Attorney Advisor

DC Department of Human Resources; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The DC Office of Zoning (DCOZ) in Washington, DC seeks an Attorney Advisor in its Legal division to provide critical legal expertise on land use planning and zoning matters. You will research complex questions, interpret municipal codes, draft pleadings and memoranda, and advise the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment during hearings.

The role emphasizes accuracy, policy sensitivity, and timely guidance to advance District regulations.

Qualifications

• Education: LLB or JD from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active DC Bar membership or ability to waive in within 360 days of appointment.
• At least two years of post-J.D. professional legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and conduct extensive reviews of legal documents; prepare statements of reasons, memoranda, letters, and recommendations.
• Review statutes and regulations; draft amendments and new legislation as needed; support cases in hearings.
• Represent the agency in hearings and assist with litigation and FOIA requests; coordinate with DC officials and external parties on legal matters.

Skills

Legal analysis

Research

Communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) / LLB

Tools

None

Job description

Introduction

This position is located in the DC Office of Zoning (DCOZ), Legal division. The DC Office of Zoning’s mission is to provide administrative, professional, and technical assistance to the Zoning Commission (ZC) and the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).

The incumbent is responsible for providing critical legal expertise, analysis, and guidance on complex land use planning and zoning matters. Responsibilities include researching intricate legal questions, interpreting municipal zoning codes, and evaluating proposed orders, rulemakings, and amendments for legal sufficiency. The incumbent works closely with agency leadership, providing vital legal advice to support the Zoning Commission (ZC) and the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) during public hearings and administrative proceedings. Additionally, the Attorney Advisor drafts comprehensive pleadings, legal memoranda, and administrative summaries, while assisting with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and compliance to ensure transparency and full alignment with District regulations.

Duties And Responsibilities

Provides expert legal advice and conducts extensive reviews of various legal documents; and provides statements of reasons, drafts letters, memoranda, and recommendations. Responsible for consulting management and supervisors on legalities that affect their organization’s mission and provide clarification of policies, statutes and legislation.

Reviews and evaluates existing statutes and regulations to determine the need for new regulations or amendments or new administrative and enforcement procedures; and recommends changes and drafts of new legislation and amendments of the same as needed. Reviews cases and documents to ensure support of legal position. Represents the agency in hearings and prepares necessary documentation to support cases. Assists the Office and/or the Office of the Attorney General with litigation. Confers with, and incorporates the concerns of District Government officials, members of administrative bodies, and officials outside the District Government regarding actions taken against the District of Columbia. Keeps abreast of changes in laws and regulations related to the function of programs and recommends appropriate courses of action.

Qualifications & Education

Education: Must possess a LLB or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time of appointment.

Specialized Experience: Must have at least two (2) years of post J.D. professional legal experience.

Licensures & Certifications

Must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment. An appointee to the Legal Service position shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar during his/her employment in the Legal Service.

Work Conditions/Environment

The work is performed in a normal office setting.

Other Significant Facts

• Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Promotion Potential: No known promotion potential
• Duration of Appointment: Legal Service - Regular
• Pay Plan, Series, Grade: LA-0905-13
• Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under collective bargaining.
• Residency Requirement: Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
• EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.