General Attorney

Department of Energy Headquarters; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Hearings and Appeals seeks a GS-12 General Attorney to perform a broad range of professional legal work. The position involves conducting administrative hearings, reviewing and adjudicating administrative appeals, conducting mediations, and preparing rulings and decisions in complex matters.

You will assist Administrative Judges, draft decisions, analyze evidence, and research applicable law and precedents to support management review.

Qualifications

• Broad professional legal work involving administrative hearings, appeals, mediations and rulings.
• Drafts of decisions and management-review documents.
• Research of applicable law and precedents to support decisions.

Responsibilities

• Assist Administrative Judges in presiding over hearings and issuing rulings.
• Draft decisions resolving adjudicatory matters and motions.
• Analyze evidence and legal arguments, prepare conclusions for review.
• Research law and precedents, draft decisions for management review.

Skills

Draft decisions

Legal research

Analytical reasoning

Administrative hearings

Mediation and facilitation

Job description

This listing is a summary.

Open: October 20, 2026 — Closes: November 2, 2026

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Hearings and Appeals at the Department of Energy (DOE). This position has promotion potential to the General Attorney, GS-15. At this level, you will perform a broad variety of professional legal work that involves the conduct of administrative hearings, the review and adjudication of administrative appeals, the conduct of mediations and facilitations, and the preparation of rulings and decisions in a wide array of complex legal matters.

Major Duties

As a GS-12 General Attorney you will: Assist Administrative Judges who preside over administrative hearings. Draft decisions resolving adjudicatory matters such as requests for evidentiary hearings, petitions for review of agency action, and complaints alleging retaliation for engaging in protected activity, as well as requests for extension of time, discovery, protective orders, and other motions. Analyze evidence, testimony, and legal arguments. Research applicable law and legal precedents and draft decisions for management review.

• whistleblower cases under 10 CFR Part 708 alleging improper action against a contractor employee who reports of violation of the law, waste, fraud, mismanagement, or matters of health/safety
• security clearance cases under 10 CFR Part 710 concerning whether to deny or revoke a security clearance for a federal or contractor employee
• Human Reliability Program cases under 10 CFR Part 712 ensuring the physical/mental suitability of individuals with access to certain materials, nuclear explosive devices, facilities, and programs.

Manage complex or precedential cases in which DOE procedural regulations do not provide for Administrative Judges, including but not limited to, requests and appeals of Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act determinations issued by DOE offices. Serve as a mediator regarding disputes between and among agency and contractor employees. Handle complex or precedential special duties relating to office work and will provide mentorship and guidance to and serve as a legal resource for other office attorneys. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy