Launch Your Federal Legal Career as an Attorney-Adviser with the U.S. Secret Service

Are you a legal professional with a passion for public service and national security? The U.S. Secret Service is currently seeking qualified Attorney-Advisers to join the Office of the Chief Counsel in Washington, D.C. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most distinguished law enforcement agencies in the world.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney-Adviser, you will perform a wide range of legal functions, including:

Advisory Services: Interpreting legislation and court rulings to provide guidance on policy changes.
Litigation Support: Working alongside the Department of Justice to prepare for judicial and administrative proceedings.
Drafting Instruments: Creating formal opinions, legal memoranda, and contracts that govern agency operations.
Training: Assisting in in-service legal training for agency personnel.

Comparison of Grade Requirements

Level	Experience/Qualification Requirement
GS-11	Superior academic achievement or an LL.M. degree
GS-12	One year of professional legal experience or judicial clerkship

Requirements for Success

To qualify, you must possess a J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited school and maintain an active bar license. The agency prioritizes candidates with strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and integrity. Given the sensitive nature of the work, a Top Secret security clearance and a background check are mandatory components of the onboarding process.

Benefits of Federal Service

Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled benefits. Beyond the competitive salary range, you gain access to high-tier health and retirement plans, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). Employees also benefit from a healthy work-life balance through generous leave policies and professional development opportunities.

Application Tips

Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript includes your GPA and date of degree conferral.
Use Your Own Voice: The vacancy questionnaire requires thoughtful essays. Be authentic; AI-generated content is prohibited.

This role is ideal for attorneys looking to apply their legal acumen in an environment where every decision matters. If you are ready to serve with duty, loyalty, and justice, apply today to start your journey with the U.S. Secret Service.

Why This Attorney-Adviser Job Matters

Protect the nation's leaders while shaping federal law. The U.S. Secret Service is seeking talented Attorney-Advisers to join their elite legal team in Washington, D.C.

Attorney-Adviser Job Overview

As an Attorney-Adviser with the U.S. Secret Service Office of the Chief Counsel, you will play a vital role in supporting the agency’s critical national security and protective missions. This position offers the opportunity to provide expert legal guidance on a wide array of issues, including fiscal law, procurement, personnel matters, litigation support, and operational law enforcement policy. You will work within a high-stakes environment, ensuring the agency remains compliant with complex federal mandates while safeguarding the country's most prominent leaders and investigating financial crimes.

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, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Tier 5 security clearance.
Must submit to a pre-employment drug test and participate in random drug testing.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Successful completion of a financial disclosure report.
Commitment to a 1-year trial period.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser

Professional legal experience equivalent to the GS-11 level for GS-12 consideration.
Successful completion of a judicial clerkship.
Demonstrated superior academic achievement, such as law review participation, moot court leadership, or high-level academic honors (e.g., Order of the Coif).
Specialized experience in fiscal/appropriations law, procurement, employment law, or litigation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (401(k) equivalent).
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
✓Access to flexible spending accounts and employee assistance programs.
✓Opportunities for professional training and career development.
✓Potential for flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement, and fitness center access.

💡 How to Apply Attorney-Adviser Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser Job

Review the full vacancy announcement thoroughly.
Prepare a resume limited strictly to two pages.
Gather your law school transcripts and proof of bar admission.
Visit the online application portal to complete the required questionnaire.
Upload all supporting documentation, including veterans' preference forms if applicable.
Submit your application before the closing date.
Complete the required USA Hire assessments if prompted via email.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes month/year (MM/YYYY) formats for all positions.
Do not exceed the two-page resume limit, or your application will be automatically rejected.
Use your own words for the free-response essay questions; the use of AI tools is prohibited.
Set aside three hours to complete the USA Hire assessments once you receive the link.
Verify that all uploaded documents are legible and include all required identifying information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary mission of the Secret Service Office of the Chief Counsel?

The office provides comprehensive legal counsel and representation to the agency regarding its protective and investigative operations, administrative programs, and policy development.

Is this a permanent position?

Yes, this is a permanent appointment in the excepted service. However, selected candidates must successfully complete a one-year trial period.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

Telework and remote status are specific to the agency's operational needs; currently, this position is not listed as remote-eligible.

What is the security level for this role?

*A: The role requires a Top Secret Tier 5 clearance.*

Are veterans' preferences considered?

*A: While there is no formal rating system for attorney hiring, DHS considers veterans' preference a positive factor.*

Job from U.S. Secret Service

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Secret Service operate at the intersection of national security and criminal justice. Beyond protecting our nation's leaders, the Secret Service conducts complex investigations into financial crimes, cyberattacks, and threats against infrastructure. As an attorney here, you are not just practicing law; you are supporting the pillars of American safety.