Become a Key Legal Leader at the Uniformed Services University

Are you an experienced attorney looking to transition into a high-impact leadership role within the federal government? The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is currently seeking a Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General) to serve as the Deputy General Counsel in Bethesda, Maryland. This role is a rare opportunity to influence the legal and ethical framework of the nation’s only federal health sciences university.

Job Responsibilities

As the Deputy General Counsel, your influence will span across various departments. You will:

Act as the General Counsel’s deputy, providing executive direction and management to the legal office.
Provide strategic legal counsel to senior officials on complex, sensitive institutional issues.
Serve as the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official, ensuring institutional compliance.
Litigate complex cases, collaborating with the Department of Justice to defend the University's interests.
Review and draft legislation, policies, and directives to ensure they align with federal law.

Requirements

To be considered for this high-level position, you must meet the following baseline requirements:

A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.M. from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active bar membership in good standing.
Minimum of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Extensive knowledge of higher education, labor, contract, and ethics law.

Comparison of Qualifications

Qualification Area	Requirement Level	Importance
Specialized Legal Experience	1+ Year (GS-14 equivalent)	Critical
Management/Leadership	Proven team-leading experience	Critical
Litigation Experience	Required for complex matters	High
Education	JD/LLM from ABA school	Mandatory

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-15 level, offering a competitive federal salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to top-tier health insurance plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual and telework options.
Career Development: Ongoing training and opportunities to grow within the DoD legal community.

Application Tips

Be Concise: Your resume must be no more than two pages. Use bullet points to highlight your most relevant leadership and legal experience.
Include Detail: Ensure your resume clearly states your dates of employment, grade level, and specific bar jurisdiction.
Follow Directions: Email your complete package—cover letter, resume, writing samples, and transcripts—to the specified email address. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Redact Sensitive Info: Ensure all Social Security Numbers and dates of birth are redacted from your uploaded documents to protect your personal information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a formal veterans' preference for this role? A: While the traditional point-preference system for the competitive service does not apply to this excepted service position, the Department of the Navy OGC treats veterans' preference as a positive factor.

Q: Are official transcripts required immediately? A: Unofficial transcripts are accepted for the application process, but official transcripts will be mandatory if you are selected for the position.

This role is more than just a legal job; it is an opportunity to lead, mentor, and shape the legal landscape of a world-class federal university. If you have the experience and the desire to serve those who serve our country, we encourage you to apply by the closing date of November 3, 2026.

Why This Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Matters

Shape the Future of Military Medicine: Join the Office of General Counsel at the Uniformed Services University.

Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Overview

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) is seeking a highly skilled Deputy General Counsel to provide authoritative legal leadership. In this pivotal role, you will advise senior officials on complex, high-risk institutional issues, manage a multidisciplinary legal team, and serve as the University's Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the legal landscape of the nation's premier federal health sciences university while supporting the readiness of America's Warfighters.

Requirements for Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General)

J.D. or LL.M. degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active, good-standing membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, territory, or the D.C.
At least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Proven experience in administrative, higher education, labor and employment, contract, fiscal, and government ethics law.
Demonstrated ability to lead, direct, and mentor multidisciplinary legal teams, including attorneys and paralegals.
Professional experience acting as lead or senior counsel for complex litigation and high-risk institutional matters.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General)

Experience navigating legal frameworks specifically within military or federal health systems.
Advanced skills in legislative drafting and policy analysis within a federal context.
Demonstrated success in collaborating with the Department of Justice on defense strategies.
Expertise in managing cooperative agreements and large-scale research grants.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Federal retirement programs, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Telework flexibility.
✓Relocation incentives or PCS funding may be available for qualified candidates.

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

Application Steps for Supervisory Attorney-Adviser (General) Job

Prepare a cover letter addressing your interest and specific qualifications (include requests for relocation/PCS here).
Create a concise, 2-page resume highlighting specific dates of employment, job titles, and bar membership.
Assemble two legal writing samples (under 10 years old, max 10 pages each).
Obtain your two most recent performance evaluations.
Compile contact information for at least three references, including a current or former supervisor.
Secure a copy of your law school transcripts confirming degree completion.
Email your complete application package to the designated HR contact by the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to the 2-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool to ensure all required federal format details (grade, series, hours/week) are captured.
Ensure all performance evaluations are finalized assessments; mid-year reviews are not accepted.
Explicitly state your bar admission and jurisdiction on your resume.
Double-check that your legal writing samples demonstrate advocacy and analytical depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is telework eligible, supporting a modern, flexible work environment.

What is the security clearance requirement?

This position requires a Secret security clearance and is classified as Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk.

Can I submit my application via USAJOBS?

No. Interested applicants must follow the specific instructions in the 'How to Apply' section and email their materials directly to the address provided in the job announcement.

Job from Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences

The Uniformed Services University is the academic heart of the Military Health System. The University is responsible for educating and training the next generation of physicians, scientists, and nurses who will serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Public Health Service. By providing expert legal counsel to the General Counsel, you will help the University continue its critical mission of advancing military medical research and supporting the health of our nation's Warfighters and their families.