Attorney-Adviser

Justice Management Division; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 125,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Justice Management Division within the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel. The role supports a broad range of legal issues related to the Department's policy work, including collaboration on policy, legislation, and regulatory initiatives across components and agencies.

The incumbent may assist in regulatory work and nominations, with readiness to address topics beyond a single area of expertise. Qualifications include a J.D.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree required and active bar membership in any state or DC.
• Strong research and writing skills are essential.
• Experience with criminal law or emerging technologies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal analysis and interpretation of laws and regulations.
• Assist with policy formulation and regulatory issues for DOJ.
• Prepare reports, conduct research, and contribute to DOJ policy initiatives.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Policy analysis

Communication

Education

J.D. degree

Active bar membership

Job description

This position is located in the Office of Legal Policy (OLP). The incumbent performs various legal work in the interpretation and proper application of provisions of law, in the formulation of Departmental policy and legislative proposals, and in the general oversight of key areas of responsibility.

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.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (Top Secret SCI) Security clearance.

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 communicate complicated 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.

Education

See Qualification section above for education requirement. Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Travel

None.

Relocation Expenses

No.

Number Of Positions

1

Salary

Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level ranging from GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322) to GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200) per annum, which includes locality pay. See OPM's Web page at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/

EEO Statement/Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here:

DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here:

Selective Service

If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at:

Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs

The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code

• 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R
• 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.