Lead the Future of Information Law at the Office of Special Counsel

Are you a seasoned attorney with a passion for public service, transparency, and organizational leadership? The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is currently seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as the inaugural Chief of the Information Law Unit (ILU). This represents a unique opportunity to build a new team from the ground up within a vital federal agency.

Job Responsibilities

As the Chief of the ILU, you will operate within the Office of General Counsel, providing agency-wide expertise on information law. Key responsibilities include:

Program Leadership: Overseeing the agency's FOIA response program and ensuring full compliance with the Privacy Act.
Records Management: Ensuring all agency records meet NARA standards and utilizing the Electronic Records Archives system.
Strategic Oversight: Managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and handling Touhy responses.
Team Management: Supervising both attorney and non-attorney staff to foster a culture of compliance and efficiency.
Cross-Agency Liaison: Representing the OSC to the National Archives and Records Agency (NARA) and other external partners.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level role, candidates must demonstrate a blend of legal expertise and managerial prowess:

Requirement	Description
Education	Professional law degree (J.D./LL.B/LL.M) from an ABA-accredited school
Bar Status	Active membership in good standing in any U.S. state, D.C., or Puerto Rico
Legal Exp.	At least 4 years of post-J.D. legal practice
Supervisory Exp.	Minimum 4 years of specialized experience with at least 1 year at the GS-14 level

Salary and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year. In addition to base compensation, employees enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Federal health insurance options.
Robust retirement planning via FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Ample annual and sick leave accrual.
Opportunities for professional growth and training.

Application Tips

Curate Your Resume: Because the review process is limited to the first two pages, prioritize your most relevant supervisory and information law experience.
Be Explicit: Clearly state your years of experience, current grade level, and specific scope of your management duties. Avoid assuming that recruiters will infer your qualifications.
Check Documentation: Ensure all required transcripts, bar certifications, and performance appraisals are included. Incomplete packages will not be considered.

Serving as the Chief of the Information Law Unit at the OSC is a challenging and rewarding role for an attorney looking to define the information governance strategy of an independent federal agency. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on this leadership mantle, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.

Why This Chief, Information Law Unit Job Matters

Shape the future of information governance as the founding Chief of the Information Law Unit at the Office of Special Counsel.

Chief, Information Law Unit Job Overview

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is seeking an experienced attorney to establish and lead the newly formed Information Law Unit (ILU). This pivotal role involves managing critical agency functions, including FOIA responses, Privacy Act compliance, records management, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The Chief will lead a dedicated team of legal and administrative staff, reporting directly to the General Counsel, and will play a vital role in ensuring organizational transparency and operational efficiency.

Requirements for Chief, Information Law Unit

Possess a professional law degree (J.D., L.L.B., or L.L.M.) from an ABA-accredited institution.
Maintain active membership in good standing in the bar of a U.S. State, Territory, District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Must have at least four years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Minimum of four years of specialized experience in leading or supervising teams and managing information law matters.
At least one year of experience must be equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal government.
Strong proficiency in communicating complex legal information both orally and in writing.
Ability to register for the Selective Service if born after December 31, 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief, Information Law Unit

Demonstrated experience in establishing new programs or organizational units.
Proven track record in managing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act compliance initiatives.
Technical familiarity with NARA Electronic Records Archives or similar case management systems.
Expertise in Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) regulations and requirements.
Experience in cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with IT and administrative support units.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous annual and sick leave accrual programs.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Telework eligibility to support work-life balance.
✓Annual leave accrual credit for eligible prior non-Federal or uniformed service experience.

💡 How to Apply Chief, Information Law Unit Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief, Information Law Unit Job

Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) and a formal cover letter.
Gather required documents, including law school transcripts and proof of active bar membership.
Current/former federal employees must include their most recent SF-50 and performance appraisal.
Visit the official application portal via the USAJobs link.
Complete the online questionnaire and attach all necessary credentials.
Submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; only the first two pages will be reviewed for eligibility.
Ensure your resume explicitly maps your experience to the specialized requirements, including dates, grade levels, and hours worked.
Double-check that all uploads are legible; corrupted or unreadable files may lead to disqualification.
If you are using veteran's preference, ensure your DD-214 or certification letters are clearly attached.
Check your application status regularly through your USAJobs account to confirm receipt of materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

The position is located in Washington, D.C. While telework may be eligible according to agency policy, the role is not designated as fully remote.

What is the primary focus of the Information Law Unit?

The ILU is responsible for OSC’s information-law programs, including FOIA response management, Privacy Act compliance, NARA records retention, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) matters.

Do I need a security clearance?

A formal security clearance is not required, though the position is designated as a Moderate Risk (MR) role requiring suitability/fitness credentialing.

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

*A: Yes, this position is open to the public, as well as federal employees, military spouses, and veterans.*

Is there promotion potential beyond GS-15?

*A: No, this position is at the GS-15 level with no further promotion potential indicated.*

What is the primary location for this job?

*A: The position is based in Washington, District of Columbia.*

Job from Office Of Special Counsel

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. Its mission is to protect the merit-based federal civil service by preventing prohibited personnel practices, protecting whistleblowers, and enforcing the Hatch Act. By joining the OSC, you become part of a dedicated team committed to a fair, transparent, and accountable federal government.