Become an Attorney-Adviser for the U.S. Air Force
The Department of the Air Force is seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Adviser to provide critical legal expertise at the Air Force District of Washington. This role is essential for ensuring that complex acquisitions and contract actions remain in full compliance with federal statutes. If you are an experienced attorney looking to pivot your career toward high-stakes government contracting, this opportunity offers a unique platform to contribute to national security missions.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will provide legal opinions on complex, high-dollar-value procurement actions. Key responsibilities include:
- Serving as an expert on federal acquisition law, including cost-technical trade-offs.
- Providing legal advisory services for Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act requests.
- Acting as an Ethics Counselor to prevent potential violations of the Joint Ethics Regulation.
- Analyzing civil law matters and their impacts on procurement strategies.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Must hold a J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Licensure: Must maintain active, good-standing status with a U.S. state or territory bar.
- Experience: A minimum of three years of professional legal experience is required.
- Security: Ability to obtain and hold a Secret security clearance.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Essential Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | ABA-Accredited J.D. / LL.B. |
| Experience | 3+ Years Professional Legal |
| Documentation | Proof of Active Bar (within 4 months) |
| Format | Max 2-Page Resume |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $143,913 to $187,093 per year. Beyond the competitive base salary, employees benefit from a robust federal compensation package, including health insurance, retirement planning through FERS, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips
- Resume Precision: Strict adherence to the two-page limit is non-negotiable.
- Documentation: Ensure your bar status proof is current. Old documentation is a leading cause for disqualification.
- Questionnaire: Take your time to align your answers with your resume. Discrepancies between the two are monitored closely by HR.
This Attorney-Adviser role is a prestigious opportunity for legal professionals to apply their expertise in a meaningful, mission-critical environment. By providing objective, high-level guidance, you play a vital role in the operational success of the U.S. Air Force.
Why This Attorney-Adviser (Contract) Job Matters
Elevate your legal career by providing critical counsel to the United States Air Force at the front lines of federal acquisition and contract law.
Attorney-Adviser (Contract) Job Overview
The Air Force District of Washington is seeking an experienced Attorney-Adviser to serve within the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. This role is pivotal in providing high-level legal guidance and policy interpretation for complex government contracts, procurement actions, and administrative law matters supporting Headquarters Air Force and Secretariat operations.
Requirements for Attorney-Adviser (Contract)
- Possession of a J.D. or LL.B. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of three years of professional, post-degree legal experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in length.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser (Contract)
- Expertise in Federal acquisition law and systems-type acquisitions.
- Proficiency in navigating complex source selections and cost-technical trade-offs.
- Demonstrated experience with OMB Circular A-76, Fiscal law, and military administrative law.
- Prior experience serving as an Ethics Counselor for contract law activities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Potential for recruitment or retention incentives.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of the Air Force.
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Adviser (Contract) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser (Contract) Job
- Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS platform.
- Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
- Upload a two-page resume detailing hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Upload proof of active bar membership dated within the last four months.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will be disqualified.
- Ensure your resume includes clear dates of employment and hours per week to verify experience.
- Double-check that your bar membership documentation is dated within the four-month window.
- Use your questionnaire responses to highlight your experience in contract law and acquisition.
- Verify your submission status in your USAJOBS account immediately after applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this attorney role?
This position focuses on providing legal advice for complex contract and procurement actions, including source selections, systems-type acquisitions, and ethics counseling.
Can I apply if my resume is longer than two pages?
No. The vacancy requirements explicitly state that resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
Is veterans' preference applied for this position?
While the standard point-preference system is not used for attorney positions, the Department of Defense views veterans' preference as a positive factor in the hiring process.
Is telework an option?
Yes, this position is telework eligible.
Will I receive a writing sample request?
Yes, candidates will be asked to submit a writing sample demonstrating their legal analytical skills prior to a formal offer.
Job from Air Force District Of Washington
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win. This vision is supported by a workforce dedicated to global vigilance and power. As an Attorney-Adviser, you will join a culture that prioritizes integrity, service, and excellence, working within the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate to provide legal continuity for the Air Force's most significant acquisition programs.