General Attorney (Assistant General Counsel)

Closing Date: 6th August, 2026

Description:

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.

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. See 28 C.F.R. 0.75-0.77. OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, agency organizational management, personnel, procurement, access to government records (FOIA and Privacy Act), security, and delegations of authority. OGC attorneys also represent 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, and personnel matters at the Merit Systems Protection Board, and they assist litigating divisions and U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) when JMD matters are in the federal courts.

Job Description:

• The primary duty of this position is to provide legal advice to JMD officials regarding JMD's responses to requests for government records under the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act. These requests may be submitted directly to JMD by the requester, or they may be the result of a referral or consultation request by another Department of Justice component. The incumbent also assists USAOs in the defense of FOIA litigation involving JMD in the federal courts. In addition, the incumbent reviews and provides advice regarding FOIA-related policies and the JMD FOIA program generally. This position plays a key role in ensuring that JMD's FOIA program performs at a high level in compliance with the law.
• This position reports to a JMD Deputy General Counsel. The incumbent may also have significant collaborative interaction with the General Counsel, other OGC attorneys, the JMD FOIA Office, the Office of Information Policy, 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, Department policy, and other applicable authorities to ensure that JMD's FOIA and Privacy Act responses and litigation positions are legally sound.
• The selectee may have opportunities to perform work in the office's other practice areas, as described above.

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 31, 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.
• Selective Service registration is required, see the "Additional Information" section for full details.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance.

Qualifications:
OGC is looking for candidates with experience and expertise related to the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act. The Office is interested in candidates with demonstrated ability to efficiently and thoroughly research and incisively analyze a 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, 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 to qualify for the position at the GS-15 level.

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:
Salary:
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.

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 tothe 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.

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: