Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Secret Service

The U.S. Secret Service is one of the most distinguished law enforcement agencies in the world. While its agents are often in the spotlight, the backbone of its success lies in the dedicated legal professionals who ensure every operation, investigation, and protection mandate is carried out with complete legal integrity. If you are an experienced attorney looking to pivot into a high-impact federal role, the Office of the Chief Counsel is currently hiring for an Attorney-Adviser.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney-Adviser, you will handle diverse portfolios that directly affect the agency's success. Your typical duties will include:

Advising agency officials on the impacts of new legislation and court rulings.
Conducting in-depth legal research to support investigations.
Representing the agency in administrative litigation and assisting DOJ attorneys in federal court.
Drafting and reviewing contracts, regulations, and formal legal opinions.
Providing on-scene legal guidance during special events and incidents.

Requirements

To qualify for these GS-13/14 positions, candidates must possess:

Educational Background: A J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited school.
Licensure: An active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: 2–3 years of specialized professional legal experience post-degree.
Clearance: Ability to pass a Top-Secret Tier 5 security investigation.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this role is highly competitive, reflecting the expertise and security responsibilities required.

Grade	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-13/14	$121,785 – $187,093

Benefits

Federal employment with the DHS provides an unmatched suite of benefits, including:

Retirement: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan and federal pension plans.
Insurance: Robust health, vision, dental, and life insurance options.
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, federal holidays, and potential for flexible schedules.
Development: Tuition reimbursement and continuous professional training opportunities.

Application Tips

The 2-Page Rule: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. Do not exceed this, as your application will be automatically disqualified.
Documentation: Ensure all transcripts and bar certification documents are clearly legible and include necessary data points (GPA, graduation dates, etc.).
Essay Responses: Use the vacancy questionnaire to demonstrate your passion for public service.

Serving as an Attorney-Adviser for the U.S. Secret Service is more than just a job; it is a position of profound responsibility. If you are ready to apply your legal acumen to help protect the nation, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Attorney-Adviser Job Matters

Protect the nation's leaders and investigate high-stakes threats as an Attorney-Adviser for the U.S. Secret Service, a pillar of federal law enforcement.

Attorney-Adviser Job Overview

The U.S. Secret Service Office of the Chief Counsel is seeking experienced attorneys to provide critical legal support for protective, investigative, and administrative operations. This role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to national security by managing complex legal portfolios in areas such as fiscal law, procurement, employment law, and operational litigation.

Requirements for Attorney-Adviser

U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. State, Territory, or D.C.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Tier 5 security clearance.
Must be registered with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
Agreement to undergo drug testing and provide a financial disclosure report.
Two years (GS-13) or three years (GS-14) of specialized legal experience post-graduation.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser

Experience in fiscal and appropriations law.
Background in federal procurement or contract law.
Expertise in employment and personnel litigation.
Operational law enforcement legal support experience.
Strong oral advocacy and advanced legal writing skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
✓Paid federal holidays and generous personal leave
✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs
✓Flexible work options and transportation subsidies

💡 How to Apply Attorney-Adviser Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser Job

Review the full job announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Gather law school transcripts and proof of bar licensure.
Complete the online questionnaire and essay prompts via the application portal.
Submit your application and monitor your email for USA Hire assessment instructions.
Complete required assessments within the designated timeframe.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year dates and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be rejected.
Address the essay questions in the questionnaire; they are your opportunity to highlight your dedication to public service.
Check your application status regularly through your official account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is located in Washington, D.C., and requires on-site presence as specified by the agency.

What is the security clearance requirement?

Selectees must successfully obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Tier 5 security clearance.

What is the trial period?

New excepted service hires must complete a one-year trial period to demonstrate their performance and commitment to agency goals.

Do I need a specific law background?

While experience in fiscal, procurement, or operational law is preferred, the agency values transferable legal expertise across various disciplines.

Job from U.S. Secret Service

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) hold a unified mission: protecting the nation's leaders, securing critical infrastructure, and investigating sophisticated financial crimes. Working as an Attorney-Adviser here is not just a desk job—it is a commitment to the duty, loyalty, justice, and integrity required to protect the American public and its highest officials.