ATTORNEY

United States Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Legal Policy (OLP) within the U.S. Department of Justice seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel to assist with a wide range of legal issues related to the Department’s policy work.

The role may involve collaborating with other components and Executive Branch agencies on policy, legislation, and regulations, conducting internal inquiries, researching, writing reports, and supporting nominations and related tasks.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree required and active bar membership in any state or DC.
• At least two years of post-JD practice experience.
• Strong research and writing skills; ability to communicate policy clearly.
• Experience with criminal law and emerging technologies (e.g., UAS) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with a wide range of legal issues related to Department policy work.
• Collaborate with Department components and other agencies on policy, legislation, and regulatory issues.
• Conduct internal inquiries, review documents, and write reports on findings.
• Conduct legal research to provide solutions or responses to various issues.
• Assist in updates to policies and procedures to reflect Department priorities.
• Support work relating to regulations and judicial nominations.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Location: 950 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, NW
Washington, DC 20530 - United States

Application Deadline:

Friday, November 20, 2026

About the Office

The mission of the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) is, among other things, to develop and implement the Department’s significant policy initiatives, handle policy projects that implicate the interests of multiple Department components, and serve as the primary policy advisor to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General. OLP reviews and coordinates regulations promulgated by the Department and all its components and evaluates draft regulations of other agencies that are circulated for review. OLP also vets candidates for federal judgeships and coordinates with the White House and U.S. Senate on the nomination and confirmation process.

Job Description

OLP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel to assist with a wide range of legal issues relevant to the Department’s policy work. This position may require significant collaboration with Department components and other Executive Branch agencies on policy, legislation, and regulatory issues. Projects may involve conducting internal inquiries, reviewing documents, and writing reports on findings. The jobholder may conduct disparate legal research in order to provide solutions or responses to various legal issues. The jobholder may also evaluate ways to update the Department’s policies, procedures, etc. to better reflect Department priorities. This position may involve assisting in work relating to regulations and judicial nominations, so a willingness to work on topics outside a specific area of expertise is expected.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, have at least two years of post-JD experience practicing law, have strong research and writing skills, and be an active member of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia. Prior work in or with federal government agencies is helpful. Effective writing skills and the ability to communicatecomplicated policy matters in a clear, succinct way is necessary. Experience with criminal law and/or emerging technologies like Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Super Intelligence is strongly preferred.