Summary
Forensic Science Law attorneys work on a day-to-day basis with renowned FBI Laboratory experts in a wide variety of forensic disciplines: DNA, explosives, trace evidence, code breaking, firearms, and more. Embedded within one of the largest and most comprehensive crime laboratories in the world, FSLU attorneys are experts in legal issues related to forensic science.
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
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.
Internal to an agency
Current federal employees of the hiring agency that posted the job announcement.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Clarification from the agency
All U.S. Citizens.
Duties
Duties for this position will include but are not limited to:
- Providing legal advice to FBI CRM and field agents regarding IGG-related investigative activities.
- Advising on FBI CRM, FBI LD, prosecutors, and external partners on policy and strategy related to IGG, including investigative techniques, discovery and trial strategy, issues related to admissibility.
- Collaborating with DOJ and FBI CRM to develop and implement a strategy for the use of legal process.
- Reviewing, drafting, and advocating for IGG-related legislation;· Working with the FBI LD and DOJ to assess the feasibility of alternative databasing options.
- Implementing a national strategy related to the admissibility of advanced DNA evidence, collaborating closely with state and federal prosecutors admitting such evidence.
- Representing the FBI during interactions with other agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice on legal issues surrounding forensic science, and working cooperatively with other agencies to establish inter-agency agreements.
- Travel will be required.
Other legal duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U. S. citizen.
- Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret/SCI clearance.
- Selectee may be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
- Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450 annually.
The Department of Justice will approve candidates that are selected for this position.
Qualifications
GS-14: Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience.
GS-15: Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 5 years of experience as a federal or state prosecutor handling complex criminal cases.
- A passion for learning about novel and complex scientific and/or technical concepts.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and build strong relationships with a wide variety of people, especially scientific and/or technical subject matter experts.
- Experience litigating complex discovery challenges and familiarity with DOJ's Touhy process, helpful but required.
- Experience litigating challenges to the admissibility of forensic evidence, helpful but not required.
- Experience using DNA evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings helpful but not required.
- Experience providing legal training to prosecutors, law enforcement, or others.
- Ability to perform superior legal and factual analyses on complex issues.
- Excellent legal research, legal writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and environments.
Education
BASIC REQUIREMENT:
- Possess a law degree from an accredited American Bar Association law school; and
- Proof of active membership and good standing with any U. S. jurisdiction bar association
Positive Education Requirement: This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting proof of J.D. degree and proof of good standing with a U. S. jurisdiction bar association. Please see the "Required Documents: section of this announcement for additional information.
Education: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have a LLM degree or other graduate law school degree in additional to J.D.) and be an active member of a U.S. jurisdiction bar association.
Additional information
About the Office
The FBI's Office of the General Counsel (OGC) Forensic Science Law Unit (FSLU) is seeking a highly qualified attorney with an interest in DNA and significant prosecutorial experience to represent the FBI's cutting-edge Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) program. First used in 2018 to solve the Golden State Killer case, the IGG technique has grown to a nationwide investigative program of 200+ personnel that has solved more than 300 homicide and sexual assault cases to date. The program involves close collaboration with FBI CRM and the FBI Laboratory. This exciting and extremely rewarding portfolio involves a range of responsibilities, from advising on active criminal investigations, to providing critical advice to prosecutors across the country related to discovery and trial strategy, working with DOJ to develop legal strategy regarding legal process associated with the technique, and paving the way for courtroom admission of next generation of DNA evidence.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
All applicants are rated on the following competencies:
- Analytic Thinking
- Communication
- Governance and Legal Jurisprudence
- Leadership
- Oral/Written Communication
- Research
Required Documents
1. Your cover letter and resume, not to exceed 2 pages.
2. A writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages.
3. Proof of current and active bar association membership.
4. Copy of Law School Transcripts5. Current SF-50 (if external government employee).
6. DD 214 (proof of Veteran's Preference).
Please Note: FBI employees currently assigned to a General Attorney position do not need to provide Law School Transcripts or Proof of Bar association Membership.
Step 1: Create a new email and attach all required electronic documents. Include contact information (phone number) and a brief introduction (2-3) sentences in the body of the email.
Step 2: Title the subject of the email using the following format, indicating whether you are an internal or external candidate. (Example: OGC_FSLU_2026_External/Internal).
Step 3: Submit the completed application email to OGC-JOBS@fbi.gov
How to Apply
To apply for the Attorney (Forensic Science) position, please click here.
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, the FBI will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your status throughout the application process.