Summary
OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, budget and financial management, agency organizational management, personnel, procurement, access to government records (FOIA and Privacy Act), security, and delegations of authority. OGC attorneys also litigate in administrative forums and assist litigating divisions and U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) when JMD matters are in the federal courts.
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 is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the How to Apply section below.
Duties
About the Office:
The Justice Management Division (JMD) is the administrative arm of the Department of Justice, headed by the Assistant Attorney General for Administration (AAG/A). The JMD Office of the General Counsel (OGC) functions as "in-house" counsel to the AAG/A, JMD managers, and senior Department leadership on a wide variety of matters relating to the organization, management, and administration of the Department. OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, budget and financial management, agency organizational management, personnel, vacancies and appointments, labor and employment, procurement and government contracts, access to government records (FOIA and Privacy Act), security, information technology, property, audits, travel, and delegations of authority. OGC attorneys also litigate in administrative forums and assist litigating divisions and U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) when JMD matters are in the federal courts.
Job Description:
This position reports to a JMD Deputy General Counsel. However, the incumbent also has significant collaborative interaction with the General Counsel, attorney colleagues in the office, and managers throughout JMD and the Department. The work of the attorney selected for this position involves research, review, and analysis of relevant statutes, regulations, administrative and judicial decisions, and other applicable authorities to defend the agency in administrative litigation and to provide legal advice or opinions to Department of Justice managers and offices to assist them to formulate administrative policy or to make difficult management decisions; providing written advice on the legal ramifications of new or proposed regulations; and reviewing agency policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance, recommending changes, as necessary.
The attorney chosen for this position may have opportunities to conduct or be involved in litigation, including representing the Department of Justice in bid protests at the Government Accountability Office, contract disputes at the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, employment discrimination matters at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, personnel and whistleblower matters at the Merit Systems Protection Board, and, as appropriate, to assist litigating divisions and USAOs when JMD matters are in the federal courts. The selectee may have opportunities to advise contracting personnel on an ongoing basis about Department procurements, and JMD managers on an ongoing basis regarding employment issues. The selectee may also have opportunities for involvement in cooperative work with attorneys and executives of other components and agencies regarding matters, initiatives, or projects of mutual concern or interagency responsibility.
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 two-year trial period.
- 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.
- This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance.
Qualifications
Qualifications:
OGC is looking for candidates with experience in one or more of OGC's practice areas, as listed above.
The Office is interested in candidates with demonstrated ability to efficiently and thoroughly research and incisively analyze a wide variety of complex issues; to express themselves clearly and persuasively in oral and written presentations; to exercise sound judgment; to manage a workload consisting of a number of varied projects, without specific guidelines and often with short deadlines; and to contribute to and work in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Applicants must be United States citizens, have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, be an active member in good standing of the bar of any state (or the District of Columbia), and have no less than four years post-J.D. legal experience.
Education
See Qualification section above for education requirement.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
Additional information
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.
Salary:
The salary range for the position is $169,279-$197,200 (GS-15). Current salary and years of experience are factors in determining the appropriate salary level.
Travel:
Travel is generally not required for successful performance of the duties of this position.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Number of Positions: One or more positions.
Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
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. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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.
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.
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.
Application Process:
To apply, interested individuals must submit the following documents via email to: JMDOGC_employment@usdoj.gov
- Cover letter that highlights qualifications and interest in the position;
- Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above;
- Copy of J.D. or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable);
- Proof of active bar membership;
- Most recent SF-50;
- A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years (if applicable);
- A list of at least three professional references;
- A brief writing sample or part of a longer writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages) that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis; and
- Copy of most recent performance appraisal or rating (federal employees only).
Note: Writing samples and performance appraisals may be redacted, as appropriate, to protect sensitive information.
Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:
- Official position title,
- Employer name and contact information,
- Start and end dates (including month and year),
- Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
- A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
Veterans' Preference documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:
(1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR
(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the
SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.
College Transcripts - If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Required Documents
It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility.
Application Process:
To apply, interested individuals must submit the following documents via email to: JMDOGC_employment@usdoj.gov
- Cover letter that highlights qualifications and interest in the position;
- Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above;
- Copy of J.D. or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable);
- Proof of active bar membership;
- Most recent SF-50;
- A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years (if applicable);
- A list of at least three professional references;
- A brief writing sample or part of a longer writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages) that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis; and
- Copy of most recent performance appraisal or rating (federal employees only).
Note: Writing samples and performance appraisals may be redacted, as appropriate, to protect sensitive information.
Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history:
- Official position title,
- Employer name and contact information,
- Start and end dates (including month and year),
- Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
- A list of duties performed and accomplishments.
Veterans' Preference documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit:
(1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR
(2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service.
If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the
SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15.
College Transcripts - If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
How to Apply
Application Process:
To apply, interested individuals must submit the following documents via email to: JMDOGC_employment@usdoj.gov
- Cover letter that highlights qualifications and interest in the position;
- Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above;
- Copy of J.D. or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable);
- Proof of active bar membership;
- Most recent SF-50;
- A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years (if applicable);
- A list of at least three professional references;
- A brief writing sample or part of a longer writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages) that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis; and
- Copy of most recent performance appraisal or rating (federal employees only).
Note: Writing samples and performance appraisals may be redacted, as appropriate, to protect sensitive information.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Need Help?
If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help
or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc.
Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement for assistance.
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)
We strive to extend a final offer of employment within 90 days from the close of this announcement. Additional selections may be made from this announcement.