Ethics Attorney

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of General Counsel is seeking an experienced Ethics Attorney in Washington, DC. The role focuses on providing ethics advice to VA senior leaders, conducting COI/FCOI analyses, and reviewing CFD/PFD disclosures to strengthen public trust.

The attorney will advise on federal ethics statutes, develop ethics training, and support ongoing compliance efforts across a high‑impact, mission‑driven environment within the nation’s second‑largest federal agency.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Demonstrated experience providing ethics advice, particularly in a government or regulated environment.
• Prior experience with COI/FCOI analysis, financial disclosure review, or federal ethics programs strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and advisory skills.
• Ability to collaborate closely with senior officials in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert ethics advice and counseling to senior VA leaders.
• Conduct Conflict of Interest (COI) and Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) analyses, including recommending corrective actions where appropriate.
• Review and analyze OGE Form 450 Confidential Financial Disclosure (CFD) and OGE Form 278 Public Financial Disclosure (PFD) reports.
• Advise on statutory requirements under Title 18, U.S.C. §§ 201–209, including prohibited activities and criminal conflict‑of‑interest provisions.
• Develop and deliver ethics training to VA staff and leadership.
• Support ongoing compliance efforts that protect the integrity of VA operations and strengthen public trust.

Skills

Ethics advisory experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Advisory capabilities

Collaboration with senior officials

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of General Counsel

Location: Onsite-VA Central Office (VACO), Washington, DC

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About the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC)

The Office of General Counsel plays a pivotal role in fulfilling the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) mission to serve our nation’s Veterans and their families. OGC provides trusted legal counsel that directly supports the delivery of healthcare, benefits, and services to millions of Veterans across the country. By safeguarding integrity, strengthening compliance, and advising senior leadership, OGC ensures that VA operations honor the values and sacrifices of those who have served.

OGC’s Ethics Specialty Team is seeking experienced attorneys to join our team in Washington, DC. This is a high‑impact role working directly with Senior Leadership in the nation’s second‑largest federal agency. Candidates will support essential ethics programs that uphold transparency, prevent conflicts, and reinforce the trust placed in the VA by Veterans and the public.

This position offers an opportunity to meaningfully shape ethical decision‑making at the highest levels of government; supporting leaders who serve our Veterans every day.

As an OGC Ethics Attorney, you will:

• Provide expert ethics advice and counseling to senior VA leaders.
• Conduct Conflict of Interest (COI) and Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI) analyses, including recommending corrective actions where appropriate.
• Review and analyze OGE Form 450 Confidential Financial Disclosure (CFD) and OGE Form 278 Public Financial Disclosure (PFD) reports.
• Advise on statutory requirements under Title 18, U.S.C. §§ 201–209, including prohibited activities and criminal conflict‑of‑interest provisions.
• Develop and deliver ethics training to VA staff and leadership.
• Support ongoing compliance efforts that protect the integrity of VA operations and strengthen public trust.

Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Demonstrated experience providing ethics advice, particularly in a government or regulated environment.
• Prior experience with COI/FCOI analysis, financial disclosure review, or federal ethics programs strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and advisory skills.
• Ability to collaborate closely with senior officials in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

Why Join OGC?

• Compressed and/or flexible work schedules.
• Clear advancement pathways to GS‑15 and Senior Executive Service roles.
• Access to OGC-sponsored CLE opportunities.
• Regular collaboration with senior VA leaders on high‑impact initiatives.
• Annual bar dues paid (subject to budget).
• Thrift Savings Plan with matching (401(k) equivalent).
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.