Summary
By delegation from the Attorney General, the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) provides legal advice to the President and all executive branch agencies. The Office provides written opinions and other advice in response to requests from the Attorney General, the Counsel to the President, the General Counsels of the various agencies of the Executive Branch, and other components of the Department of Justice.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Clarification from the agency
This position is being advertised under delegated examining procedures and is open to all U.S. Citizens. Preference for eligible veterans will be applied.
Duties
The duties and responsibilities for a GS-0905-Attorney-Advisor-13-14-15 generally include, but are not limited to, 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.
- 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
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 Top-Secret security clearance.
You MUST meet all qualification requirements by 11:59pm June 24, 2026, Applications received after
11:59PM on June 24, 2026, will not be considered.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
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 dis-qualifi cation issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
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.
You MUST meet all qualification requirements by 11:59pm June 24, 2026, Applications received after 11:59PM on June 24, 2026, will not be considered.
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). Please submit all documents to OLCRecruit@usdoj.gov.
How to Apply
Please submit all documents to OLCRecruit@usdoj.gov by 11:59pm on June 24, 2026.
Next steps
For questions or further consideration, applicant should contact the program via OLCRecruit@usdoj.gov