Launch Your Legal Career: Become a General Attorney for the GSA

Are you a legal professional passionate about ethics, transparency, and government service? The General Services Administration (GSA) is currently inviting applications for the position of General Attorney within the Office of General Counsel (OGC). This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the ethical landscape of federal operations while building a long-term career within the executive branch.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Attorney (Ethics), your daily work will be both intellectually demanding and mission-critical. You will:

Provide Legal Counsel: Interpret and apply complex conflict-of-interest statutes and executive branch standards of conduct.
Manage Financial Disclosures: Oversee the confidential and public financial disclosure process, providing guidance to filers.
Support Investigations: Partner with the Office of Inspector General to investigate potential ethics violations.
Serve as a Point of Contact: Provide authoritative advice on matters of first impression regarding agency policy.
Lead Training: Develop and deliver training programs to educate staff on evolving ethical standards.

Requirements

To be considered for this GS-13 position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
Licensure: Active bar membership in good standing in any state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
Experience: At least two years of professional legal experience post-bar admission.
Documentation: Submission of law school transcripts is mandatory.

Comparison: General Attorney Roles

Feature	Entry-Level Attorney	Experienced GS-13 Attorney
Scope	Support & Research	Independent Counsel/Advice
Autonomy	High Supervision	Moderate to High
Specialization	Generalist	Ethics & Conflict Statutes
Salary Grade	Lower GS Scales	GS-13 Fixed Range

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this GS-13 position ranges from $108,173 to $172,980 per year, depending on location and locality pay adjustments. Beyond a competitive salary, the federal government offers a robust benefits package:

Financial Security: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and life insurance.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Health & Wellness: Multiple health insurance plans and flexible spending accounts.
Professional Growth: Continuous training and development opportunities.

Application Tips

Follow the Format: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. The automated system will reject any document longer than this.
Highlight Experience: Explicitly state your hours per week and specific dates of employment for every job on your resume.
Apply Early: The announcement operates on a rolling cut-off basis. Submitting early ensures your application reaches the hiring committee for the earliest possible review period.

Working for the GSA as a General Attorney is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the integrity of the federal government. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to tackle complex ethical challenges, we encourage you to submit your application through the official federal portal today.

Why This General Attorney Job Matters

Shape the ethical integrity of federal operations as a General Attorney with the U.S. General Services Administration—where your legal expertise protects the public trust.

General Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join the Ethics Law Division within the Office of General Counsel. As a General Attorney, you will play a critical role in upholding the highest standards of integrity within the Executive Branch. You will provide essential legal counsel regarding ethics rules, navigate complex conflict-of-interest statutes, and manage critical financial disclosure processes to ensure transparent and ethical government operations.

Requirements for General Attorney

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Active member of the Bar in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
Minimum of two years of professional legal experience obtained after bar admission.
Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must submit law school transcripts by the application deadline.
Must successfully complete a background investigation (Tier 2).
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
Disclosure of any status as a current or former political appointee (Schedule A, C, or Non-Career SES) within the last five years.

Preferred Qualifications for General Attorney

Direct knowledge of federal conflict-of-interest statutes and the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.
Proven ability to analyze complex factual situations and apply legal principles to institutional initiatives.
Strong oral communication skills for delivering presentations to high-level management.
Advanced written communication skills for drafting legal opinions and research.
Experience in developing and conducting professional training programs.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Generous sick leave and vacation time accrual
✓11 paid federal holidays per year
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement savings)
✓Transit and childcare subsidies
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities
✓Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply General Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Attorney Job

Create or update your profile on the USAJOBS platform.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your experience and qualifications.
Gather your law school transcripts and any required supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50 if applicable).
Submit your application through the official portal before the relevant cut-off date.
Monitor your status via the online application dashboard for updates.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will not be processed.
Detail your hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year) for every role listed on your resume.
Apply before the earliest cut-off date to ensure your application is reviewed in the first batch.
Verify your browser and network settings to ensure no firewalls block the transition from the portal to the GSA application site.
Keep your resume searchable in your profile to allow recruiters to find your credentials for future opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key cut-off dates for this position?

Applications are reviewed in batches. Upcoming cut-off dates are November 13, 2026, December 14, 2026, and January 13, 2027.

Can I update my resume after submitting my application?

You may update your profile, but once a specific cut-off date has passed, your application for that current batch is locked. Updates will only apply to future review periods.

Is this a remote position?

This position is telework-eligible, but it is not classified as a fully remote role. Candidates must be able to report to one of the listed duty stations.

Can I work from home?

The position is telework-eligible, meaning you may have the flexibility to work from home on specified days, though you will be expected to report to the office as required.

What is the security level?

This position is designated as Moderate Risk (MR), requiring a successful background investigation.

Job from Office Of General Counsel

The General Services Administration serves as the premier procurement and real estate agency for the federal government. Its Office of General Counsel provides the vital legal infrastructure required to operate these massive federal programs. Within the OGC, the Ethics Law Division stands as the guardian of public trust, ensuring that federal employees adhere to the highest standards of conduct.