Launch Your Federal Legal Career as an Attorney-Adviser with DFAS
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) stands as a pillar of integrity and efficiency within the Department of Defense. As they continue to modernize and secure the financial systems that support our service members, they are seeking a dedicated Attorney-Adviser to join their Office of General Counsel in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is a unique opportunity to apply your legal expertise to the vital mission of protecting the government’s fiscal interests.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will handle a diverse portfolio of legal matters. Key responsibilities include:
- Legal Drafting: Providing comprehensive, concise written opinions on complex legal issues, often without clear precedent.
- Practice Areas: Focusing on federal contract acquisitions, fiscal law, and vendor pay.
- Collaboration: Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to solve systemic financial issues.
- Development: Engaging in learning new legal frameworks, including bankruptcy, audit, and privacy law.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following baseline criteria:
- A professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an accredited institution.
- Active, good-standing bar membership.
- Relevant professional legal experience commensurate with the GS-11, GS-12, or GS-13 grade levels.
| Grade Level | Requirements | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry Level / Basic Practice | Fundamental legal research & drafting |
| GS-12 | Intermediate Experience | Complex case management & independence |
| GS-13 | Advanced Expertise | Strategic counsel & policy interpretation |
Salary and Benefits
DFAS offers a competitive salary structure ranging from $75,374 to $139,658 per year, depending on the grade level and experience. In addition to a robust salary, the position provides:
- Access to federal healthcare and insurance plans.
- Retirement savings programs.
- Paid relocation expenses for qualified candidates.
If you are a legal professional looking for a challenging, stable, and highly impactful career, the DFAS Attorney-Adviser role is an ideal fit. By providing expert counsel, you help ensure the financial readiness of our armed forces. Visit the official USAJOBS portal to review the requirements and submit your application before the September 8, 2026, deadline.
Why This Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Matters
Advance your legal career with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service—the backbone of Department of Defense financial operations.
Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Overview
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Adviser to join the Office of General Counsel in Indianapolis, IN. In this role, you will provide critical legal counsel regarding federal contract acquisitions, fiscal law, and financial operations, supporting the mission of the Department of Defense. This is an exceptional opportunity for a legal professional to work on complex matters in an environment where your expertise directly impacts the efficiency of our nation's defense financial systems.
Requirements for Attorney-Adviser (General)
- Possess a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Must maintain active membership in the bar of the highest court of any State, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
- For GS-11: One year of professional legal experience or an advanced LL.M. degree.
- For GS-12: Two years of professional legal experience or equivalent.
- For GS-13: Professional legal experience in excess of two years commensurate with the position duties.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a required security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser (General)
- Demonstrated ability to draft clear, concise legal opinions on complex issues with limited precedent.
- Experience in federal contract acquisitions, fiscal law, or vendor pay.
- Ability to work effectively both as an independent legal practitioner and as a collaborative team member.
- Experience handling bankruptcy, debt collection, or interagency agreements.
- Capability to quickly master new areas of law relevant to agency mission requirements.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive Federal Salary Structure
- âś“Relocation expense reimbursement for eligible candidates
- âś“Federal Retirement Benefits
- âś“Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- âś“Opportunities for professional development within the DoD
đź’ˇ How to Apply Attorney-Adviser (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser (General) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume highlighting your relevant legal experience.
- Gather supporting documents, including your bar membership certificate and law school transcripts.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the USAJOBS portal.
- Upload all required documents and confirm submission by the closing date of September 8, 2026.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly maps your experience to the specific legal practice areas requested.
- Proofread your application carefully; omissions or errors can result in an ineligible rating.
- The 15-minute assessment questionnaire is a critical part of your evaluation—take your time.
- If you are a military spouse or veteran, ensure your preference documentation is attached to claim appropriate eligibility.
- Check your application status regularly via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for telework?
Telework is very limited and provided only on a rare, case-by-case basis when deemed a compelling need by Agency Leadership.
What is the security clearance requirement?
This position requires a favorable security determination to occupy a sensitive position; specific clearance levels vary based on the assignment.
Job from Defense Finance And Accounting Service
The DFAS mission is to provide efficient, high-quality pay and financial information for the Department of Defense. As an Attorney-Adviser within the Office of General Counsel, you are not just a lawyer; you are a strategic partner to the agency’s leadership, ensuring all operations comply with federal regulations, commercial law, and fiscal mandates.