Attorney-Adviser

Offices, Boards and Divisions • Washington, DC

5d

About The Position

This position is in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Policy (OLP), which develops and implements significant Department policy initiatives, handles policy projects involving multiple Department components, and serves as a primary policy advisor to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. OLP also reviews and coordinates Department and component regulations, evaluates draft regulations from other agencies, and supports the federal judicial nomination and confirmation process.

The Attorney-Adviser will serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel, performing legal work involving the interpretation and application of law, Departmental policy and legislative proposals, and oversight of key areas of responsibility. The role addresses a broad range of legal issues connected to the Department’s policy work and may involve substantial collaboration with Department components and other Executive Branch agencies on policy, legislation, and regulation. Projects may include conducting internal inquiries, reviewing documents, preparing reports, researching legal issues, and evaluating updates to Department policies and procedures. The work may also involve regulations and judicial nominations, and requires willingness to address topics outside the attorney’s area of expertise.

The position requires a J.D., at least two years of post-J.D. legal practice, strong research and writing skills, and active membership in a state or District of Columbia bar. Prior work in or with federal government agencies is helpful. Experience in criminal law and/or emerging technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Super Intelligence is strongly preferred. The selected candidate must obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (Top Secret SCI) security clearance. Salary is determined by current salary and years of experience, with a stated range of GS-13 through GS-15. The announcement states that travel and relocation expenses are not provided.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• At least two years of post-J.D. experience practicing law.
• Active membership in the bar of any state or the District of Columbia.
• Strong legal research and writing skills.
• Ability to communicate complicated policy matters clearly and succinctly.
• Must be a United States citizen or national.
• Must obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (Top Secret SCI) security clearance.
• Must complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959, unless an approved exemption is on file.
• May be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
• May be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and federal ethics guidelines.
• Must be willing to work on topics outside a specific area of expertise.

Nice To Haves

• Prior work in or with federal government agencies is helpful.
• Experience with criminal law and/or emerging technologies such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Super Intelligence is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and apply provisions of law in connection with Department work.
• Contribute to the formulation of Departmental policy and legislative proposals and provide general oversight of key areas of responsibility.
• Assist with a wide range of legal issues relevant to the Department’s policy work.
• Collaborate with Department components and other Executive Branch agencies on policy, legislative, and regulatory issues.
• Conduct internal inquiries, review documents, and write reports on findings as projects require.
• Conduct legal research and provide solutions or responses to legal issues.
• Evaluate and recommend updates to Department policies and procedures to better reflect Department priorities.
• As needed, assist with work relating to regulations and judicial nominations.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree