Become an Attorney-Advisor for the Air Combat Command: Your Path to Impact
Are you an accomplished legal professional with a passion for federal acquisition? The Department of the Air Force is currently recruiting an Attorney-Advisor (Contract) to support the Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Virginia. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of airpower through the rigorous legal oversight of multi-billion dollar acquisition programs.
Job Responsibilities
As a senior legal advisor, you will serve as a primary point of contact for program managers and contracting officers. Your duties will be varied, challenging, and high-impact:
- Legal Sufficiency Reviews: Evaluate complex contractual documents to ensure compliance with federal law, regulation, and Air Force policy.
- Analytical Support: Conduct deep-dive legal research into issues of fact and law regarding contract enforceability and bid protests.
- Strategic Negotiation: Provide expert negotiation advice to protect the government's interests during the source selection and contract administration phases.
- Advisory Services: Furnish both oral and written legal opinions on fiscal funding and contractual authority.
- Mentorship: Serve as a subject matter expert, guiding junior attorneys and instructing acquisition training classes.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet strict criteria:
- A JD or LLB degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current, active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, or district.
- Three years of specialized professional legal experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance.
- Willingness to undergo drug testing.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement Type | Essential Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | JD/LLB from ABA-accredited school |
| Bar Status | Active and in good standing |
| Experience | 3+ years professional legal practice |
| Security | Ability to clear Top Secret level |
Salary Overview
The salary range for this position is $127,646 to $195,190 per year, commensurate with your experience and the specific requirements of the role within the NH pay band. This reflects the high-level responsibilities and the specialized nature of acquisition law within the Department of Defense.
Benefits
Working for the federal government comes with unparalleled benefits, including:
- Robust federal retirement systems and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Access to comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous annual and sick leave policies.
- Federal job security and potential for long-term career progression.
- Opportunities for professional legal development.
Application Tips
Because this is a competitive federal role, your application package must be precise.
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Recruiters will only review the first two pages.
- Documentation: Ensure all bar status proof is current (dated within four months of the application).
- Clarity: Use the required format to state your hours worked per week for every listed role.
- Attention to Detail: Verify all documents are attached and properly labeled before submission.
This role is ideal for an experienced attorney looking to transition into a high-responsibility role that directly impacts global airpower. With a significant salary, competitive benefits, and the opportunity to work at the forefront of defense procurement, this position at Langley AFB is a rare career milestone. Ensure your application is submitted before the September 14, 2026 deadline to be considered.
Why This Attorney-Advisor (Contract) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career in federal acquisition law at the heart of Air Combat Command, where your legal expertise directly empowers national security and cutting-edge aerospace operations.
Attorney-Advisor (Contract) Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking a dedicated and experienced Attorney-Advisor to join the Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Virginia. This pivotal role involves serving as a primary legal expert, providing guidance to program managers and contracting officers on the complexities of federal acquisition and fiscal law. You will be instrumental in ensuring the legality, enforceability, and compliance of high-stakes contractual agreements that support the Air Force’s global mission.
Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (Contract)
- Possess a Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Maintain active, good standing membership in the bar of the highest court of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Demonstrate at least three years of professional legal experience directly related to the position's duties.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing as a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
- Must be able to provide proof of active bar status dated within four months of application.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (Contract)
- Five years of relevant professional legal experience.
- A Master of Laws (LLM) in Government Contracts.
- Proven proficiency in analyzing complex statistical data for trends and program adjustments.
- Strong negotiation skills within a large-scale government acquisition environment.
- Experience in providing legal instruction to government officials or acquisition professionals.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training within the Department of Defense
- ✓Flexible work options including telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (Contract) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (Contract) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, including specific hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, including proof of current, active bar membership.
- Submit your application through the official portal by the closing date of September 14, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will be automatically disqualified.
- Verify your bar status documentation is dated within four months of your application date.
- Clearly outline your duties, responsibilities, and total hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Save and check the status of your application within your USAJOBS profile to confirm receipt.
- Review your application thoroughly, as human resources cannot edit your responses once submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Attorney-Advisor at Langley AFB?
You will act as the primary legal advisor for the acquisition program, reviewing complex contracts, performing legal research, and providing guidance on fiscal law and procurement policy to contracting officers and program managers.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is telework eligible, subject to organizational policy and supervisor approval.
Do I need to be a veteran to apply?
No, veterans' preference is not required for eligibility; however, it is considered a positive factor for attorney appointments in the Department of Defense.
What is the security clearance level required?
This role requires a Top Secret security clearance due to the sensitive nature of the programs involved.
How do I prove my bar status?
You must provide official documentation, such as an online status report from the relevant state bar, dated within four months of your application.
Can I apply if I am not a veteran?
Yes. While veteran status can be a positive factor in the evaluation, it is not a requirement for the position.
Job from Air Combat Command
The mission of the United States Air Force is simple yet profound: To fly, fight, and win. This vision is supported by core competencies in developing Airmen, advanced technology, and global integration. As part of the Air Combat Command, you will work within an organization that prioritizes integrity, service, and excellence, ensuring that our national security apparatus is backed by solid legal foundations.
