Become an Attorney-Advisor for the Department of the Interior

The Office of the Solicitor (SOL) within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is seeking a motivated and highly qualified Attorney-Advisor to join its Rocky Mountain Regional office in Lakewood, Colorado. If you have a passion for public service and a deep interest in federal procurement and appropriations law, this role offers a rare opportunity to influence the legal operations of one of the nation's most vital departments. This position is perfect for legal professionals who excel in high-stakes environments and are eager to apply their research and advisory skills to federal-level legal challenges.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney-Advisor, you will be at the front lines of procurement law. Your primary duties will include:

Applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other regulations to ensure the legal sufficiency of contracts, solicitations, and source selection decisions.
Providing on-the-spot legal guidance for complex administrative and program-related issues.
Conducting in-depth legal research and drafting memoranda that help resolve conflicting legal positions.
Representing the Department in litigation before the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
Acting as a liaison between the DOI, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for contract and protest-related litigation.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Bar Membership: Must be an active member in good standing of a U.S. bar.
Experience: Candidates must meet minimum years of professional legal experience based on the GS grade level (GS-12: 2 years, GS-13: 3 years, GS-14: 4.5 years).
Background Check: Successful adjudication of a security and suitability investigation is mandatory.

Salary Overview

The remuneration for this position is competitive and scales with experience level:

Grade Level	Salary Range (Per Annum)
GS-12	$99,800 - $129,742
GS-13	$118,675 - $154,280
GS-14	$140,239 - $182,316

Benefits

Working with the Department of the Interior means enjoying a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:

Retirement: Full participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Insurance: Competitive health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance plans.
Leave: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and federal holiday accrual.
Work-Life Balance: Access to telework programs that allow for flexibility while maintaining a connection to the Lakewood duty station.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-submission will result in only the first two pages being reviewed.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your bar licensure documentation is dated within the last 3 months. Incomplete documentation is a leading cause of rejection.
Clarity: Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure your work history clearly highlights your experience in procurement and appropriations law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does this role offer relocation assistance? A: Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

Q: What is the security clearance level required? A: While not a traditional clearance, the position is designated as Moderate Risk and requires a suitability investigation.

This Attorney-Advisor position is a significant step for any legal professional aiming to serve the public interest at the federal level. By ensuring the integrity of the Department of the Interior’s procurement and contractual actions, you will play a vital role in protecting the nation's future. Apply today to begin your journey with the Department of the Interior.

Why This Attorney-Advisor (General) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career in federal law, safeguarding natural resources and public trust as an Attorney-Advisor with the Department of the Interior.

Attorney-Advisor (General) Job Overview

The Department of the Interior (DOI) Office of the Solicitor is seeking a dedicated Attorney-Advisor to join the Rocky Mountain Region in Lakewood, Colorado. In this essential role, you will provide critical legal counsel on Federal procurement and appropriations, managing complex acquisition matters and ensuring the highest standards of ethics and public service. This is a term, excepted appointment position, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to the legal foundation of the nation's most vital natural and cultural resource management agency.

Requirements for Attorney-Advisor (General)

U.S. Citizenship.
Active, good-standing membership in a U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico bar.
Must undergo and pass a background investigation.
Agreement to serve a 2-year trial period.
Registration with the Selective Service system (for males born after Dec 31, 1959).
Commitment to receive federal salary payments via Direct Deposit.
Completion of financial disclosure reporting as required.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Advisor (General)

Experience in Federal procurement and appropriations law.
Familiarity with various contract types, including firm-fixed price, IDIQ, and design-build.
Strong legal research and writing proficiency, including drafting memoranda and formal opinions.
Ability to provide actionable legal advice to senior staff, judges, or clients.
Academic honors, law review participation, or moot court experience (as an alternative to years of practice).
Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
✓Life and long-term care insurance
✓Flexible spending accounts
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Telework eligibility based on agency policy

💡 How to Apply Attorney-Advisor (General) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney-Advisor (General) Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Upload a professional resume (maximum 2 pages).
Prepare a 1-2 page cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications.
Collect proof of active bar licensure (dated within 3 months).
Gather law school transcripts.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USAJOBS link.
Submit all documentation before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to ensure all necessary federal formatting is included.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Check that your bar licensure documentation is current and dated within the last 3 months.
Ensure your email remains active throughout the hiring process, as all communication will occur electronically.
Review your application package for any offensive or inappropriate language, which leads to immediate disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the term of this appointment?

This is a term, excepted appointment that is not to exceed 2 years, though it may be extended for additional periods without further competition.

Can I work remotely?

This position is located in Lakewood, Colorado. While the duties are suitable for telework under DOI policy and with supervisory approval, you are expected to report to the office on a regular and recurring weekly basis.

What is the promotion potential for this role?

The promotion potential for this position is GS-14. Advancement depends on administrative approval, the continued need for higher-level duties, and your overall performance.

Job from Office Of The Solicitor

The Department of the Interior manages the nation's natural resources and cultural heritage. From protecting public lands to honoring our responsibilities to American Indians and Alaska Natives, the DOI is essential to the stewardship of the United States. The Office of the Solicitor serves as the legal branch of the DOI, managing everything from ethics oversight to complex litigation and FOIA appeals. By joining this team, you become a critical part of a legal organization dedicated to excellence, efficiency, and the public interest.