Attorney-Adviser (General)

Closing Date: 9th February, 2026

Description:

Summary:
OIG is organized into six operational units: the Immediate Office of the Inspector General, Office of the Counselor, Office of Audits and Evaluations, Office of Healthcare Inspections, Office of Investigations, and Office of Management and Administration. In addition to the Washington, DC, headquarters, OIG has offices located in more than 60 locations throughout the country.

Duties:
As an Attorney-Adviser (General), you will:

• Provide assistance to U.S. Attorneys and DOJ attorneys in the preparation and conduct of criminal and civil proceedings involving VA incumbents, incumbents of other Government agencies, and others when the interests of VA are involved.
• Provide advice and assistance in connection with OIG's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) program
• FOIA/PA compliance functions, including the IG Act, the Federal criminal code, and statutes and regulations governing Department programs and operations
• Assist the Department of Justice in defending the VA OIG in litigation involving agency's release of information pursuant to FOIA and PA.

Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
The experience may have been gained in either the public, private sector or volunteer service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week on your résumé.

Key Requirements:

• Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.

Qualifications:
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Be a current member of a bar with a valid license to practice law in a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have four (4) or more years of post-J.D. legal experience, two of which were specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience must include:

• Representing Federal agencies or other parties in federal information litigation regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act in federal courts; AND
• Providing independent legal advice and guidance on federal information law matters including, but not limited to, FOIA requests, FOIA appeals, and Privacy Act issues.

Education:
Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of graduation (a copy of your transcript will be required if selected).

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. (http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx)

If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Refer to the OPM instructions. (https://careerconnector.treas.gov/careerconnector/announcement/oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=General-Policies)

Additional Information:

• We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies. Applicants who apply for this position may be considered for other positions within the Office of Inspector General that require the same knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• This is a non-bargaining unit position.
• We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.
• Office assignment may be at one of the locations listed on the announcement subject to availability and OIG management discretion.

Conditions of Employment (Continued):

• A two year trial period may be required. Continued employment is contingent upon supervisory certification that continued employment will benefit the Federal Service; the certification will occur no less than 30 days before the end of the probationary/trial period.
• Within 30 days prior to the end of a probationary trial period, it must be certified by your first and second level supervisor that your continued employment would benefit the Federal service, or your appointment will be terminated.
• Must successfully complete a background investigation.
• Public Trust - Background Investigation will be required.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
• Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/of0306.pdf) to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• Obtain and use a Government-issued purchase card for business-related travel.
• Undergo an income tax verification.

Additional Information:
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.

Benefits: