Attorney-Adviser (General)

Defense Logistics Agency; Fort Belvoir (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Logistics Agency seeks an Attorney-Adviser (General) at GS-15 to provide expert legal guidance on acquisition and intellectual property matters. The role requires a JD/LL.B, active bar status, and 3+ years of relevant federal-level experience.

The successful candidate will navigate complex contracts, advise senior officials, and contribute to high-stakes procurement and IP strategies within DoD guidelines.

Qualifications

• First professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.).
• Bar admission and good standing with the state/DC bar; include certificate of good standing dated within 6 months.
• 3+ years of professional legal experience at the GS-15 level equivalent; evaluation based on duties and competencies.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative legal advice on Acquisition and Intellectual Property law issues.
• Advise on contracts, FAR/DFARS, and complex federal acquisitions.
• Represent the agency in court, negotiations, and advisory proceedings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Oral & written communication

Legal research

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. or LL.B.

Tools

Bar admission processes

Job description

See below for important information regarding this job. The duty location will be in the Office of General Counsel-DLA General Counsel -Headquarters, Fort Belvoir, VA.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED for the Attorney-Adviser (General) GS-0905-15

1. The first professional law degree (LLB. or J.D.);
2. Proof that you are licensed and a member in good standing with the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. Annual bar certification cards issued from your state of licensure are not considered acceptable. Proof is a "certificate of good standing" issued by your state of licensure dated within 6 months of the closing date of this announcement or a screenshot of your bar status taken from your state of licensure website that is dated within 6 months of the closing date of this announcement or sworn statement to that effect. If there is not a date on the screen shot, you must provide a statement signed by you on the date that the screen shot was created. The successful applicant selected for employment must provide a "certificate of good standing" issued by their respective bar showing they are in good status and in active status prior to appointment.
3. In addition to 1 and 2 (listed above), each grade level has the following qualification requirements: To Qualify at the GS-15 Level: You must possess professional legal experience in excess of 3 years commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. In accordance with DoDI 1442.2 (Personnel Actions Involving Civilian Attorneys), promotion for this position is based on the individual's time, performance, and mastery of skills at the required grade level and only with approval of the designated official (DLA General Counsel) in accordance with the applicable regulation. The legal experience described in your application package or resume will be evaluated and screened for competencies required to perform the duties of the position as described in the Major Duties section of this announcement. The QUALITY of experience will be evaluated and screened to determine how closely or to what extent your experience, education, and training are relevant to the duties and responsibilities of the announced position. Your application package or resume must demonstrate you have the competencies and quality of experience necessary to successfully perform the work of the position at the appropriate grade level.

PRINCIPAL SELECTION FACTORS

The following factors will be used to evaluate the suitability of candidates for this position.

1. Preferred that the candidate is actively registered as a patent attorney before the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
2. Acquisition and Intellectual Property Law experience.
3. At least one year of relevant experience at the next lower federal grade is mandatory.
4. Equivalent military, state or private law experience may be substituted for federal service.
5. Demonstrated expert knowledge in the following areas:
   1. Department of War or other similar federal agency acquisition process, such as FAR and DFARS, preferably including experience with contract formation and administration of complex federal services and supply acquisitions, and research and development contracts/other transaction agreements,
   2. federal court and patent and trademark litigation and ADR,
   3. providing authoritative legal advice on a broad range of complex Acquisition and Intellectual Property Law issues and problems.
6. Experience defending challenges to acquisition decisions at the Contracting Officer, Agency, Government Accountability Office, Court of Federal Claims, Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, USPTO levels.
7. Excellent analytical ability, including issue identification, legal research, analysis of options, risk analysis, and creative problem solving.
8. Excellent communication skills and abilities (oral and written) . to articulate complex legal concepts clearly and persuasively to both legal and non-legal audiences.
9. Excellent legal and business judgment.
10. Excellent interpersonal skills and client relationships, and the ability to interact well with senior officials on controversial and sensitive issues.

Security Clearance: This position is designated Non-Critical Sensitive. If selected, you must obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. If you are unable to obtain this level of security clearance (as a result of undisclosed or disclosed background issues), within a reasonable period of time (as defined by the agency), the employment offer may be withdrawn. In addition, incumbent is subject to periodic re-investigation to maintain security eligibility in accordance with DoD 5200.2-R.