Closing Date: 5th October, 2026
Description:
Summary:The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a senior attorney and a principal legal advisor to the Twenty-First Air Force Commander and staff on a wide range of difficult and complex legal problems.
Duties:
- Serves as civil law subject matter expert and policy advisor. Accomplishes research and writing and provides advice on specialized projects across a broad spectrum of civil law areas, which often require an exceptionally high-level of legal training and experience.
- Serves as a principal advisor to the Twenty-First Air Force Commander, the Twenty-First Air Force Staff Judge Advocate, and headquarters staff in matters of general law without direct supervision. General law includes, but is not limited to, information and privacy law, including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act requests, Federal Information Security Management Act, records management law and policy, Privacy Act system of records, executive orders involving classification and declassification of records, regulation review and interpretation, creation and revision of Department of the Air Force Instructions and other publications, laws and regulations related to the protection of Personally Identifiable Information and required notifications, and commander authorities and responsibilities.
- Functions as the command's principal expert and legal authority on the most challenging fiscal and ethics law questions, developing and managing programs to ensure compliance and protect the integrity of the command's resources. The incumbent's work includes but is not limited to: Rendering conclusive legal opinions on the use of appropriated and non-appropriated funds for novel and exceptionally complex requirements.
- In coordination with Twenty-First Air Force Commander, the Twenty-First Air Force Staff Judge Advocate, and headquarters staff, independently conducts such investigations as are deemed appropriate, plans the approach, and develops the complete decision, report, opinion, legal instrument, or other product. Recognizes when the matter under discussion is of such precedent-setting nature or of such importance or delicacy that the advice must be cleared with Twenty-First Air Force Staff Judge Advocate, or more senior officials before it is delivered to the intended recipient(s).
- Serves as a principal advisor to the Twenty-First Air Force Commander, the Twenty-First Air Force Staff Judge Advocate, headquarters staff, and the USAF Expeditionary Center in international and domestic operations matters without direct supervision. Assists in reviewing, analyzing, and interpreting legislation, executive orders, directives, and regulations governing the operations, organization, and oversight of domestic and international operations law.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
- U.S. Citizenship is required
- If authorized, PCS will be paid IAW JTR and AF Regulations. If receiving an authorized PCS, you may be subject to completing/signing a CONUS agreement. More information on PCS requirements, may be found at: https://afciviliancareers.com/regulatory/
- Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov.
- Must adhere to the Air Force Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- May occasionally be required to work other than normal duty hours and/or Shift work may be required which may include overtime and/or irregular hours.
- Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft/vehicle to conferences, meetings, or functions away from the duty office/location. Travel may include overnight stays.
- Incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
- Attorney appointments are subject to serve a one-year probationary period.
- Candidates are not required to have active duty service or veterans' preference to be referred and considered. All qualified candidates who meet the recruitment assessment criteria will be referred to the selecting official.
- Depending on the type of position (competitive/excepted) you are selected for, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period OR 2-year trial period.
- Upon completion of your probationary/trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
- Leave accrual may be authorized upon request
- Advance in hire may be authorized if there is demonstrable proof on your resume.
- Conditions of Employment continued under Qualifications Tab.
Qualifications:
General Requirements:
- You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD).
- In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:
- Knowledge of federal and state administrative and general law, environmental law, labor law, contract law, fiscal law, and government ethics.
- Knowledge of the rules and procedures of courts and administrative bodies so that court dates, filing deadlines, and any litigation preparation suspense are met.
- Skill in conducting legal research and ability to analyze and address impacts to an installation of new developments and changes in law, regulations, and policies.
- Ability to communicate orally to effectively advocate the position of the Air Force, the installation, and supported agencies and organizations regardless of the forum.
- Ability to communicate effectively in written legal opinions, reviews, reports, correspondence, and litigation support documentation.
- Ability to prepare legal pleadings, briefs, legal memoranda, exhibits, and other litigation related documents.
At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application.
Part-Time or Unpaid Experience: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
Volunteer Work Experience: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Conditions of Employment Continued:
Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be currently licensed as an attorney in active (or equivalent) status. Must be in good standing with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth.
Education:
Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.
Additional Information:
Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information.
Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills.
120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur.
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
Incentives: Recruitment and/or r