Become a Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intel at the ODNI

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) serves as the cornerstone of the United States Intelligence Community (IC). As a Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intel, you will operate at the highest level of national security, providing authoritative legal guidance that shapes the nation’s intelligence policy and protects its core interests. This is an exceptional opportunity for an expert legal practitioner to lead, mentor, and influence the future of intelligence law.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be expected to:

Provide expert legal opinions on novel issues where few or no precedents exist.
Manage and mentor a high-performing team of attorneys and support staff.
Oversee budget development, portfolio distribution, and office operations.
Represent the DNI and the General Counsel in inter-agency committees and Congressional oversight meetings.
Draft and review complex legislation, Executive Orders, and agency policy guidance.

Requirements

Applicants must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited school and maintain an active Bar status. Beyond basic qualifications, the candidate must provide evidence of:

Five mandatory Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Intelligence Community Senior Officer Core Qualification (ICSOCQ).
Specialized experience in at least three key legal areas (e.g., procurement law, administrative law, or congressional liaison).
Ability to maintain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the SL level with the following compensation:

Pay Period	Range
Annual Salary	$151,661 - $209,700

Benefits

Employees of the ODNI enjoy a robust suite of benefits, including:

Access to elite professional networks and leadership development programs.
Comprehensive health and retirement planning through the federal system.
The ability to contribute directly to the safety and security of the United States.
A collaborative, mission-driven work environment focused on excellence and integrity.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use this space to highlight your achievements regarding the ECQs.
Essay Questions: Answer the four required essay questions honestly and in your own words. The hiring team explicitly prohibits the use of AI tools for these responses.
Documentation: Ensure your SF-50 is recent and that all required endorsements are included before hitting submit.

Serving as a Deputy General Counsel at the ODNI is more than a job; it is a dedication to the rule of law and the security of the American people. If you possess the leadership, legal acumen, and integrity to succeed, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the vital mission of our nation’s intelligence enterprise.

Why This Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job Matters

Shape the future of national security and intelligence law as a Deputy General Counsel at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job Overview

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is seeking a highly skilled attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intelligence. This senior-level executive role provides expert, authoritative legal counsel to the DNI and senior leadership on the most complex and novel challenges facing the Intelligence Community (IC). You will manage critical legal portfolios, mentor legal staff, and bridge the gap between policy and legal compliance at the highest levels of government.

Requirements for Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel

Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited ABA law school.
Current Bar status in good standing in any U.S. state, D.C., or Territory.
Must be a current permanent federal employee with supervisory approval for JDA, or a current permanent ODNI employee.
Demonstrated ability to meet five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Intelligence Community Senior Officer Core Qualification (ICSOCQ).
Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph or the ability to obtain one.
Proven expertise in counterterrorism legal issues and at least three specialized legal areas related to IC operations.
Experience managing attorneys and legal support staff.

Preferred Qualifications for Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel

Superior knowledge of the National Intelligence Program budget cycle.
Expertise in acquisition, procurement law, and major system contract disputes.
Strong background in administrative law, government ethics, and personnel regulations.
Experience with Congressional oversight, liaison matters, and legislative review.
Demonstrated ability to synthesize voluminous, disparate information into concise policy statements.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure.
✓Opportunity to lead in a high-impact, mission-critical environment.
✓Access to professional development and leadership training within the IC.
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package.
✓Strategic work influencing national security legislation and policy.

💡 How to Apply Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job

Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, explicitly addressing the ECQs and ICSOCQ.
Draft responses for the four required free-response essay questions (max 200 words each).
Compile supporting documents: Cover letter, most recent SF-50, and written endorsement for Joint Duty candidates.
Submit your complete application package via the appropriate channel (classified systems for internal IC applicants, or via designated email for others).
Ensure all documents reference the specific announcement number.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; anything longer will be disqualified.
Do not use AI or consultants to draft your essay questions, as this is prohibited.
Ensure your SF-50 is dated within the last 52 weeks to verify your current federal status.
Double-check your email attachments; only Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF formats are accepted.
Submit well before the deadline to account for any potential technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intel provides authoritative advice on complex national security issues, including counterterrorism, collection, and intelligence sharing, while managing a team of legal professionals.

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

This position is primarily open to current permanent ODNI or federal employees eligible for a Joint Duty Assignment. Please review the hiring path eligibility carefully in the job announcement.

How strict is the two-page resume limit?

The limit is absolute. Resumes exceeding two pages will not be reviewed, and the applicant will be disqualified from consideration.

What is the most important part of the application?

Ensuring that your two-page resume clearly documents your ability to meet the five Executive Core Qualifications and the ICSOCQ.

Can I submit my resume in a format other than PDF?

Microsoft Word and Adobe PDF are the only accepted formats.

Job from Office Of The Director Of National Intelligence

The ODNI was established to ensure that the 18 elements of the Intelligence Community work in concert to provide policymakers with the most accurate, timely, and actionable information possible. Working at the ODNI means working at the intersection of law, policy, and national defense, ensuring that all operations adhere to the Constitution and relevant federal laws.