Advance Your Career: Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law) at the Bureau of Prisons
Are you a dedicated attorney looking to transition into a high-impact federal role? The Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a key component of the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking a sharp, driven Assistant General Counsel to join its Employment Law Branch (ELB). This position represents an exceptional opportunity for legal professionals to litigate complex labor and employment cases while shaping the standards of one of the nation's most critical federal agencies.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant General Counsel, you will be at the forefront of administrative and civil litigation. Your core duties include:
- Litigation Representation: Representing the agency before the EEOC, MSPB, and the Office of Special Counsel.
- Trial Support: Partnering with Assistant United States Attorneys on cases within the United States District Court and Court of Federal Claims.
- Legal Counseling: Providing expert advice to management on complex labor and employment scenarios, including disciplinary actions and conditions of employment.
- Policy Oversight: Reviewing disciplinary letters for legal sufficiency and advising on various labor-related directives.
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Credential: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution.
- Licensure: Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Residency: Must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years.
- Integrity: Ability to pass a rigorous background check, credit history review, and pre-employment drug testing.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $90,968 - $197,200 |
| Grade Levels | GS-12 to GS-15 |
| Benefits | Health, Life, Retirement, Leave |
| Schedule | Full-Time (Excepted Service) |
Application Tips for Success
Because this role uses a direct-hire process, following specific formatting rules is non-negotiable. First, your resume must be exactly two pages or fewer; any submissions exceeding this length will be rejected. Always include the start and end dates of your employment in MM/YYYY format and ensure the hours per week are listed for each job. Finally, make sure your cover letter clearly states which of the five locations you are interested in.
If you are an attorney ready to serve the public interest while sharpening your litigation skills in federal court, this role with the Bureau of Prisons is the perfect next step. Ensure your application is submitted via the official email address by July 24, 2026, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in federal service.
Why This Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law Branch) Job Matters
Shape the future of federal employment law as an Assistant General Counsel with the Bureau of Prisons and tackle high-stakes litigation at the national level.
Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law Branch) Job Overview
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Employment Law Branch (ELB). As an Assistant General Counsel, you will serve as a vital advocate for the agency, representing the BOP in complex labor and employment litigation before the EEOC, MSPB, and various federal courts. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence federal employment policy, provide critical legal counsel to management, and participate in federal district court trials. We are currently hiring for multiple locations, including Washington, D.C., and several regional offices, providing the chance to apply your legal expertise in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law Branch)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation, urinalysis, and credit check.
- Must meet the three-out-of-five-year U.S. residency requirement.
- Ability to comply with all rules of professional conduct and disclose potential conflicts of interest.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law Branch)
- Prior experience in labor and employment discrimination law.
- Demonstrated experience in general civil litigation.
- Experience litigating before the EEOC or MSPB.
- Previous involvement in the preparation of federal district court trials.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary range based on experience.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
- ✓Generous retirement planning through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual programs.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and national-level legal practice.
- ✓Participation in federal employee workplace protections.
💡 How to Apply Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law Branch) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant General Counsel (Employment Law Branch) Job
- Prepare a cover letter emphasizing your relevant employment law experience and identifying your preferred duty location(s).
- Create a concise, two-page resume detailing your work history with start/end dates (MM/YYYY) and hours worked per week.
- Compile a writing sample and a list of references.
- If claiming veteran preference, prepare your DD 214 and, if applicable, SF 15.
- Submit your complete application packet via email to [email protected] with the subject line 'ELB Attorney - July 2026' by July 24, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume includes clear month/year formatting and average weekly hours for every role listed.
- When applying to multiple locations, explicitly list your preferences in the cover letter.
- Double-check your email subject line to ensure it matches the specific requirements for this recruitment cycle.
- Do not attempt to apply through the standard online USAJobs portal; direct email submission is mandatory for this role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one location?
Yes. You may apply for multiple locations by clearly indicating your interest and priorities in your cover letter.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Applications exceeding the two-page limit are considered ineligible and will not be reviewed.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes. Candidates must undergo a thorough background investigation, including credit and income tax filing history checks, and must pass a drug screening.
Is this a remote-eligible position?
This position is not listed as remote-eligible; employees are expected to work from one of the identified regional or central offices.
Job from Bureau Of Prisons/Federal Prison System
The Federal Bureau of Prisons is responsible for managing a secure, humane environment for incarcerated individuals while preparing them for successful reentry into society. Supporting this mission requires a robust legal framework. The Employment Law Branch (ELB) serves as the legal backbone for agency management, ensuring that labor relations, civil rights, and personnel policies are handled with legal integrity and excellence.