Attorney-Adviser

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 122,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Legal Policy within the U.S. Department of Justice seeks an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel. The role involves interpreting laws, developing policy, and coordinating with other branches on nominations and regulatory matters.

You will conduct research, prepare reports, and help shape departmental policy initiatives for senior leadership. A JD and active bar are required.

Qualifications

• Must hold a J.D. degree and at least two years of post-JD experience.
• Active bar membership in any state or the District of Columbia.
• Strong research and writing skills; ability to communicate complex policy clearly.
• Experience with federal government agencies is helpful; criminal law or tech (UAS) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply provisions of law in policy work and regulatory issues.
• Formulate Departmental policy and legislative proposals for senior leadership.
• Oversee key areas of responsibility and coordinate with components and agencies.
• Collaborate with White House and U.S. Senate on nominations and confirmations.
• Write reports on findings and assist in updating Department policies and procedures.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Policy analysis

Interagency coordination

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

SummaryThis 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.Learn more about this agencyThis job is open toThe publicU.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.Clarification from the agencyThis is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the How to Apply section below.DutiesAbout 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.RequirementsConditions of employmentYou 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.QualificationsQualifications: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.EducationSee 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 the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.Additional informationAdditional selections may be made from this announcement.Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.Travel:None.Relocation Expenses:No.Number of Positions:1Salary: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: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.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: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policySelective 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: www.sss.gov.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.BenefitsA 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.Review our benefitsEligibility 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.How you will be evaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Application Process:Applicants must submit a resume or OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Policy (Attn: OLP POLICY UNIT) at [e-mail]. No telephone calls please. Reference this announcement, OLP ATTY 26-004, in your email. Applications may be considered on a rolling basis.Application Deadline:Initial deadline of November 20, 2026, but applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position(s) is filled.Required DocumentsIt is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.To apply, interested candidates must submit the following:Cover letter that highlights the applicant's interest in the position and addresses in detail how qualifications are met.Current resume that includes months and years of education and employment, all bar admissions, and month and year of earliest bar admission. Resumes cannot exceed two pages.Most recent SF-50 (for current or former federal employees only).Copy of J.D. degree transcripts (may be unofficial).Proof of current and active bar membership.Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:Official position title,Employer name and contact information,Start and end dates (including month and year),Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, andA list of duties performed and accomplishments.Veterans' Preference documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:(1) a copy of your DD-214, \"Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty,\" (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service.If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.College Transcripts - If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts may be required prior to your first day.How to ApplyApplication Process:Applicants must submit a resume or OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Policy (Attn: OLP POLICY UNIT) at [e-mail]. No telephone calls please. Reference this announcement, OLP ATTY 26-004, in your email. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. See Required Documents section above for all required documents.Application Deadline:Initial deadline of November 20, 2026, but applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position(s) is filled.Need Help?If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement for assistance.Agency contact information OLP [e-mail] of Legal Policy950 Pennsylvania Avenue NWWashington, DC 20530USNext stepsThis is a public notice flyer. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:Legal Careers | Legal CareersThis and other vacancy announcements can be found under Legal Careers| Department of Justice (www.justice.gov/legal-careers)Additional selections may be made from this announcement.OverviewAccepting applicationsLocation1 vacancy in the following location: Washington, DCNo matching locations found.Work site optionsTelework eligibleYes—as determined by the agency policy.Remote jobNoRelocation expenses reimbursedNoSalary$121,785 - $197,200 per yearGS-13: $121,785.00 - $158,322.00; GS-14: $143,913.00 - $187,093.00; GS-15: $169,279.00 - $197,200.00Pay scale & gradeGS 13 - 15Promotion potentialNone - this vacancy is not considered career ladder and has no promotion potential. Learn more about pay scale and gradePay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.Work scheduleFull-timeTravel RequiredNot requiredAppointment typePermanentOccupations and job series0905 AttorneySupervisory statusNoFederal service typeThis job is in the Excepted ServiceRepresented by a unionNoDrug testYesSecurity clearanceSensitive Compartmented InformationPosition sensitivity and riskSpecial-Sensitive (SS)/High RiskJobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.Background check typeCredentialingSuitability/FitnessNational securityFinancial disclosure requiredYesSome jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.Announcement numberOLP-27-13099671Control number890365700