Become an Attorney Adviser with the Department of Health and Human Services
Are you a dedicated legal professional looking to use your skills to make a lasting impact on public health? The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office of the General Counsel (OGC), is offering a unique opportunity for qualified attorneys to join their ranks. As an Attorney Adviser, you will provide critical legal counsel that shapes the policies and operations of the nation's primary health protection agency.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Adviser, your duties will be broad and intellectually stimulating. You will:
- Provide legal advice on complex regulatory and administrative issues.
- Support the development of departmental programs and policies.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure legal compliance.
- Assist in high-profile legal matters affecting national health interests.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Attorney Adviser |
| Grade Level | GS-15 |
| Salary Range | $147,945 - $192,331 |
| Agency | HHS - Office of the General Counsel |
| Locations | Multiple (DC, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, etc.) |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited law school.
- Bar Admission: Current, active bar membership in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: A minimum of 4 years of professional legal experience, including 1 year at the GS-14 level (or equivalent).
Benefits
Federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Generous retirement planning through FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan.
- Potential incentives for relocation or recruitment.
- A commitment to work-life balance through telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Ensure your resume clearly lists the month and year for every job you have held.
- Quality Over Quantity: While you must be detailed, keep your resume strictly to the two-page limit.
- Tailor Your Content: Do not simply copy the job announcement; articulate how your specific achievements qualify you for the role.
Serving as an Attorney Adviser at the Department of Health and Human Services is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the public good. If you meet the rigorous qualifications and are ready to tackle the challenges of federal legal practice, we encourage you to submit your application through the official HHS portal.
Why This Attorney Adviser Job Matters
Shape the future of public health policy as a legal advisor for the Department of Health and Human Services.
Attorney Adviser Job Overview
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking experienced legal professionals for the position of Attorney Adviser. This public notice serves to identify qualified candidates to provide high-level legal counsel and representation across various critical HHS departments. Candidates will play a pivotal role in supporting the agency’s mission to protect the health and safety of all Americans through rigorous legal advocacy and advisory services.
Requirements for Attorney Adviser
- Possession of a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Current, active membership in the bar of any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any U.S. territory.
- Minimum of four years of professional legal experience gained post-bar admission.
- At least one year of professional legal experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
- Proof of eligibility to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction as a continuing condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Adviser
- Demonstrated expertise in administrative or federal law.
- Strong analytical and research capabilities applied in a regulatory environment.
- Proven track record of managing complex legal projects with minimal oversight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored for executive-level advising.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- ✓Generous retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives based on fund availability.
- ✓Flexible work options including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Attorney Adviser Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Adviser Job
- Review the specific duties on the OGC official careers website.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting exact dates of employment and hours worked per week.
- Submit your complete application package via the official HHS/OGC portal link.
- Upload required documentation, including law school transcripts.
- Complete the application questionnaire ensuring all responses align with your resume.
💡 General Tips
- Utilize the USAJobs Resume Builder to ensure all mandatory employment data is captured accurately.
- Ensure your resume includes clear start and end dates (MM/YY) for all positions held.
- Avoid copying the job announcement text into your resume; focus on your unique contributions and responsibilities.
- Double-check your document lengths; strictly adhere to the two-page limit.
- Explain any volunteer or unpaid legal experience that demonstrates the required competencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit more than two pages for my resume?
No, the application instructions strictly limit the resume length to a maximum of two pages. Exceeding this limit may result in your disqualification.
Are there specific requirements for foreign education?
Yes, if you obtained your law degree abroad, you must provide documentation from an accredited evaluation service proving its equivalency to a U.S. degree.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is telework-eligible, though specific arrangements are subject to agency policy and supervisory approval.
Is a drug test required?
While the agency is a drug-free workplace, specific screening requirements for this role are noted as not required in the current announcement.
What if I have foreign education?
You must obtain an evaluation from a professional service to prove equivalency to a U.S. law degree.
Job from Office Of The Secretary Of Health And Human Services
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the principal federal agency tasked with protecting the health of all Americans. From medical research to human services programs, the work conducted at HHS touches the lives of every citizen. The Office of the General Counsel serves as the heartbeat of this organization, providing essential legal representation and advisory services to the Secretary of HHS and various agency divisions.