Attorney Advisor (General)

Office of the General Counsel • Juneau, AK

8h

About The Position

This position is with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC), providing professional legal services to major USDA components and agencies. Attorneys advise on legal issues arising from Forest Service management of National Forest System lands and support other USDA agencies on natural-resources-related matters. Positions may be filled at the GS-11, GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14 level; higher-level incumbents are expected to handle greater complexity and work with greater independence.

The work spans natural resources and environmental law, contracts, torts, real property, administrative law, and criminal law. Attorneys provide legal advice and litigation support, work with the Department of Justice on Forest Service litigation in federal courts, represent the Forest Service before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and review or draft agreements and other legal documents. They may also analyze Forest Service claims for damages, refer claims for litigation, and adjudicate administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

The role involves mastering complex facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often on short timelines. Attorneys collaborate with OGC colleagues nationwide, agency personnel, and Department of Justice attorneys. The practice emphasizes collegiality, learning, problem-solving, and opportunities to take on new challenges.

This is an open-continuous announcement, with an initial cutoff date of November 21, 2026, and additional cutoffs monthly thereafter. Selectees receive a career or career-conditional appointment in the competitive service. Incentives may be authorized. Salary varies by duty-location locality adjustment; advertised rates represent base pay. The position is represented by AFGE Local 1106.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a full course of study at an American Bar Association-accredited law school and a first professional law degree (LLB or JD); a law school transcript is required.
• Current good-standing membership in the bar of a U.S. state or territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Demonstrated legal research experience, excellent writing and communication skills, and a strong employment performance and academic record.
• For GS-12, at least one year of relevant post-JD legal experience.
• For GS-13, at least two years of relevant post-JD legal experience.
• For GS-14, at least three years of relevant post-JD legal experience.
• For levels above GS-11, progressively responsible litigation experience, including experience directing case strategy, representing a client in federal court, and managing litigation phases; natural-resource litigation is preferred.
• For levels above GS-11, progressively responsible experience providing legal analysis, opinions, and advice on complex matters and drafting and revising contracts, agreements, and other legal instruments.
• Applicants must document qualifying experience in their resume or supporting documents.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and E-Verify employment verification.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; selectees are subject to a National Agency Check and Inquiry and credit report for GS-13 and GS-14 positions.
• Selectees must submit Form OGE-450 within 30 days of initial appointment and annually thereafter.

Nice To Haves

• Strong interest in federal natural resources law and an exceptional academic background.
• Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with civil litigation.
• Knowledge of natural resources law, environmental law, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Relevant subject-matter experience, such as environmental law or real-property transactions, or relevant legal skills such as litigation experience.
• Intellectual curiosity, motivation, creative problem-solving, and ability to work collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on management of National Forest System lands under applicable federal laws and regulations.
• Provide litigation support and work with the Department of Justice on affirmative and defensive Forest Service litigation in federal courts.
• Draft, review, and revise contracts, permits, leases, memoranda, and other agreements.
• Represent the Forest Service before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
• Analyze, resolve, and refer for litigation Forest Service affirmative claims for damages arising from contract breaches, statutory violations, negligence, and wildfire-related matters.
• Review claims, evidence, and agency recommendations, and adjudicate administrative claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
• Advise supervisors and OGC senior leadership on litigation decisions, settlements, and appeals.
• Provide legal advice and litigation support on complex matters involving applicable federal and state laws governing National Forest System lands.
• Advise on real estate acquisition and landownership matters, including title, boundary, access, easements, due diligence, appraisal, valuation, land exchanges, trespass, and unauthorized activities.
• Review and advise on Forest Service decisions involving mineral operations, surface-use authorizations, and related environmental compliance, coordinating with the Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies as appropriate.
• Draft, edit, and revise motions and briefs; negotiate with counsel for outside stakeholders; and advise Forest Service and Departmental leadership.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
• Incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

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