Advance Your Career as an Attorney-Adviser with the Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Adviser (Labor) to join its Office of General Counsel in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This position offers a unique chance to work at the intersection of law and military healthcare, providing essential guidance on labor relations and personnel matters. If you are an experienced legal professional looking to serve those who serve our country, this role provides both professional growth and the satisfaction of contributing to a vital mission.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Adviser, your daily responsibilities will be varied and impactful:
- Legal Advising: Provide expert counsel to DHA leadership regarding civilian personnel law, labor relations, and EEO issues.
- Preventive Law: Keep management informed of regulatory changes that could impact labor and employment operations.
- Litigation: Represent the agency before boards including the Merit Systems Protection Board, the EEOC, and federal arbitrators.
- Negotiation: Lead settlement discussions on behalf of the agency to resolve disputes efficiently.
- Documentation: Conduct thorough research to prepare oral and written legal opinions.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Possession of a JD or LLB degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
- Active membership in good standing with a state or territorial Bar.
- Relevant legal experience post-Bar admission (2 years for GS-13, 3 years for GS-14).
- Ability to secure and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Requirement | GS-13 Level | GS-14 Level |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 2+ Years | 3+ Years |
| Impact | Independent Adviser | Senior Counsel |
| Responsibility | Mid-level casework | Complex case management |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $121,785 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with qualifications and the specific grade level determined by the hiring authority. Beyond the base salary, employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a common point of failure for many applicants.
- Documentation Accuracy: Ensure your Certificate of Good Standing is fresh and that your law school transcripts are clearly attached.
- Tailor Your Narrative: Highlight your specific experience in labor relations and administrative litigation to align with the KSA requirements mentioned in the announcement.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an attorney who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to apply their expertise to meaningful public service. With a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the Department of Defense's health infrastructure, this vacancy is a top-tier choice for legal professionals. Apply today to secure your place with the DHA team.
Why This Attorney-Adviser (Labor) Job Matters
Step into a pivotal role as an Attorney-Adviser with the Defense Health Agency, where your legal expertise directly impacts the healthcare of over 9.6 million service members and their families.
Attorney-Adviser (Labor) Job Overview
The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is seeking a dedicated Attorney-Adviser (Labor) to provide comprehensive legal support in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this role, you will navigate complex issues involving civilian personnel law, labor relations, and equal employment opportunity (EEO) matters. As a vital member of the Office of General Counsel, you will advocate for the agency before administrative boards, conduct settlement negotiations, and provide essential preventive legal guidance to DHA leadership. This position is in the Excepted Service and offers a unique opportunity to shape the legal framework of a critical government health system.
Requirements for Attorney-Adviser (Labor)
- Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Current, active member in good standing of the Bar of a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia.
- For GS-13: Minimum of two years of professional legal experience post-bar admission.
- For GS-14: Minimum of three years of professional legal experience post-bar admission.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Completion of Selective Service registration for male applicants born after 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser (Labor)
- Experience in civilian personnel law and labor relations.
- Proven track record in administrative hearings practice.
- Strong oral and written advocacy skills.
- Ability to manage a high-volume caseload with competing priorities.
- Current 3-5 page legal writing sample demonstrating analytical ability.
- Self-certified statement of fitness to practice law.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- ✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement savings plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave
- ✓Telework eligibility
- ✓Potential for career advancement within the DHA
💡 How to Apply Attorney-Adviser (Labor) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser (Labor) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather all required documents.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
- Upload law school transcripts and current Certificate of Good Standing.
- Attach supporting documents such as SF-50s or veteran's preference forms.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced; applications exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Ensure your Certificate of Good Standing is dated within the last 90 days.
- Provide a detailed writing sample to demonstrate your analytical prowess.
- Clearly highlight your experience in labor relations on your resume.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from non-essential supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my bar membership certificate is pending?
Yes, if the document has been ordered but not arrived, you may provide a screenshot of your certificate showing an active status within the last 90 days.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
The role is telework eligible, but it is not a fully remote position; you must be able to report to Fort Belvoir, VA.
Are there limits on the resume length?
Yes, your resume must be no longer than two pages. Exceeding this limit will result in your application being removed from consideration.
Job from Defense Health Agency
The Defense Health Agency is an integrated healthcare system responsible for the worldwide delivery of medical, dental, and pharmacy programs. Supporting over 9.6 million uniformed service members, retirees, and their families, the DHA is a strategic partner in combat support and global health readiness. Working here means joining a dedicated team committed to excellence, integrity, and the welfare of our military community.