Not OP but another antitrust attorney at one of the two agencies. At least some shops in DOJ offer alternative work schedules. As for salary, I know that c/o 2011-13 grads received GS-15 Step 10 at DOJ. Seems to me that FTC might pay less but that's not backed up by anything concrete. I echo everything else in OP's post.Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2020 8:11 pmWork weeks vary depending on phase of an investigation/litigation. Early in an investigation, it can be a pretty standard 40 hour work week. However, if we're getting recommendations together and preparing to litigate, or are in active litigation/trial, it's big law hours. You can also expect longer hours depending on your role in a case--if you're leading teams or have other senior case team roles, you'll work longer hours than if you're not responsible for similar projects. I know sections within the Antirust Division and FTC allow for some type of telework (1 day/week), but it's meant to be actual telework, not an AWS like 4x10.Petrichor wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2020 9:49 amWhat does your typical work day look like in terms of schedule/hours? Any flexibility with alternative work arrangement like 4x10, maixflex?Anonymous User wrote: ↑Sat May 16, 2020 11:46 amHappy to answer general career-related questions about federal antitrust practice. Keeping this anonymous for obvious reasons, but generally speaking, spent time in big law before coming to DOJ/FTC to work on antitrust investigations. Fire away. I'll check for new questions regularly.
I assume you got in as GS-14 or its DoJ equivalent, were you able to negotiate steps or anything like that?
I think face time is required in the sense that I'm expected to be in the office unless I have an approved telework plan in place with my bosses, but I'm definitely able to come and go as I please within reason (for example, coming in late or leaving early) as long as I communicate with my teams well and and as long as I'm getting my work done.
Most people lateral in at a 13 or 14; I came in as a 14. There wasn't any negotiation.
Re: the IP litigator. I know of at least one former IP litigator who didn't do antitrust work who now works at FTC. Given that SEPs and FRAND are hot issues in the antitrust community right now, you can probably spin your experience into something attractive, especially if you're applying for a job at the FTC. (To put it mildly, Makan doesn't seem interested in any antitrust-IP cases, unless it's against licensees).