This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Federal employees - Excepted service
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Clarification from the agency
This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page.
Duties
About the Division:
The mission of the National Security Division is to protect the United States from threats to our national security by pursuing justice through the law. The NSD's organizational structure is designed to ensure greater coordination and unity of purpose between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, on the one hand, and intelligence attorneys and the Intelligence Community, on the other, thus strengthening the effectiveness of the federal government's national security efforts.
About the Section: The Law & Policy Section of the Office of Law & Policy develops and implements federal policy-both within the Department of Justice and with partner agencies across the Executive Branch-on a variety of national security issues, including intelligence activities, counterterrorism efforts, cyber matters, and issues relating to homeland defense and preparedness. The Law & Policy Section also provides legal assistance and advice on matters of national security law.
Job Description: The National Security Division's Office of Law & Policy is seeking an experienced attorney to serve in the position of Attorney Advisor. The Attorney will provide advice and analysis on legal and policy matters and will be involved in all aspects of developing federal policy on variety of national security issues. The issues may include complex and highly sensitive matters relating to counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber matters, biological and chemical threats, and threats posed by emerging technologies, among others. The Attorney will be responsible for representing the Department at interagency policy meetings. Responsibilities may also include reviewing proposed legislation, coordinating legislative policy within the Division, and delivering technical assistance on proposed legislation to Congressional staff.
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.
- You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
- 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
The Applicant must be a current Executive Branch attorney. Interested applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and have at least 3 years post J.D. experience. Applicants must be an active member of the bar in good standing (in any jurisdiction). Applicants must have a current performance appraisal of at least fully successful or excellent; and cannot be subject of a current or pending internal integrity or performance disciplinary action or investigation.
Applicants must possess a current Top-Secret/SCI security clearance or be able to obtain a TopSecret/SCI security clearance. Preference will be given to applicants with a current/active security clearance.
Education
Interested applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and have at least 3 years post J.D. experience.
Additional information
Salary Information: This is a reimbursable detail. Under a detail assignment, there is no change the selectee's base pay. The individual selected ideally will begin the tour of duty in late July 2026, though the start date is negotiable.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Relocation Expenses: Extended travel expenses (TDY) or Temporary Change of Station (TCS) expenses are not available for this position. Relocation expenses are not authorized.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Required Documents
- A cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience, describing your interest in oversight and compliance, and explaining how your professional experiences relate to the qualifications listed above.
- A copy of your resume.
- A writing sample (we encourage you to submit a legal memorandum or brief).
- A current performance appraisal (if a current performance appraisal is available).
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience, a copy of your resume (not to exceed two pages), and a current performance appraisal to NSD.Detail.Team@usdoj.gov with the subject line "L&P Detail - LAST NAME." No telephone calls please.
Next steps
This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Legal Careers| Department of Justice (
www.justice.gov/legal-careers)
You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list.