Advance Your Career: Senior Counsel Detail Opportunity with the DOJ Criminal Division

The Department of Justice (DOJ) offers a rare and prestigious opportunity for accomplished federal attorneys to serve in a Senior Counsel role within the Criminal Division. This 6-month detail position is designed for professionals who thrive at the intersection of legal strategy, policy formulation, and high-level government communication. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., this role places you in the Office of the Assistant Attorney General (OAAG), providing direct exposure to the most significant criminal justice initiatives in the nation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Counsel, you will serve as a strategic advisor to the Assistant Attorney General and other high-ranking officials. Key responsibilities include:

Leadership Support: Providing actionable intelligence and advice to the Front Office team.
Congressional Engagement: Managing legislative correspondence and briefing staff on policy and case-specific inquiries.
Strategic Communications: Drafting high-visibility testimony, talking points, and policy papers.
Quality Control: Reviewing and refining reports and press releases to ensure accuracy and alignment with DOJ standards.
Coordination: Acting as a liaison across various federal agencies and internal components.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Requirement	Description
Status	Must be a current Federal employee
Education	Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent
Licensing	Active bar membership in good standing
Experience	Specific post-JD legal experience (varies by GS grade)
Approval	Supervisory authorization required prior to applying

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range from $121,785 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with your experience and the assigned GS level (GS-13 through GS-15).

Benefits

Employees in this position benefit from the professional environment of the DOJ, including the potential for telework, exposure to high-level policy initiatives, and the chance to expand their professional network across various federal agencies.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Submit your resume in PDF format to prevent the system from corrupting your layout.
Respect the Limit: Keep your resume strictly under 2 pages. Longer documents will not be processed.
Be Precise: Include your J.D. date, the exact month/year of your work history, and the number of hours worked per week for every position listed.

This detail opportunity is an exceptional chance for federal attorneys to test their mettle in the OAAG. If you possess the legal acumen, writing skills, and strategic mindset required to support the DOJ’s mission, apply for the Senior Counsel position today.

Why This Senior Counsel (Detail Opportunity) Job Matters

Step into the heart of federal justice and help shape national policy with this high-impact detail opportunity in the Department of Justice's Criminal Division.

Senior Counsel (Detail Opportunity) Job Overview

The Criminal Division of the Department of Justice is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel to serve in the Office of the Assistant Attorney General (OAAG). This unique 6-month detail assignment places you at the epicenter of the division's strategic, legislative, and policy efforts. You will provide critical support to executive leadership, manage high-stakes congressional engagements, and ensure the precision of the Division’s most visible communications and legal work.

Requirements for Senior Counsel (Detail Opportunity)

Must be a current Federal employee.
Hold a J.D. or equivalent law degree.
Active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Must provide a 2-page maximum resume including JD date, start/end dates with months/years, and full-time/part-time status.
Submission of a current SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).
Supervisory approval prior to application submission.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Counsel (Detail Opportunity)

Experience handling federal criminal litigation cases.
Demonstrated expertise in analyzing legal issues and providing concise oral and written recommendations.
Proven background in inter-agency processes and cross-office coordination.
Strong ability to communicate effectively with high-ranking officials.
Superior writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities under strict deadlines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Telework eligibility as per agency policy.
✓Opportunity to work in the high-level OAAG environment.
✓Professional growth through high-visibility inter-agency collaboration.

💡 How to Apply Senior Counsel (Detail Opportunity) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Counsel (Detail Opportunity) Job

Review the position requirements and verify eligibility as a current federal employee.
Secure supervisory approval for the detail assignment.
Prepare a 2-page resume adhering to all specified formatting requirements.
Convert your resume to PDF format to ensure document integrity.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the provided USAJobs link.
Submit your complete package, including your cover letter and SF-50, by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Convert all documents to PDF to avoid formatting shifts caused by system auto-conversion.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be rejected.
Preview the assessment questions early to understand the criteria.
Clearly articulate your specialized experience at the GS-12, 13, or 14 levels to ensure you qualify for your desired grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a 6-month reimbursable detail assignment with the possibility of extension.

Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?

No, this opportunity is limited to current federal employees who have received supervisory approval.

What should I include in my resume?

Your resume must include your JD date, the start and end dates (month/year) for each position, and your full-time or part-time status, including hours worked per week.

What happens if the selection is made before the closing date?

The announcement may close at any time once a selection is made, so early submission is highly encouraged.

Is relocation authorized?

Permanent relocation is not authorized, though temporary duty (TDY) or a temporary change of station (TCS) may be considered if travel is required.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Criminal Division of the Department of Justice is responsible for supervising the prosecution of federal crimes and developing national criminal enforcement policy. From cybercrime and fraud to violent crime and money laundering, the Division oversees over 900 statutes. The Office of the Assistant Attorney General acts as the nerve center for these operations, ensuring that the division's goals align with Department leadership and congressional expectations.