General Attorney (Assistant General Counsel)

Closing Date: 10th September, 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. OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, budget and financial management, agency organizational management, personnel, vacancies and appointments, labor and employment, procurement and government contracts, access to government records (FOIA and Privacy Act), security, information technology, property, audits, travel, 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.

Job Description:
This position reports to a JMD Deputy General Counsel. However, the incumbent also has significant collaborative interaction with the General Counsel, attorney colleagues in the office, 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, and other applicable authorities to defend the agency in administrative litigation and to provide legal advice or opinions to Department of Justice managers and offices to assist them to formulate administrative policy or to make difficult management decisions; providing written advice on the legal ramifications of new or proposed regulations; and reviewing agency policies and procedures to ensure legal compliance, recommending changes, as necessary.

The attorney chosen for this position may have opportunities to conduct or be involved in litigation, including representing 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, personnel and whistleblower matters at the Merit Systems Protection Board, and, as appropriate, to assist litigating divisions and USAOs when JMD matters are in the federal courts. The selectee may have opportunities to advise contracting personnel on an ongoing basis about Department procurements, and JMD managers on an ongoing basis regarding employment issues. The selectee may also have opportunities for involvement in cooperative work with attorneys and executives of other components and agencies regarding matters, initiatives, or projects of mutual concern or interagency responsibility.

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.
• This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a Secret Security clearance.

Qualifications:
Qualifications:
OGC is looking for candidates with experience in one or more of OGC's practice areas, as listed above.

The Office is interested in candidates with demonstrated ability to efficiently and thoroughly research and incisively analyze a wide 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, without specific guidelines and 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.

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:
Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

Salary:
The 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 or more positions.

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 to the 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: