Attorney- Adviser.

Offices-to-go; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 121,785 - 197,200; Full time

Job summary

The National Security Division (NSD) of the Department of Justice seeks an NSD FOIA Attorney primarily assigned to the FOIA Unit. The attorney will handle matters of national and international scope balancing public access with protecting national security and effective law enforcement.

Responsibilities include coordinating with inter‑agency partners, providing legal guidance on FOIA and Privacy Act issues, drafting briefs and declarations, and advising on policies.

Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree with at least three years of post‑J.D. experience, be an active member of a bar in any jurisdiction, and have superior academic credentials.
• Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical and writing skills and the ability to work independently in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate across inter‑agency partners, focusing on Intelligence Community components and DOJ civil litigators nationwide.
• Provide legal advice, consult, and coordinate with DOJ and other federal agencies on FOIA and Privacy Act issues.
• Draft, edit, and review legal documents—including briefs and declarations—related to FOIA and Privacy Act cases and keep NSD and Department senior management apprised of litigation status.
• Advise on the development and establishment of FOIA/Privacy Act policies and procedures.
• Support the NSD Records Unit by providing legal guidance on pre‑publication review, classification reviews affecting FOIA requests, and records-retention matters.
• Assist the NSD FOIA Unit, the NSD Records Unit, and the NSD General Counsel as needed to advance the NSD mission.

Skills

Analytical skills

Legal writing

Independent work

Oral communication

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

About the Office

The mission of the National Security Division (NSD) is to coordinate the Department's efforts in preventing and combating terrorism and protecting national security. NSD provides legal and policy advice on national security matters, litigates counterterrorism, counter‑espionage, and foreign intelligence surveillance matters, represents the Government before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) and other federal trial and appellate courts, and conducts oversight of the activities of various Intelligence Community agencies.

Job Description

Serve as an NSD Office of the Attorney General (OGC) Attorney primarily assigned to the NSD Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Unit. The attorney will work on matters of national and international scope that involve balancing public access with protecting national security and effective law enforcement.

• Coordinate across inter‑agency partners, focusing on Intelligence Community components and DOJ civil litigators from the Civil Division’s Federal Programs branch and U.S. Attorneys’ offices nationwide.
• Provide legal advice, consult, and coordinate with personnel in DOJ and other federal agencies on issues at the intersection of national security and civil litigation, emphasizing FOIA and other information‑disclosure matters.
• Draft, edit, and review legal documents—including briefs and declarations—relating to FOIA and Privacy Act cases in litigation and keep NSD and Department senior management apprised of litigation status.
• Advise on the development and establishment of FOIA/Privacy Act policies and procedures to identify and address significant issues.
• Support the NSD Records Unit by providing legal guidance on pre‑publication review, classification reviews affecting FOIA requests, and records and information‑retention matters.
• Assist the NSD FOIA Unit, the NSD Records Unit, and the NSD General Counsel as needed to advance the NSD mission.
• Assist with other OGC responsibilities as assigned.

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, including a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a one‑year probationary period.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959; those not registered must have an approved exemption on file.
• Financial disclosure may be required in accordance with DOJ and federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree with at least three years of post‑J.D. experience, be an active member of a bar in any jurisdiction, and have superior academic credentials. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical and writing skills and the ability to work independently in a demanding environment. Experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required. Candidates selected for an attorney position with NSD are expected to make a three‑year commitment to NSD and personally volunteer for Department‑wide initiatives, special projects, and division initiatives.

Must be able to meet JMD and NSD suitability criteria, obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance, and pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and for subsequent periodic screening. This position is mission essential; most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty in person at all times, including emergencies, regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, or weather conditions.

Additional Information

Salary (2025):
GS‑13 $121,785 – $158,322 per annum
GS‑14 $143,913 – $187,093 per annum
GS‑15 $169,279 – $197,200 per annum

Number of Positions: One

Travel: Occasional travel may be required.

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses are not authorized.

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.