Launch Your Legal Career at the Defense Information Systems Agency
Are you a legal professional with a passion for national security and administrative law? The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is looking for talented, dedicated individuals to join our team as General Attorneys. This is a unique chance to provide critical legal counsel to an agency that ensures our military forces remain connected and secure across the globe.
Job Responsibilities
As a General Attorney, you will act as a primary legal advisor to management. Your day-to-day duties will be diverse and challenging, including:
- Administrative Legal Counsel: Guiding staff through complex administrative procedures.
- Program Support: Providing legal oversight for ethics programs, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and privacy compliance.
- Litigation: Representing the agency before bodies like the EEOC and the MSPB.
- Personnel Management: Reviewing civilian personnel matters, including adverse actions and equal employment opportunity issues.
- Ethics Guidance: Serving as a trusted advisor on standards of conduct.
Requirements
To qualify for these positions, candidates must hold a J.D. or L.L.B. from an ABA-accredited school and maintain active bar membership. The following grade-specific requirements apply:
| Grade Level | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-12 | 2 years professional experience (or LL.M. + 1 year) |
| GS-13 | 2+ years of professional legal experience |
| GS-14 | 3+ years of professional legal experience |
Salary Overview
The salary for these positions varies based on location and grade level. In 2026, the potential earnings range from $91,779 to $187,093, depending on the duty station and the specific GS classification of the hire.
Benefits
DISA offers a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Health and life insurance options.
- A secure retirement system.
- Paid annual leave and federal holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development.
Application Tips
- Be Detailed: Ensure your resume highlights specific duties and dates for every legal role held.
- Follow Instructions: Clearly reference the announcement number in your application email.
- Submit Early: Do not wait until the final day to submit your materials to avoid last-minute technical delays.
Serving as a General Attorney at DISA is more than a job—it is a chance to use your legal expertise to support those who defend our nation. If you meet the criteria and are ready for a challenging role in the Excepted Service, we encourage you to submit your application and join our mission-driven organization.
Why This General Attorney Job Matters
Launch a high-impact legal career with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), supporting the secure communications that sustain our nation's global military operations.
General Attorney Job Overview
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is seeking qualified legal professionals to serve as General Attorneys. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high-stakes, mission-critical environment that provides secure computing and communications support to the President and global military forces. These positions are located at Fort Meade, Maryland, and Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and operate within the Excepted Service.
Requirements for General Attorney
- Possess a first professional law degree (J.D. or L.L.B.) from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
- Active membership in the bar of the highest court of a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- For GS-12: Two years of professional legal experience (or an LL.M. plus one year of experience).
- For GS-13: Over two years of professional legal experience.
- For GS-14: Over three years of professional legal experience.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Ability to demonstrate specialized legal expertise in administrative, personnel, and regulatory law.
Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney
- Demonstrated experience in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act procedures.
- Background in federal labor and employment litigation before the EEOC or MSPB.
- Experience in Ethics in Government counseling and compliance.
- Expertise in advising senior management on complex policy and administrative law matters.
- Prior experience navigating civilian personnel management and adverse actions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Competitive federal retirement plans.
- ✓Generous paid leave, including federal holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- ✓Professional development and training opportunities.
- ✓Potential for recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives for qualified candidates.
- ✓Flexible work options including potential telework eligibility based on mission requirements.
💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Attorney Job
- Prepare a detailed federal resume covering job titles, duties, and specific dates of employment.
- Ensure you have digital copies of your bar membership proof and law school transcripts ready for request.
- Submit your resume via email to the address provided in the job announcement.
- Reference the specific Announcement ID (13059100) in your email subject line.
- If claiming veterans' preference, include all necessary documentation (e.g., DD 214) with your initial submission.
💡 General Tips
- Tailor your resume to reflect the specialized experience required for the specific GS level you are targeting.
- Be precise with your start and end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week.
- Ensure your email application is complete; missing documents or references will result in an ineligible rating.
- Monitor your email for a confirmation of receipt after submitting your application package.
- Do not include personal information like Social Security Numbers or photos in your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between this position and a competitive service role?
This position is in the Excepted Service, meaning it is filled through an alternative hiring process and does not grant non-competitive conversion rights to the competitive civil service.
Is veterans' preference applied to this position?
While the traditional point-based system does not apply to this specific excepted service appointment, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference a positive factor and encourages eligible veterans to include supporting documentation.
How does DISA handle relocation costs?
Relocation expenses may be paid at the agency's discretion; however, keep in mind that certain reimbursements may be subject to tax per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
Job from Defense Information Systems Agency
DISA is a vital component of the Department of Defense, serving as a combat support agency that provides global communications and computing infrastructure. Our work powers the voice, video, and data transmission capabilities required by the President, the Secretary of Defense, and military commanders worldwide. When you work at DISA, you are part of a workforce that values innovation, people-centered programs, and professional growth.