Attorney Adviser (Legal Affairs)

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) of the U.S. Department of Justice seeks an Attorney Adviser to review 925(c) firearms rights restoration applications, evaluate executive clemency petitions, and coordinate litigation activity affecting the Office.

The Adviser will also assist with FOIA/PA work and prepare high-quality written recommendations for DOJ leadership and the White House. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong legal research and writing skills, careful attention to

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of three years of post‑J.D. legal experience.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Review 925(c) firearms rights restoration applications and clemency petitions.
• Prepare and coordinate litigation activity impacting the Office.
• Assist with FOIA and Privacy Act work and provide detailed written recommendations.

Skills

Legal research

Strong writing skills

Judgment and discretion

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Location

145 N St. NE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20530 - United States

Application Deadline

Friday, October 30, 2026

About the Office

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President’s clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of the Attorney General in exercising clemency power.PARDON is the office designated to carry out this function under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General. PARDON receives petitions for executive clemency, initiates the necessary investigations, and prepares the recommendations for DOJ leadership and the President in the consideration of all forms of executive clemency, including commutation of sentence, pardon, reprieve, remission of fine, and commutation of the penalty of death. PARDON also investigates applications for the Restoration of Firearms Rights under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). For more information about the Office, please visit our Web page at https://www.justice.gov/pardon .

Job Description

PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Attorney Adviser, to perform duties, including reviewing 925(c) firearms rights restoration applications, evaluating executive clemency petitions, preparing and coordinating litigation activity impacting the Office, and assisting with the component’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) work. The Attorney Adviser will become familiar with all aspects of relief and executive clemency programs. Among other responsibilities, the Attorney Adviser will review and evaluate the merits of relief or clemency petitions, confer with officials of the DOJ and external agencies regarding relief or clemency applications, collect information and records related to the relief or clemency investigation, produce high-quality, detailed written recommendations, and advise the Pardon Attorney, the Deputy Attorney General, and the White House on the appropriate disposition of individual petitions for relief or clemency. Attorney Advisers will interact with petitioners and their legal representatives and must demonstrate a high level of commitment to professionalism, courtesy, and public service.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), have a minimum of three years ofpost-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen.

The work of the Attorney Adviser requires significant attention to detail and the ability to thoroughly evaluate large case files, identify relevant issues, and recommend decisions. In addition, excellent legal research and analyses, writing skills, and exemplary judgment and discretion are required. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage a significant caseload and work both independently and collaboratively. The Office places a premium on the commitment and ability to prioritize assignments and efficiently produce high-quality work, including substantial, appropriately focused, and well-written work products.

Applicants should also demonstrate compassion and the ability to undertake fair and balanced evaluations of applications submitted by Federal clemency and relief petitioners. This position is located in Washington, DC. This is NOT a fully remote position, and employees will be required to come into the office. An out-of-area applicant who is selected for this position will be expected to relocate at their own expense. This position is telework-eligible consistent with the Office’s telework policy.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in post-J.D., legal work. Practice experience in federal regulatory, privacy, FOIA, and criminal law, prior federal or administrative litigation experience, and excellent legal research and writing skills are strongly preferred qualifications.

Number of Positions

Up to 1.

Travel

Travel is not required for this position.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

The salary range for this position is GS-13/14/15.

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government;
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

This and othervacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships . The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.