Summary
Attorneys working in PCLU apply their expertise, skills, and education to protect the nation by providing legal advice and counsel across all FBI investigative and intelligence collection programs. These attorneys ensure that FBI activities comply with the U.S. Constitution, federal privacy laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974 and Section 208 of the E-Government Act, executive actions, regulations, and policies.
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
- Consults and provides comprehensive legal guidance to FBI clients on issues related to privacy and civil liberties;
- Reviews and edits privacy documentation and information sharing agreements submitted by clients;
- Drafts memos, policies, and other documents for FBI executive management, ensuring compliance with law and policy;
- Briefs FBI executive management on issues related to privacy and civil liberties;
- Conducts training for FBI personnel on privacy and civil liberties matters;
- Supports the component's Privacy and Civil Liberties Officer, who is responsible for ensuring component-wide compliance with information privacy and civil liberties mandates; and
- Develops and evaluates legislative, regulatory, and other policy proposals that implicate privacy issues.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- Must be a U. S. citizen.
- Must be able to obtain a Top-Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
- Selectee will be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to 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.
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
The FBI's OGC is seeking a highly qualified attorney with privacy and civil liberties experience to join its exciting and challenging legal practice. OGC provides legal advice on a wide range of substantive issues to the entire FBI, including the Director, FBI Headquarters officials and personnel, and agents and professional staff in the 55 domestic field offices. OGC works closely with other elements of the Department of Justice, other members of the Intelligence Community, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and the White House. OGC also assists the FBI in forming partnerships with other federal, state, local, and international agencies, as well as private sector entities, in support of FBI operations.
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.
While not a mandatory requirement, a candidate with significant US government privacy experience, whether in law enforcement, the Intelligence Community, or other federal agencies, would be especially valuable and likely to succeed in the role. The resume and supporting documentation will determine whether the candidate meets the job qualifications listed in this announcement. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements at the time of application.
Applicants deemed most competitive will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration.
All applicants are rated on the following competencies:
- Analytic Thinking
- Communication
- Governance and Legal Jurisprudence
- Leadership
- Oral/Written Communication
- Research
Required Documents
- Your cover letter and resume
- A writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages
- Proof of current and active bar association membership
- Copy of Law School Transcripts
- Current SF-50 (if external government employee)
- DD 214 (proof of Veteran's Preference, if applicable)
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_MH_PCLU_2026_External/Internal)
Step 3: Submit the completed application email to OGC-JOBS@fbi.gov.
How to Apply
To apply for the Attorney (Privacy and Civil Liberties) 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.