Advance Your Legal Career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) stands as the nation’s premier organization for engineering, design, and construction management. Beyond the engineering and blueprints, USACE relies on a dedicated team of legal professionals to ensure that every project adheres to federal regulations and ethical standards. We are currently seeking an experienced Attorney-Adviser (General) for our Norfolk District Office of Counsel. This role offers the unique chance to shape the legal framework of major infrastructure projects that impact national security and regional economic growth.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney-Adviser, your work will be diverse and highly consequential. Your daily responsibilities include:

Advising the Executive Office and key staff on complex legal matters.
Performing rigorous reviews of contractual instruments to ensure clarity and legal sufficiency.
Drafting and reviewing documentation for realty and complex construction contracts.
Managing and preparing appeal assemblies for the Board of Contract Appeals.
Acting as a trial attorney in contractual claims arising within the District.
Investigating and processing various legal claims involving the Government.

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Education: A JD or LLB degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Bar Membership: Valid, active membership in good standing in any state or territory bar.
Legal Experience:
- GS-13: Two years of professional experience post-bar admission.
- GS-14: Three years of professional experience, specifically in contract interpretation and trial preparation.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-13 Level	GS-14 Level
Salary Range	$108,019 - $140,426	$127,646 - $165,945
Experience Req.	2+ Years Post-Bar	3+ Years Post-Bar
Primary Focus	Contract Review	Claims & Litigation Strategy

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary range based on the General Schedule (GS) scale. Starting compensation depends on the grade level for which you are selected, with the potential for career progression up to the GS-14 level. Locality pay is included in the stated figures.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package that is hard to beat. You will have access to:

Robust health, dental, and vision insurance options.
A secure retirement through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrued paid leave for vacation and personal needs.
Ongoing training and development opportunities through the PILLAR Career Management Directorate.

Application Tips

To stand out, ensure your resume is concise and impactful. The agency enforces a two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified. Focus on highlighting your specific experience with contract law and litigation. Ensure all supporting documentation—including your bar license and law school transcripts—is included in your initial submission.

If you are a driven legal professional ready to tackle high-impact work, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk is the place to be. Apply today to contribute your expertise to a mission that builds the future of our nation.

Why This Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact legal career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Norfolk, Virginia, where your expertise in contract law directly supports critical national infrastructure projects.

Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Norfolk District, is seeking an experienced Attorney-Adviser (General) to join the Office of Counsel. This pivotal role involves providing expert legal counsel on contract formation, performance, administration, and litigation. As a member of the District team, you will influence the delivery of essential engineering, design, and construction solutions. This is a developmental position with a full performance level of GS-14, offering a challenging environment for legal professionals to grow their careers while serving the nation.

Requirements for Attorney-Adviser (General)

Must be a graduate of an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school with a JD or LLB degree.
Must be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the U.S., District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
For GS-13: Two or more years of post-bar professional legal experience, or one year of experience plus top 25% class standing/LLM.
For GS-14: Three or more years of post-bar professional legal experience in contract interpretation and litigation.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Ability to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450).
Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements if currently in a GS position.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser (General)

Demonstrated experience in reviewing complex construction, service, and supply contracts.
Expertise in drafting legal documents for real estate and contract matters.
Proven ability to serve as a trial attorney for contractual claims and appeals.
Advanced degree (LLM) in a relevant legal discipline.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training within the PILLAR Career Management Directorate.
✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay adjustments.

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

Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser (General) Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Review the full announcement details and verify your eligibility.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing relevant experience and hours worked.
Complete the mandatory online questionnaire.
Upload required documents, including law school transcripts, bar membership proof, and any applicable SF-50s.
Submit your complete application package by the closing date of November 17, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically excluded.
Be specific about your legal experience; list your employer, dates of service, and clear descriptions of your duties.
Proofread your application to ensure all required licenses and transcripts are attached.
Do not use acronyms that may be unfamiliar to HR staff; use plain, descriptive language.
Submit your application early to account for potential technical delays or virus scanning times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required for this position?

No, a security clearance is not required; however, the position is designated as Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, subject to agency policy.

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date. Late submissions will not be considered.

Is this position remote?

While the position is telework-eligible, it is not a fully remote role and requires physical presence in the Norfolk, Virginia office.

Will relocation costs be covered?

Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this vacancy.

Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a vital part of the Department of the Army. Our mission is to provide engineering solutions to the nation’s toughest challenges. At the Norfolk District, our legal team provides the backbone for contract integrity. We value collaboration, innovation, and technical expertise, fostering a workplace where legal experts can thrive while supporting a mission that truly matters.