Become an Attorney-Adviser at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA)
If you are a seasoned legal professional passionate about justice, public service, and policy, a career with the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) offers a unique path. We are looking for a dedicated Attorney-Adviser to join our General Counsel team in Washington, D.C. This role is not just about practicing law; it is about supporting the fair administration of justice and public safety.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Adviser, you will handle diverse responsibilities, including:
- Drafting authoritative legal opinions on criminal and correctional law.
- Providing advice on labor, employment, procurement, and ethics.
- Assisting in litigation, including preparing pleadings and conducting complex research.
- Representing the agency in specialty legal areas.
- Preparing investigative reports and policy documents.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: A J.D. or LL.B. degree.
- Bar Membership: Active status in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: Minimum four years post-J.D. practice, with three years focused on federal legal matters.
- Technical Skills: Experience with FOIA, EEO, Privacy Act, and federal labor law.
Comparison Table: Qualifications & Documentation
| Category | Requirement | Submission Document |
|---|---|---|
| Education | J.D. or LL.B. | Unofficial Transcripts |
| Bar Membership | Active & Good Standing | Official Certificate |
| Experience | 4+ Years Legal | Detailed Resume |
| Writing Proficiency | < 10 Pages | Writing Sample |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $121,785 to $158,322 per year, commensurate with your qualifications and federal pay standards.
Benefits
Employees of the federal government enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Health and Life Insurance.
- Retirement plans (FERS).
- Paid holidays and leave.
- Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.
Application Tips
- Be Precise: Ensure your writing sample is exactly what was requested; any overflow is discarded.
- Be Thorough: Double-check that your resume explicitly states hours worked per week.
- Be Proactive: If you have veteran's preference, ensure the SF-15 is filled out correctly before submission.
Serving as an Attorney-Adviser at CSOSA is an opportunity to bridge the gap between complex legal theory and real-world criminal justice reform. If you have the experience and the commitment to public service, we encourage you to apply and contribute your expertise to a vital federal agency.
Why This Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Matters
Join the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) as an Attorney-Adviser and play a pivotal role in the fair administration of justice and public safety.
Attorney-Adviser (General) Job Overview
The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) at CSOSA is seeking an experienced Attorney-Adviser to provide high-level legal counsel on criminal justice, administrative, and correctional law matters. This position serves as a critical advisor, supporting the agency's mission through research, litigation support, and policy interpretation in a high-impact public service environment located in Washington, D.C.
Requirements for Attorney-Adviser (General)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. degree from an accredited institution.
- Active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of four years of post-J.D./LL.B. legal experience.
- At least three years of experience in Federal laws related to labor-management, torts, criminal law, FOIA, Privacy Act, EEO, or federal employment law.
- Proven experience in litigation and practice before forums such as the EEOC, MSPB, FLRA, or federal/state courts.
- Submission of a written narrative demonstrating experience in at least three subject matter areas of federal practice.
- Passing a background investigation for a moderate-risk position.
- Drug testing requirement.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser (General)
- Demonstrated ability to prepare authoritative legal opinions and investigative reports.
- Strong proficiency in legal research involving complex statutes and case law.
- Experience in representing an organization in specialized legal discussions (e.g., intellectual property).
- Current federal employees with competitive service status or relevant veterans' preference eligibility.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- ✓Participation in federal leave programs.
- ✓Supportive and mission-driven work environment.
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Adviser (General) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser (General) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload a two-page resume detailing work schedule, hours, and duties.
- Submit unofficial law school transcripts.
- Provide proof of current bar membership.
- Submit a writing sample (maximum 10 pages).
- Include a written narrative of federal practice experience.
- Submit applicable supporting documents (SF-50, DD-214, or SF-15 if claiming preference).
- Verify all documents have been successfully uploaded and submitted before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the required legal competencies.
- Keep your writing sample strictly under the 10-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Clearly highlight your federal practice experience in your narrative.
- Double-check your bar certification status to ensure it is current and from a valid government source.
- If claiming veteran's preference, ensure you attach all required forms (SF-15 and supporting documents) at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of the Attorney-Adviser at CSOSA?
You will serve as a legal advisor providing authoritative opinions on criminal, correctional, and administrative law, while assisting the General Counsel with litigation, ethics, and agency policy matters.
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, allowing for a flexible work-life balance.
What happens if I forget to submit my performance appraisal or SF-50?
Failure to provide all required documents, including proof of current status or performance appraisals, may lead to your application being marked as incomplete and excluded from consideration.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*
Is this a remote position?
*A: The role is based in Washington, D.C., though telework options are available.*
Job from Court Services And Offender Supervision Agency For Dc Headquarters
The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) is a federal agency responsible for the supervision of offenders in the District of Columbia. Our mission is to promote public safety, prevent crime, and reduce recidivism. Working in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), you will provide critical legal support to CSOSA and the Pretrial Services Agency (PSA).