Attorney-Adviser (General) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. OLC-26-12870380-DE Department Offices, Boards and Divisions
Salary $121,785.00 to $197,200.00 Grade 13 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/20/2026 Close Date 2/4/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The position is located in Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) which is responsible for reviewing and commenting on the constitutionality of pending legislation. All executive orders and substantive proclamations issued by the President are reviewed by OLC for form and legality. The Office reviews all proposed orders of the Attorney General including regulations that require the Attorney General's approval.


This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

This position is being advertised under delegated examining procedures and is open to all U.S. Citizens.

Duties

The Office of Legal Counsel, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking highly qualified attorneys to serve as Attorney-Advisers in Washington, D.C. The Office's principal function is to assist the Attorney General in fulfilling the role of legal adviser to the President and Executive Branch agencies. For more information, please visit OLC's internet website, http://www.usdoj.gov/olc/.

OLC's responsibilities include the following:

  • Advising the Attorney General, the Counsel to the President, the General Counsels of executive departments and agencies, and the various components of the Department of Justice on constitutional and statutory matters.
  • Resolving legal disputes within the Executive Branch through the issuance of authoritative legal opinions.
  • Reviewing for constitutionality proposed legislation.
  • Reviewing for form and legality all executive orders and substantive proclamations and memoranda proposed to be issued by the President as well as all Attorney General Orders including regulations that require the Attorney General's approval.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) and have at least one year of post-J.D. legal experience.

OLC is highly selective in its hiring because OLC attorneys handle some of the most difficult and important legal issues confronting the Executive Branch. The ideal candidate would have exceptional academic credentials, a judicial clerkship or comparable experience, a strong background in constitutional law, outstanding legal research and writing skills, and the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

GS-0905-13 to 15$121,785 - $197,200 (Salary includes locality pay)

This position is subject to the availability of funds at the time a hiring decision is made.


EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy

Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants must submit the following documents via email: 1) a resume; 2) a cover letter addressing the qualifications listed above; 3) a writing sample; 4) a law school transcript; 5) a copy of your most recent performance rating (if applicable); and 6) a copy of your most recent non-award SF-50 (if applicable).


Please submit all documents to OLCRecruit@usdoj.gov.

Applications received after 11:59PM on February 4, 2026, will not be considered.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents via email: 1) a resume; 2) a cover letter addressing the qualifications listed above; 3) a writing sample; 4) a law school transcript; 5) a copy of your most recent performance rating (if applicable); and 6) a copy of your most recent non-award SF-50 (if applicable).

How to Apply

Submit all your required documents and/or questions to OLCRecruit@usdoj.gov.

Applications received after 11:59PM on February 4, 2026, will not be considered.

Agency contact information

Rhonda Douglas
Email
Rhonda.D.Douglas@usdoj.gov
Address
Office of Legal Counsel
2 Constitution Square
145 N Street NE
Room 9W.300
Washington, DC 20530
US

Next steps

Please submit all documents to OLCRecruit@usdoj.gov.

Applications received after 11:59PM on February 4, 2026, will not be considered.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


© 2006-2026, exclusive of U. S. government job opportunity announcements