Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Air Force
The PALACE Acquire Program presents a premier opportunity for recent law school graduates to transition from the classroom into a high-impact federal career. As an Attorney-Advisor intern with the United States Air Force, you will engage in challenging legal work that directly supports the nation's defense while receiving formal training and mentorship.
Job Responsibilities
Interns work under the guidance of Staff Judge Advocates to perform:
- Legal sufficiency reviews of policies and practices.
- Evaluation of government claims and risk assessments.
- Drafting legal documents and conducting policy research.
- Preparation of cases for administrative hearings.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a JD or LLB from an ABA-accredited school and maintain active, good standing with their state bar. Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) is highly weighted.
Comparison Table: Qualifications
| Qualification Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | ABA-Accredited Law Degree (JD/LLB) |
| Bar Status | Active and in good standing |
| Experience | Recent graduate (within 2 years) |
| Academic Merit | Upper third of class or high GPA |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive starting salary range between $73,939 and $137,000. Salaries are commensurate with the GS-11 level and include scheduled increases based on the two-year training progression.
Benefits
Participants enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement options, and a structured, 40-hour-per-year training curriculum designed to foster professional growth.
Application Tips
Ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages and clearly identifies employment dates and hours worked per week. Accuracy is paramount; omissions can lead to automatic disqualification.
Serving as an Air Force Attorney-Advisor is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence and national service. Apply today to secure your place in this competitive federal internship.
Why This Attorney Advisor Job Matters
Launch your legal career at the cutting edge of national security. The Air Force Civilian Attorney-Advisor Internship offers recent law school graduates a prestigious, structured path to becoming a permanent civilian attorney.
Attorney Advisor Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking motivated recent law school graduates for the PALACE Acquire Program. This intensive internship provides a unique platform to develop expertise in diverse legal fields—including administrative, contract, environmental, and international law—while working alongside experienced Staff Judge Advocates. You will transition from foundational legal tasks to complex, high-level counsel, ultimately preparing for a permanent, mission-critical role within the Air Force or Space Force.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor
- Completion of a full course of study at an ABA-accredited law school (JD or LLB).
- Must be a recent graduate (within the past two years) or eligible veteran (up to six years post-degree).
- Proof of active bar membership in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Submission of a professional resume, not to exceed two pages.
- Documentation of Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) as defined by program standards.
- Successful registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor
- Rank in the upper third of the graduating law school class.
- Significant achievement on a law review or scholarly journal.
- Membership in academic honor societies such as the Order of the Coif.
- Successful experience in competitive moot court programs.
- Demonstrated commitment through sustained legal aid participation or significant legal clerkships.
- Completion of an LL.M. degree requiring at least one year of graduate study.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Structured 2-year formal training and development plan.
- ✓Guaranteed yearly salary increases based on performance.
- ✓Comprehensive mentorship from senior Air Force attorneys.
- ✓Path to permanent federal civilian employment.
- ✓Access to federal health insurance and retirement programs.
- ✓Minimum of 40 hours of formal, interactive training per year.
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor Job
- Verify your eligibility and ensure your resume is under two pages.
- Create or update your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit your application and complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
- Visit the AF Civilian Careers website to complete the HireVue information prompt.
- Upload required documentation, including law school transcripts and proof of active bar status.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS applicant dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly includes hours worked per week and specific dates for all experience.
- Double-check your bar membership documentation; it must be dated within four months of your application.
- If claiming veteran preference, include all necessary forms like the SF-15 and DD-214.
- Review your resume for any prohibited personal information (e.g., age, religion, SSN) before uploading.
- Submit your materials early to allow sufficient time for technical processing and virus scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this specific internship position.
Can I apply if I have not yet passed the bar exam?
No. You must provide proof of active bar membership in good standing to qualify for this role.
Does this internship lead to permanent employment?
Yes, successful completion of the two-year PALACE Acquire Program, combined with satisfactory performance and meeting OPM standards, makes participants eligible for conversion to a permanent civilian attorney position.
What is the training duration?
The program follows a 2-year formal training plan.
Are transcripts required?
Yes, copies are required during the application phase, with official versions needed upon selection.
Job from Air Force Civilian Career Training
The Department of the Air Force manages a civilian workforce essential to global vigilance and power. As part of the Talent Readiness division, this program focuses on cultivating the next generation of civilian attorneys who will provide counsel on everything from international treaties to environmental compliance.