDITIONAL JOB OFFER &
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Once accepted, you will undergo an intensive background investigation including:
» Polygraph examination.
» Drug test.
» Credit and records checks.
» Interviews with former and current
colleagues, neighbors, friends, etc.
STEP
4
FINAL JOB OFFER & ONBOARDING
Becoming an FBI Employee Takes Dedication
The role of an FBI employee is a demanding and rewarding job and requires stringent entry
qualifications. Those who complete the process become part of an elite team that assists to
preserve national security.
Minimum Qualifications You must:
» Be a U.S. citizen.
» Be able to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance.
» Possess a valid driver’s license (as applicable).
» Meet the FBI’s physical fitness requirements
(as applicable).
» Meet all education requirements.
Automatic Disqualifiers
» Non-U.S. citizenship.
» Conviction of a felony.
» Violation of the FBI Employment Drug Policy.
» Default on a student loan insured by the
U.S. government.
» Failure of an FBI-administered drug test.
» Failure to register with the Selective
Service System (males only).
» Knowingly or willfully engaged in acts
or activities designed to overthrow the
U.S. government by force.
» Failure to pay court-ordered child support.
» Failure to file income tax returns.
INTERVIEW
& SELECTION
Once accepted, all employees attend the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, for a short new
employee introduction course. Employees may remain at Quantico for job-related training.
The FBI is an equal opportunity employer.
@FBIJOBS
@FBIJOBS
FACEBOOK.COM/FBI
LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/FBI
YOUTUBE.COM/FBI
FBIJOBS.GOV
