Navigating a Legal Career at the Defense Logistics Agency: The Attorney-Adviser Guide

Are you looking for a legal career that combines intellectual rigor, public service, and high-impact national security work? The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is seeking an Attorney-Adviser (General) to serve in the Office of Counsel within DLA Disposition Services. Based in Battle Creek, Michigan, this role sits at the intersection of international defense operations, civil administration, and public-sector management.

Working for the Department of Defense as an attorney offers a unique environment where your analytical skills directly impact global missions. If you possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, an active bar license, and a drive to solve complex administrative challenges, this role is an exceptional career opportunity.

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About the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

As the combat logistics support agency for the United States Department of Defense, the DLA provides worldwide support to military departments, unified combatant commands, and various federal agencies. Operating in both peace and wartime, the DLA acts as the primary pipeline for food, fuel, medical supplies, and general equipment.

DLA Disposition Services, a major subordinate command of the agency, is headquartered at the historic Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. This specific command is tasked with the lifecycle management of surplus military property. From organizing the reuse of equipment across various federal programs to managing environmentally compliant surplus sales, DLA Disposition Services ensures that military equipment is decommissioned responsibly, safely, and legally.

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Job Responsibilities

Attorneys working as Associate Counsel within DLA Disposition Services must maintain active competencies across multiple legal practice areas. Because the disposition of military assets affects local communities, foreign governments, and federal budgets, your day-to-day legal duties will span several specialized areas.

Key responsibilities include:

• Legal Advisory Support: Offering expert advice to leadership, project managers, and administrators regarding federal surplus property management, property reclamation, and public sales.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex legal frameworks in Environmental Law (including hazardous waste disposal), Federal Procurement and Contract Law, and International Operational Law.
• Interagency & Public Liaison: Drafting, evaluating, and presenting formal responses to inquiries originating from Congress, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and various Inspectors General.
• Administrative Proceedings: Tackling litigation, disputes, and compliance issues related to Labor and Employment Law, FOIA (Freedom of Information Act), the Privacy Act, and Standards of Conduct.
• Portfolio Rotation: Adapting to new assignments. DLA encourages attorneys to rotate portfolios to ensure the entire Office of Counsel maintains versatile expertise and operational readiness.

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Requirements and Qualifications

Joining the Department of Defense as an attorney requires a high baseline of education, professional standing, and experience. Because this is an Excepted Service position, selection is based heavily on professional legal portfolios and direct qualifications.

General Education and Bar Licensure

All applicants must have obtained a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited law school. Candidates with foreign legal education must obtain an equivalency evaluation from a recognized credential evaluation service.

Additionally, applicants must show proof of an active license and good standing with the bar of the highest court of a U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Your application must include a Certificate of Good Standing or a clear screenshot of your bar status from your state's licensing website, dated within six months of the application closing date.

Grade-Level Experience Breakdown

The DLA is filling this vacancy at three potential grades: GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14. Candidates must show specific professional experience corresponding to their target grade:

Grade Level	Base Salary Range	Minimum Professional Legal Experience Requirements
GS-12	$89,508 – $116,362	At least 2 years of professional legal experience equivalent to the GS-11 level, OR an LL.M. plus 1 year of equivalent experience. (Outstanding entry-level applicants may occasionally qualify based on advanced educational achievements).
GS-13	$106,437 – $138,370	More than 2 years of professional legal experience commensurate with the high-level duties of this position.
GS-14	$125,776 – $163,514	More than 3 years of specialized, professional legal experience demonstrating advanced competencies in federal administration.

Security and Drug Clearance

To work with DoD assets, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance (classified as Non-Critical Sensitive). Additionally, DLA maintains a strict drug-free workplace policy. Selected candidates must undergo and pass a urinalysis screening prior to appointment, testing for substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and synthetic opioids. They are also subject to periodic, random drug testing throughout their employment.

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Salary Overview & Financial Disclosure

The full potential salary scale for this position ranges from $89,508 to $163,514 per year, depending on the grade level at which you are hired and your individual experience. Promotions within the agency are evaluated under Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1442.2 and must be approved by the DLA General Counsel based on skill mastery, performance metrics, and service time.

Because this position carries significant administrative influence, selected candidates are required to submit regular financial disclosure forms to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public trust.

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Comprehensive Benefits

Federal employment with the Defense Logistics Agency provides excellent, comprehensive benefit options designed to support long-term personal and financial wellness:

• Retirement Planning: Full integration into the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which includes a dollar-for-dollar agency matching program up to 3% and an automatic 1% contribution.
• Healthcare Coverage: Selection from several Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including dental, vision, and long-term care programs.
• Work-Life Integration: Eligible for telework, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive parental, annual, and sick leave programs.
• Relocation Assistance: Relocation incentives are authorized and may be extended to qualifying candidates who need to move to the Battle Creek area.

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Application Tips for Success

Applying to a federal attorney position requires close attention to detail. Keep the following tips in mind to maximize your chances of advancing through the screening phase:

1. Adhere to the Strict Two-Page Resume Limit: This is the most common reason applications are disqualified. If your resume is longer than two pages, the system will discard your application without review. Maintain a PDF format, use 0.5-inch margins, and utilize legible fonts such as Calibri or Lato at 10-point size.
2. Document Your Bar Standing Correctly: Do not forget to submit proof of your active bar status. Ensure your certificate or website screenshot is dated within six months of your application date. If your screenshot lacks an automated date stamp, provide a signed and dated statement verifying when it was captured.
3. Tailor Your Resume to Match Principal Selection Factors: Highlight your direct experience in writing briefs, managing administrative law portfolios, conducting legal risk assessments, and presenting findings to executive decision-makers.
4. Adopt a Behavioral Approach: DLA utilizes Behavior Based Interviewing (BBI) strategies. Prepare for your interview by practicing the STAR method—focusing on specific Situations, Tasks, Actions, and measurable Results from your past legal work.

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What happens if my resume is 3 pages long?

Your application will be deemed ineligible and removed from consideration. Keep your document strictly to two pages.

Is use of CBD products permitted while working for DLA?

No. Under federal law, marijuana remains illegal. Use of CBD products can cause a positive result on DLA's mandatory drug screens, which will lead to the withdrawal of employment offers or removal from federal service.

Can current military retirees apply?

Yes, but under current Department of Defense regulations, military retirees seeking federal civilian appointments within 180 days of their retirement must secure an approved waiver prior to starting.

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Serving as an Attorney-Adviser (General) for DLA Disposition Services is a rewarding, challenging path for legal professionals who want to make an impact. Working at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, puts you at the heart of the military's global supply chain and disposal network. Complete your application package, perfect your two-page resume, and submit your materials before the September 7, 2026 deadline to embark on this fulfilling public service career.