Advance Your Legal Career as an Attorney Adviser with the DHS Office of Inspector General

Are you an experienced attorney looking to pivot your career toward public service? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is currently accepting applications for the position of Attorney Adviser. This role is a cornerstone of our efforts to ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability across the vast scope of the Department of Homeland Security’s operations. Whether you are passionate about whistleblower protection, administrative law, or complex federal litigation, this position offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the nation’s security architecture.

Job Responsibilities

As an Attorney Adviser, you will serve as a trusted legal counselor. Your work will span across various divisions, including:

General Law Division: Providing guidance on criminal and civil procedures, law enforcement, and federal acquisition law.
Information Law and Disclosure: Managing complex legal issues related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Privacy Act.
Personnel Law: Advising management on disciplinary matters, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) cases, and internal policy.
Whistleblower Protection: Conducting rigorous investigations and serving as an expert on whistleblower rights and policies.

Grade Comparison Overview

Grade Level	Experience Required	Typical Focus
GS-13	3+ Years	Foundational Legal Advisory
GS-14	4+ Years	Intermediate Litigation & Strategy
GS-15	5+ Years	Expert Advisory & Leadership

Requirements

To be considered for this high-impact role, candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
Licensure: You must be an active, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Experience: Candidates need a minimum of 3 years of post-J.D. legal experience. Depending on the grade level applied for, this requirement increases.
Security: Must be able to qualify for a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $106,437 to $197,200 annually, depending on your qualifications and experience. Beyond the compensation, the DHS provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both your professional and personal well-being, including:

Robust federal retirement plans (Thrift Savings Plan).
Comprehensive health insurance with government-subsidized premiums.
Flexible work schedules and telework options.
Paid parental leave and generous federal holiday schedules.
Opportunities for ongoing professional training.

Application Tips

Standing out in a federal hiring process requires precision. Here are our top tips:

The 2-Page Rule: Do not exceed two pages for your resume. It is a strict disqualifier.
Documentation Accuracy: Ensure your transcript and bar membership are clearly documented and legible.
Tailor Your Writing Sample: Select a piece that demonstrates your ability to analyze complex issues and argue them persuasively.
Quantify Your Experience: Be specific about the work you did, the hours you worked, and the impact of your legal contributions.

Joining the DHS Office of Inspector General is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of American government. If you possess the legal acumen, integrity, and dedication to excellence required for this role, we encourage you to apply. Your expertise will directly contribute to a safer, more transparent future for the nation.

Why This Attorney Adviser Job Matters

Advance your legal career while protecting the nation’s integrity—join the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General.

Attorney Adviser Job Overview

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) is seeking dedicated Attorney Advisers to support our mission of ensuring accountability, transparency, and program effectiveness. As a vital member of our Office of Counsel, you will provide critical legal guidance on complex matters including administrative law, federal ethics, and whistleblower protections. This is a unique opportunity to shape policy and conduct investigations that directly impact the security and resilience of our nation’s programs.

Requirements for Attorney Adviser

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Current active membership in good standing of the bar of any U.S. State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or territory.
Three to five years of post-J.D. legal experience depending on the GS-level (13-15).
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Successful completion of a drug screening test.
Disclosure of any recent political appointment history.

Preferred Qualifications for Attorney Adviser

Demonstrated experience in federal civil and criminal litigation.
Expertise in Whistleblower Protection laws and investigative procedures.
Extensive background in FOIA, Privacy Act, or federal acquisition law.
Superior legal research and writing abilities in high-stakes environments.
Strong interpersonal communication skills for interacting with diverse stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and annual raises.
✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement) with employer matching.
✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Tuition reimbursement programs and professional development training.

💡 How to Apply Attorney Adviser Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Attorney Adviser Job

Create or sign into your USAJOBS account.
Review the application requirements carefully, paying close attention to the 2-page resume limit.
Prepare your documents: resume, law school transcripts, bar membership proof, and a legal writing sample (max 10 pages).
Complete the online assessment questionnaire via the application portal.
Submit your complete package by the closing date of January 25, 2027.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal and your provided email address.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; excess pages will not be reviewed.
Clearly outline your work schedule and hours worked per week for every position listed.
Proofread your writing sample; it is a primary metric for evaluating your analytical skills.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure your DD-214 is clearly attached to avoid oversight.
Verify your bar membership documents include the bar number, status, and admission date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the commitment to telework for this position?

This position is telework-eligible, allowing for flexibility in balancing professional duties with personal needs, subject to supervisor approval and agency policy.

Is the Top Secret clearance mandatory?

Yes. Because the OIG deals with sensitive information regarding national security and investigative integrity, a Top Secret/SCI clearance is a condition of employment.

Can I apply if I have worked as a political appointee?

Yes, but you must disclose your history as a Schedule A, C, or non-career SES appointee within the last five years, as these require additional OPM authorization.

Is there an age limit for this position?

No, federal legal positions are generally not subject to maximum entry-age requirements.

How long does the background check process take?

While timelines vary, the Top Secret/SCI investigation is a thorough process that can take several months post-selection.

Can I apply if my bar status is inactive?

No, you must provide proof of *active* membership in good standing.

Job from Office Of The Inspector General

The Office of Inspector General is an independent entity within the DHS. Our mission is to promote excellence and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in one of the most critical government departments in the United States. From securing borders and transportation systems to protecting national digital infrastructure, the OIG provides the oversight necessary to keep the Department of Homeland Security efficient, ethical, and effective.