Closing Date: 30th September, 2026
Description:
Job Description:OIP is hiring an Attorney-Advisor to be assigned to its Administrative Appeals Staff. Primary duties of this position include the adjudication of appeals from Department component FOIA determinations. The incumbent will perform varied legal work involving the interpretation and application of laws, executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices relating to the FOIA.
Specific responsibilities may include:
- Recommending proposed actions to be taken in the adjudication of administrative FOIA appeals by reviewing the administrative record and evaluating actions taken by Department of Justice components in processing initial FOIA requests;
- Conducting legal research and providing legal advice to a wide variety of federal agencies involving inquiries and assignments related to the application of FOIA and Privacy Act access laws;
- Developing a mastery of assigned area(s) of expertise and updating corresponding section(s) of the United States Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act;
- Encouraging FOIA compliance by components of the Department of Justice;
- Providing instructional training and guidance to various federal Departments regarding compliance with the FOIA; and
- Providing written and oral legal advice to litigators or periodically serving as litigators in defending certain FOIA lawsuits.
Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
Preferred qualifications: It is preferred that applicants have knowledge of and a demonstrated interest in the Freedom of Information Act and have administrative law and/or civil litigation experience. Candidates must have at least one-year FOIA processing / FOIA litigation experience to qualify at the GS-13 level. Promotion potential to a GS-14.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, tax and credit checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. Applicants will be required to qualify for a Top Secret security clearance.
Salary:
GS-12 - GS-13 ($102,415 - $158,322) with promotion potential to a GS-14 ($143,913 - 187,093)
See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2025/DCB.pdf
Number of Positions
One
Travel:
Very limited travel may be associated with this position.
Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
