Launch Your Career: Attorney-Advisor at the OPM Office of the Inspector General
Are you a legal professional with a passion for public service and a commitment to integrity? The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is hiring an Attorney-Advisor (General) within the Office of the Inspector General (OIG). This role is a cornerstone of agency oversight, ensuring that federal operations remain compliant with the law.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Advisor, your day-to-day will be dynamic and intellectually demanding. Key duties include:
- Providing legal counsel for audits, evaluations, and investigative efforts.
- Drafting and reviewing legislative proposals and agency regulations.
- Managing legal proceedings, including administrative hearings and litigation.
- Collaborating with the Department of Justice, Congress, and other federal agencies.
Requirements
To qualify for this GS-14 position, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited school.
- Active state or D.C. Bar membership.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
Comparison of Potential Roles
| Feature | Attorney-Advisor (OIG) | Private Sector Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal Compliance/Policy | Client Advocacy |
| Environment | Public Service/Oversight | Billable Hours Focus |
| Impact | National/Agency Wide | Client Specific |
| Security | Job Stability | Performance Dependent |
Salary Overview
The starting salary for this position is $143,913, with a top range of $187,093 per year. This compensation reflects the high level of responsibility inherent in a GS-14 federal attorney role.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy robust benefits, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and the flexibility of telework options.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply via the USAJOBS platform. Ensure your resume highlights your legal achievements clearly and adheres to the specific document requirements listed in the official posting.
This position offers a unique chance to impact the administrative integrity of the federal government. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application by October 5, 2026.
Why This Attorney-Advisor (General) Job Matters
Advance your legal career at the heart of federal oversight. Join the Office of Personnel Management as an Attorney-Advisor and play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of our nation's workforce programs.
Attorney-Advisor (General) Job Overview
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is seeking a dedicated Attorney-Advisor (General) to join their team in Washington, D.C. This position is central to the OIG’s mission, providing essential legal guidance and advocacy on matters of federal administrative law, investigations, and legislative policy. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of legal analysis and federal operations, ensuring that OPM’s programs are managed with transparency, efficacy, and compliance with the law.
Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (General)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Must possess a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Must hold active membership in good standing in the Bar of a U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Must have at least one full year of professional experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
- Must be suitable for federal employment, including a successful background investigation.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (General)
- Proven experience providing legal opinions on administrative law, litigation, or agency investigations.
- Strong background in legislative drafting, regulatory analysis, and statutory interpretation.
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral advocacy, including handling complex enforcement actions.
- Ability to work effectively in a high-demand, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
- Experience coordinating legal strategies with federal stakeholders and outside counsel.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (General) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your federal resume, ensuring it includes pay plan, series, and grade level for past federal roles.
- Submit your online application via the USAJOBS portal by the October 5, 2026, deadline.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire as prompted.
- Upload required documentation, such as cover letters or CTAP/ICTAP certification if applicable.
- Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Limit your resume content to ensure the most critical information regarding your qualifications is captured in the first two pages.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions dates of employment and hours worked per week.
- Review your application thoroughly to avoid incomplete submission errors.
- Be prepared for a potential structured interview or written demonstration as part of the evaluation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of an Attorney-Advisor at the OPM OIG?
You will provide expert legal advice to support audits and investigations, draft legal opinions on agency policy, and represent the OIG in litigation and administrative proceedings.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is designated as telework eligible, subject to agency policy and supervisor approval.
What level of experience is required for this GS-14 role?
Candidates must have at least one year of professional legal experience comparable to the GS-13 level in the federal service.
Job from Office Of Personnel Management
The Office of Personnel Management acts as the HR department for the federal government. Within OPM, the Office of the Inspector General serves as an independent entity responsible for conducting audits and investigations to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Joining this team means contributing to a mission-driven organization that positions the U.S. federal government as a model employer.