Legal Careers with the Department of Defense: Attorney-Adviser (General) at DLA

Working as a federal attorney within the United States Department of Defense offers an unparalleled opportunity to tackle high-stakes legal issues that directly impact national security and military readiness. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is currently seeking a motivated, experienced, and highly analytical professional to step into the role of Attorney-Adviser (General) in Warren, Michigan. This position is embedded within the Office of Counsel, DLA Weapons Support, which acts as a Major Subordinate Command.

Serving in this capacity means moving past routine administrative legal work and entering the strategic, high-impact world of federal procurement, complex commercial acquisitions, and federal civilian labor law. Whether hired at the GS-13 or GS-14 level, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to showcase leadership, risk-assessment capabilities, and sophisticated litigation representation, making this one of the premier civilian legal roles in the Midwest.

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Office of Counsel - Weapons Support

The Office of Counsel for DLA Weapons Support delivers comprehensive legal solutions that keep the wheels of military acquisition turning smoothly. With major legal centers located in Richmond, Virginia, and Columbus, Ohio, the agency maintains specialized satellite detachments to provide real-time, on-site counsel.

The Warren, Michigan detachment consists of a close-knit legal team of two co-located attorneys. This team acts as the legal backbone for approximately 80 procurement and acquisition professionals. Working here provides the benefits of a collaborative, small-office environment while maintaining access to the vast networks, professional training, and comprehensive resources of a major Department of Defense legal team.

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Job Responsibilities

The Attorney-Adviser (General) is responsible for providing expert, legally sound advice that helps detachment leaders make safe and strategic purchasing, contract, and personnel decisions. When hired at the GS-13 level, duties are initially structured in a developmental capacity to assist the attorney in mastering complex agency processes.

Acquisition and Contract Advisory

• Contract Formation Guidance: Reviewing and advising on legal authority, delegation of power, commercial item acquisitions, competitive bidding exceptions, limited-source procurement justifications, and foreign acquisitions.
• Financial and Fiscal Law: Ensuring all acquisition programs comply with federal fiscal law, avoiding Anti-Deficiency Act violations, and advising on appropriate funding streams.
• Source Selection & Pricing: Ensuring that bid evaluations, price-negotiation strategies, and contractor selections strictly comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

Contract Administration and Dispute Resolution

• Modifications and Terminations: Counseling procurement teams on complex contract modifications, delays, performance failures, and terminations for convenience or default.
• Litigation and Appeals: Representing the DLA in high-profile disputes and administrative litigation before the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA).

Civilian Labor, Employment, and Administrative Law

• Workplace Advisory: Providing guidance on union agreements, performance actions, disciplinary measures, and employee grievances.
• Representation: Protecting agency interests before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).
• Ethics and Fraud Prevention: Counseling staff on federal conflict-of-interest statutes, procurement integrity rules, and identifying indicators of subcontractor or contract fraud.

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Requirements

To qualify for this excepted-service position, candidates must meet clear educational, credentialing, and professional experience guidelines.

1. Education and Licensure

• Degree: Must have earned a professional law degree (either an LL.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Bar Membership: Must hold an active license and be in good standing with the bar of the highest court of any U.S. State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia. Candidates must supply documented proof (such as a Certificate of Good Standing or a dated portal screenshot) issued within six months of the closing date of the job announcement.

2. Experience Profiles

Candidates will be evaluated based on the quality and depth of their legal practice. General requirements per grade level include:

• GS-13 Grade Level: Must possess a minimum of two (2) years of professional, post-bar-admission legal experience showing progressive responsibility.
• GS-14 Grade Level: Must possess a minimum of three (3) years of professional, post-bar-admission legal experience, showcasing an ability to independently resolve complex legal challenges.

3. Background and Security Clearance

• Security Investigation: This position requires a Non-Critical Sensitive designation. The selectee must successfully obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.
• Drug Testing Policy: DLA maintains a strictly drug-free workplace. Pre-employment testing is mandatory, and employees are subject to subsequent random drug testing throughout their tenure.

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Salary Overview

The Defense Logistics Agency offers a highly competitive compensation package. The pay structure for this position is classified under the General Schedule (GS) system. Promotions and salary adjustments are based on performance, mastery of required skills, and time-in-grade, subject to the approval of the DLA General Counsel.

Grade Level	Minimum Annual Salary	Maximum Annual Salary	Minimum Legal Experience Required
GS-13	$117,402	$152,625	More than 2 years
GS-14	$138,734	$180,360	More than 3 years

Note: Final salary within these ranges is dependent on previous qualifications, experience, and federal rules governing pay setting.

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Benefits

Federal employment with the Defense Logistics Agency comes with a world-class suite of benefits that support long-term physical, financial, and personal well-being:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering multiple health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension, alongside the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which features a dollar-for-dollar agency match of up to 5%.
• Work-Life Integration: Eligible for telework arrangements as determined by operational requirements.
• Paid Time Off: Accrual of annual (vacation) and sick leave, plus 11 paid federal holidays per year.
• Relocation Incentives: Relocation assistance is authorized for eligible candidates moving to the Warren, Michigan area.

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Application Tips

Applying for federal legal positions requires a specialized approach. Follow these tips to ensure your application package stands out and successfully navigates the screening process:

1. The Strict Two-Page Resume Rule: Unlike many federal job listings, this DLA announcement enforces a strict two-page limit on resumes. Resumes exceeding two pages will lead to immediate disqualification. Consolidate your career history to fit exactly within this length.
2. Optimize Your Layout: Set margins to 0.5 inches. Use clear 10-point font (such as Calibri, Helvetica, or Arial) for text and 14-point bold font for headers.
3. Detail Your Hours and Dates: For each legal position on your resume, you must list your weekly work hours, employment dates (month and year), and specific duties. Failing to include these metrics can result in your experience being excluded during evaluation.
4. Align with Primary Selection Factors: Tailor your descriptions to showcase your expertise in analytical writing, client advisory, government contract disputes, and labor relations.

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The Attorney-Adviser (General) role in Warren, Michigan, represents an exceptional career opportunity for attorneys who want to utilize their procurement and labor law skills in direct support of the nation's defense missions. Operating with high autonomy, you will safeguard the integrity of acquisitions, resolve employment challenges, and maintain the standards of federal public service. Prepare your two-page resume, assemble your bar credentials, and submit your application before September 20, 2026, to take the next step in your public service legal career.