Advance Your Career as an Attorney-Adviser at FinCEN
Are you a dedicated legal professional with a passion for national security and financial integrity? The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), an integral bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is currently accepting applications for an Attorney-Adviser (General) at the GS-15 level. This role offers the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, policy, and intelligence in one of the most vital national security agencies in the United States.
About the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
FinCEN acts as the nation’s financial intelligence unit. Our core mission is to safeguard the financial system from illicit use, combat money laundering, and promote national security through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence. As a member of our Office of Chief Counsel, you will provide essential legal counsel that ensures our operations remain robust, lawful, and effective against sophisticated global threats.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Adviser, your work will be fast-paced and high-impact. Key duties include:
- Strategic Advisory: Providing expert legal advice to Treasury and FinCEN leadership on matters involving Top Secret/SCI information.
- Complex Legal Research: Analyzing multifaceted policy issues and delivering decision memoranda to guide agency leadership.
- Regulatory Oversight: Drafting and reviewing legislation and regulations to ensure they align with substantive federal laws.
- Collaboration: Coordinating with other federal agencies to harmonize policies and precedents in the fight against financial crime.
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this GS-15 position, candidates must meet rigorous standards. You must be a U.S. citizen, hold a J.D. or LL.B. from an accredited law school, and be an active member of a U.S. bar. You are also required to possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Comparison of Potential Career Paths
| Feature | Attorney-Adviser (GS-15) | Private Sector Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Mission Focus | National Security/Public Good | Client Profitability |
| Impact | U.S. Financial System | Individual Entity Clients |
| Work-Life Balance | Flexible Schedules/Telework | Often Billable-Hour Driven |
| Security Level | Top Secret/SCI | Varies (Usually Low) |
Salary and Benefits
FinCEN provides a comprehensive total rewards package. The GS-15 salary range for this role is between $169,279 and $197,200 annually. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy access to:
- Federal health insurance and life insurance programs.
- Three-tier retirement plan with government matching.
- Public transportation subsidies and fitness center perks.
- Generous leave policies and 11 paid federal holidays.
How to Apply Successfully
Competition for this role is high. To increase your chances, ensure your two-page resume is precise and highlights your experience in anti-money laundering, administrative law, or national security. Complete all online questionnaires honestly and provide all required documentation, including bar membership certification and transcripts, before the closing date.
If you are ready to apply your legal expertise to the protection of our nation’s financial system, we encourage you to apply for this FinCEN Attorney-Adviser role. Join a team dedicated to transparency, justice, and the security of our global economy.
Why This Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Matters
Protect the nation’s financial integrity as a senior legal strategist at the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Overview
The Office of Chief Counsel at FinCEN is seeking a high-level Attorney-Adviser (General) to join our team in Washington, D.C., or Vienna, Virginia. In this pivotal GS-15 role, you will provide expert legal guidance on national security, anti-money laundering, and economic sanctions. You will play a critical role in safeguarding the U.S. financial system against illicit finance and terrorist threats while advising senior leadership on complex, Top Secret/SCI-level matters.
Requirements for Attorney-Adviser (General)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- Active member in good standing of a U.S. state, territory, or District of Columbia bar
- Graduate of an accredited law school with a J.D., LL.B., or equivalent degree
- Minimum of 12 months of pertinent legal experience
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance
- Submission to mandatory drug testing and periodic reinvestigation
- Completion of a two-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser (General)
- Proven track record in anti-money laundering (AML) or countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) legal frameworks
- Experience with economic sanctions, intelligence law, and international law
- Expertise in administrative law and policy formulation within a federal agency
- Background in handling sensitive/classified information in a national security context
- Strong litigation experience in either criminal or civil matters
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary range ($169,279 - $197,200)
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, life, and long-term care insurance
- ✓Pre-tax retirement savings plan with matching contributions
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework options
- ✓Public transportation subsidies
- ✓Fitness center reimbursement
- ✓11 paid federal holidays
- ✓Professional development and in-house training
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Adviser (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser (General) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Click the 'Apply Online' button to start your application.
- Complete the online questionnaire and provide supporting documentation.
- Submit your application package by 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessments if notified via email.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume to exactly two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Quantify your experience; specify hours worked per week and exact dates (month/day/year).
- Review the online questionnaire in advance to understand which competencies you need to highlight.
- Ensure your email address is active and not blocking automated agency communications.
- If claiming veteran's preference, include your DD-214 Member 4 copy or equivalent documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
Yes, this position is designated as Special Sensitive (High Risk) and requires a Top Secret (TS) clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
Can I work remotely?
The position offers telework opportunities, but it is not a fully remote position. You must be available to work from the Washington, D.C. or Vienna, Virginia offices.
Are there strict formatting requirements for the resume?
Yes, your resume must be limited to two pages. Applications exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
What is the security clearance expectation?
You must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance. This involves a Tier 5 background investigation.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, a two-year trial period is required for all new appointees.