Advance Your Legal Career with the Department of Justice
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of the nation's legal system, ensuring the rule of law and protecting the constitutional rights of all Americans. For the legal professional who thrives on challenge and intellectual rigor, the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) offers an unparalleled environment to influence national policy. We are currently accepting applications for an Attorney-Adviser to join our team in Washington, D.C.
Job Responsibilities
As an Attorney-Adviser, you will perform high-level legal work crucial to the Department's mission. Your responsibilities will include:
- Policy Formulation: Developing and implementing significant policy initiatives that impact the entire Department.
- Regulatory Review: Evaluating regulations promulgated by the DOJ and other federal agencies.
- Strategic Research: Conducting deep legal research to provide actionable solutions for complex policy issues.
- Collaborative Projects: Working across departmental components and with other Executive Branch agencies to address pressing legislative needs.
- Judicial Nominations: Assisting in the vital process of vetting candidates for federal judgeships.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this role:
- Educational Credential: A J.D. degree from an accredited institution.
- Professional Experience: A minimum of two years of post-JD practice.
- Bar Admission: Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia.
- Security Clearance: Ability to pass a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk investigation.
Comparison of Qualifications
| Requirement | Preferred Status |
|---|---|
| Bar Membership | Required |
| Federal Experience | Highly Desirable |
| Criminal Law Background | Strongly Preferred |
| Tech Law Expertise | Strongly Preferred |
Salary Overview
This position is categorized under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, spanning GS-13 through GS-15 based on your experience and qualifications.
- Salary Range: $121,785 – $197,200 per annum, including applicable locality pay.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:
- Exceptional health insurance plans.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Paid federal holidays, sick leave, and vacation time.
- Access to diverse professional development and mentorship programs.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use this space to focus on impact and accomplishments.
- Rolling Admissions: We review applications on a rolling basis. Applying before the November 20 deadline increases your chances of consideration.
- Clarity is King: Demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex legal issues into clear, professional writing within your application materials.
Serving as an Attorney-Adviser within the Office of Legal Policy is a unique opportunity to contribute to the highest levels of the U.S. legal system. If you possess the experience, intellect, and drive to serve the public interest, we encourage you to submit your application today.
Why This Attorney-Adviser Job Matters
Shape the future of federal policy at the Department of Justice. The Office of Legal Policy is seeking a highly skilled Attorney-Adviser to influence national legislation and critical departmental initiatives.
Attorney-Adviser Job Overview
The Office of Legal Policy (OLP) at the Department of Justice is looking for a versatile and experienced legal professional to serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel. In this role, you will perform high-level legal work, including interpreting complex provisions of law, drafting legislative proposals, and supporting the Department's oversight of vital policy projects. This position demands a keen ability to bridge the gap between complex legal theory and practical policy execution, often working across various components of the Executive Branch to advance the DOJ's mission.
Requirements for Attorney-Adviser
- Possession of a J.D. degree from an accredited institution.
- At least two years of post-JD legal experience.
- Active membership in the bar of any U.S. state or the District of Columbia.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship requirements (if applicable to federal hiring standards).
- Registration with the Selective Service System (if born male after Dec 31, 1959).
Preferred Qualifications for Attorney-Adviser
- Experience working with or within federal government agencies.
- Background in criminal law.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Super Intelligence.
- Proven ability to communicate complex policy matters clearly and succinctly.
- Willingness to undertake projects outside of one's specific area of legal expertise.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Competitive federal salary with locality pay
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance options
- âś“Federal retirement benefits
- âś“Life insurance coverage
- âś“Paid time off and federal holidays
- âś“Opportunities for professional development within the Department of Justice
- âś“Flexible work arrangements including telework eligibility
đź’ˇ How to Apply Attorney-Adviser Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Attorney-Adviser Job
- Prepare a resume (maximum two pages) detailing all duties and accomplishments, including hours worked per week.
- Draft a cover letter outlining interest and specific qualifications.
- Gather proof of active bar membership.
- Collect J.D. transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for application).
- If applicable, gather SF-50 forms or Veterans' preference documentation (DD-214).
- Email all documents to [email protected], referencing OLP ATTY 26-004 in the subject line.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; submitting early is highly recommended.
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length may be disqualified.
- Clearly highlight your experience with criminal law or emerging tech to stand out.
- Check for any foreign education equivalency certification if your degree was earned outside the U.S.
- Double-check that your email includes the required reference number to ensure it reaches the correct hiring unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position eligible for remote work?
The position is telework-eligible, though not fully remote. Candidates must be available to work from the Washington, D.C. office as required.
What is the salary range for this role?
The salary ranges from $121,785 to $197,200 per year, depending on qualifications and experience level.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be emailed directly to [email protected] with the reference number OLP ATTY 26-004 included.
Is relocation assistance offered?
*A: No, relocation expenses are not provided for this position.*
What is the deadline to apply?
*A: The initial deadline is November 20, 2026, though the position may be filled sooner via rolling review.*
Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions
The Office of Legal Policy (OLP) is a high-impact component of the DOJ. Our primary mission is to assist the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General by providing expert policy advice. We coordinate departmental policy initiatives, review significant regulations, and play a pivotal role in the federal judicial nomination process. Our core values—independence, impartiality, honesty, and excellence—guide every project we undertake.