Launch Your Federal Legal Career: General Attorney at the GSA
Are you an experienced attorney looking to transition into a role that combines litigation with high-level policy development? The General Services Administration (GSA) is currently seeking a highly qualified General Attorney to join its General Law Division. This position offers a unique vantage point into the operations of one of the federal government’s most critical agencies.
Job Responsibilities
As a GS-14 General Attorney, your primary focus will be employment law. You will be expected to:
- Provide legally sound advice on complex personnel matters, including disciplinary actions and performance management.
- Represent the agency before the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
- Collaborate with Assistant U.S. Attorneys in federal court litigation.
- Conduct deep research and analysis on employment regulations and case law to guide agency leadership.
- Develop and review internal policies to ensure they align with GSA’s statutory authorities.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Licensure: Active Bar membership in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Experience: A minimum of three years of professional legal experience acquired after your admission to the Bar.
- Documentation: A resume (max two pages), law school transcripts, and proof of Bar membership.
Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Attorney Career Path
| Feature | Private Practice Attorney | GSA General Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Billable Hours / Client Gain | Public Interest / Agency Mission |
| Benefits | Often Commission-based | Comprehensive Federal Package |
| Work Environment | High Stress / Competitive | Stability / Mission-Oriented |
| Retirement | Varies by firm | Federal Pension & TSP |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $133,007 to $192,694 per year, depending on locality and experience. Beyond the salary, federal employment provides an unmatched benefits package, including:
- Access to diverse health and life insurance plans.
- A robust retirement plan through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous leave policies, including 11 paid federal holidays.
- Work-life balance tools such as flexible schedules and telework opportunities.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Federal hiring panels are strict. If your resume exceeds two pages, your application will be rejected automatically.
- Be Specific: Quantify your experience. Mention the size of the cases you have handled and the complexity of the legal issues you have resolved.
- Use the Portal Correctly: If you encounter technical hurdles, switch your browser or use a different network. The GSA portal requires a smooth hand-off from USAJOBS.
If you have the legal acumen and the dedication to public service required for this role, we encourage you to apply. This is a rare opportunity to influence the direction of an entire federal agency while working in a collaborative, mission-driven legal department.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Elevate your legal career by representing the federal government in high-stakes employment litigation and policy development with the General Services Administration.
General Attorney Job Overview
The General Services Administration (GSA) Office of General Counsel is seeking a seasoned General Attorney to join the General Law Division. This role focuses on employment law, offering the opportunity to provide expert legal counsel on complex personnel matters, represent the agency before the EEOC and the Merit Systems Protection Board, and influence agency-wide policy. This position is ideal for an experienced litigator or employment law specialist ready to tackle high-profile, sensitive legal matters at a national level.
Requirements for General Attorney
- Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current active membership in good standing with the Bar of any State, US Territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- Minimum of three years of professional legal experience gained post-Bar admission.
- US Citizenship or National status (Residents of American Samoa/Swains Island).
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after 12/31/1959.
- Ability to complete a successful Tier 2 background investigation.
- Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.
- Submission of law school transcripts and proof of Bar membership.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Expertise in applying legal theories to complex factual issues and legislative interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate with management and secure approval for program recommendations.
- Strong knowledge of laws and regulations governing federal agency operations and personnel actions.
- Experience handling sensitive legal matters, including those involving significant financial liability or high congressional interest.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
- ✓Life insurance coverage.
- ✓Generous sick and annual leave accrual.
- ✓11 paid federal holidays per year.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement).
- ✓Transit and child care subsidies.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Extensive training and professional development programs.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the GSA portal via the provided link.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, ensuring it captures all required experience, hours worked, and credentials.
- Collect necessary supporting documents: J.D. transcripts, proof of Bar membership, and SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your application through the official portal before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the applicant dashboard and await notification regarding potential interviews.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Double-check that your transcripts are attached, as this is a positive education requirement.
- Apply early to avoid potential technical issues with browser compatibility or firewall blocks.
- Use clear, quantifiable metrics to describe your legal experience, especially regarding litigation outcomes or policy changes.
- Ensure your Bar membership proof is current and clearly shows your 'good standing' status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my law degree is from a foreign institution?
Yes, but you must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency along with your transcript to receive credit for your education.
What is the security requirement for this role?
This position requires a Tier 2 background investigation and a financial disclosure report to ensure no conflicts of interest exist.
Is relocation assistance offered?
No, relocation-related expenses are the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Does this position allow for telework?
*A: Yes, the position is telework eligible.
What is the security clearance level?
*A: This position is classified as Moderate Risk (MR) and requires a successful Tier 2 investigation.
Can I apply after the closing date?
*A: No, all applications must be submitted by the deadline on September 11, 2026.
Job from Office Of General Counsel
The General Services Administration (GSA) serves as the landlord for the federal government, managing office space and providing procurement services. The Office of General Counsel (OGC) provides vital legal representation and advice to GSA leadership, ensuring that the agency operates with transparency, integrity, and legal compliance. By joining the OGC, you are becoming part of a team that handles everything from multi-million dollar claims to complex personnel management policies.