Assistant General Counsel (FOIA)

Closing Date: 27th November, 2026

Description:

About the Office:
The Legal Administrative Branch of the Office of General Counsel encompasses the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) Section. This section is responsible for processing requests for documents pursuant to the FOIA/PA, as well as related litigation.

Attorneys working in the FOIA Section apply their expertise, skills, and education to serve as agency counsel in defending the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) in FOIA lawsuits brought by private parties and public interest groups seeking records of BOP operations and activities. Attorneys regularly handle litigation seeking sensitive records within the agency's possession and also serve as subject matter experts and provide legal and policy guidance to officials at all levels within the BOP with regard to its FOIA program and other issues of public access to the BOP information and records.

Job Description:
The incumbent exercises discretion and independent judgment in the applications of laws and executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices related to the FOIA/PA. The incumbent will be expected to provide expert legal advice and guidance on an array of information access issues to the highest levels of BOP management. The incumbent will work with Central Office, regional and institution management and line staff with respect to litigation affecting the BOP, as well as working with the United States Attorney's Offices. The incumbent should have knowledge of the FOIA/PA practice, procedure, and law, responding directly to complex and high profile FOIA/PA requests, and will participate as agency counsel in FOIA/PA related litigation. Incumbent will liaise with the Department of Justice's Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties on Privacy Act-related issues, which include component reporting requirements and legal requirements to create and/or maintain Systems of Records. Incumbent will review records in-depth for consultation and disclosure determinations, draft declarations and Vaughn indexes. Incumbent will assist FOIA/PA's Supervisory Attorney in approving documents for release pursuant to non-BOP audits by the Government Accounting Office, Office of Inspector General, and pursuant to the Federal Information Security Management Act.

Locations: There are two possible locations for this vacancy (Washington, D.C. or Annapolis Junction, MD. You may apply for multiple locations at the same time by noting your interest in your cover letter.

Qualifications:
Required qualifications: Applicants must have a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Preferred qualifications: Prior experience in FOIA/PA matters is preferred, but not required.

Application Process:
Applicants must submit a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, resume (not to exceed two pages), law school transcripts, writing sample, and a list of legal references by November 27, 2026 to Chung-Hi Grace, Associate General Counsel, at chyoder@bop.gov. Please include in the subject line "FOIA Attorney - November 2026."

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 disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Salary:
Number of Positions
Travel:
Some travel may be required.
Not authorized.

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