Launch Your Federal Legal Career: Attorney Advisor at the USDA
Are you a dedicated legal professional looking to pivot into the federal sector? The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently recruiting for an Attorney Advisor (General) within its prestigious Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This role is perfect for those who thrive on complex litigation, regulatory interpretation, and policy advocacy.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney Advisor, you will:
- Provide authoritative legal advice on federal, state, and local laws.
- Draft legal opinions, memoranda, and briefs for complex litigation.
- Support USDA program missions through deep analytical research.
- Represent the Department in negotiations and external interactions.
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must satisfy the following:
- A J.D. or LL.B. from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Active, good-standing bar membership.
- Proficiency in legal writing and research.
| Level | Experience Focus |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Developmental; entry-level legal support |
| GS-12 | Specialized experience in legal research and analysis |
| GS-13 | Advanced legal practice and agency representation |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $85,447 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the base salary, successful candidates gain access to an industry-leading federal benefits package, including retirement plans, health insurance, and flexible work options like telework.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is non-negotiable.
- Narrative Focus: Write your 1,200-word narrative clearly, linking your past experiences to the specific USDA legal needs described.
- Monthly Cut-offs: Don’t delay. The agency reviews applications monthly, starting November 2, 2026.
Serving as an Attorney Advisor at the USDA is a significant step for any legal professional. With the opportunity to work on high-impact federal issues and influence the trajectory of USDA programs, this role provides both professional challenges and public service rewards. Start your application today to secure your place in this upcoming review cycle.
Why This Attorney Advisor (General) Job Matters
Shape the future of federal agricultural policy and governance as a key legal strategist within the USDA’s Office of the General Counsel.
Attorney Advisor (General) Job Overview
The USDA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is seeking skilled Attorney Advisors to join the General Law and Research Division (GLRD). Based in Washington, D.C., this role offers a unique opportunity to provide critical legal support for Departmental Administration and the Research, Education, and Economics mission area. You will tackle complex legal challenges ranging from FOIA and Privacy Act compliance to procurement, fiscal law, and federal tort claims. This is an open-continuous announcement for high-caliber attorneys looking to impact federal agency operations through sophisticated legal analysis and advocacy.
Requirements for Attorney Advisor (General)
- Successful completion of a full course of study (J.D. or LL.B.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current, active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- Submission of a professional resume not exceeding two pages.
- Submission of a written narrative (maximum 1,200 words) detailing legal knowledge, skills, and competencies.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Moderate Risk security clearance.
- Must be able to provide Law School transcripts.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Advisor (General)
- Demonstrated experience in federal, state, and local law research and interpretation.
- Strong track record in writing legal opinions, memoranda, pleadings, and briefs.
- Experience handling litigation, procurement, grant, or fiscal law matters.
- Ability to perform complex legal analysis where precedents are conflicting or non-existent.
- Excellent communication skills for representing the agency in external interactions.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with step increases.
- ✓Career development and potential for non-competitive promotion.
- ✓Telework eligibility.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, retirement, and insurance benefits.
- ✓Incentives may be authorized for qualified candidates.
💡 How to Apply Attorney Advisor (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney Advisor (General) Job
- Review the full announcement carefully before beginning your application.
- Prepare your 2-page resume and your written narrative addressing the required competencies.
- Gather your law school transcripts and proof of active bar membership.
- Click 'Apply' to initiate the online process, complete the assessment questionnaire, and upload all required documentation.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal and ensure all email notifications are enabled.
- Submit your complete application package before the monthly cut-off dates.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; documents exceeding this limit will result in removal from consideration.
- Ensure your narrative is concise yet comprehensive, specifically addressing the legal competencies requested.
- Check for monthly cut-off dates starting November 2, 2026, to ensure your application is reviewed in the earliest possible cycle.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted and follow the allowed file formats (PDF, DOC, etc.).
- Ensure your transcripts clearly show your name and course information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located in Washington, D.C. While telework eligibility exists, the role is not classified as remote.
What happens if I apply after the initial cut-off date?
The announcement remains open-continuous. Applications received after the initial November 2, 2026, cut-off will be considered during subsequent monthly review cycles if additional vacancies occur.
Are there specific resume formatting requirements?
Yes, your resume must not exceed two pages. Subject matter experts will only review the first two pages of your submission.
Job from Office Of The General Counsel
The Office of the General Counsel is the legal backbone of the USDA. The General Law and Research Division (GLRD) provides essential guidance on statutes and regulations that govern Departmental operations. From handling Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to managing federal procurement and fiscal law issues, attorneys in this division serve as trusted counsel to leadership.