Attorney-Advisor (General)

Attorney-Advisor (General)

Department: Department of Homeland Security

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $121785 - $197200 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the General Counsel (OGC), General Law Division (GLD). The primary purpose of this position is to provide legal advice, counsel, recommendations, and drafting assistance to DHS officials on a variety of General Law matters. Non-BU: This is a non-bargaining unit position.

Major Duties:

• As an Attorney-Advisor (General), GS-0905-13/14/15, you will perform some of the following duties. The duties assigned will be determined by the needs of the Department and the specific experience of the successful applicant: Ensure that Administrative Law issues are properly considered in Departmental planning and policy development; conducting complex legal research and analysis and develop memoranda or present results to senior officials in a clear, precise, and persuasive manner while keeping supervisors fully informed. Provide written and oral advice to senior levels of the Department's leadership regarding authorities of the Department including, but not limited to: the Homeland Security Act; Federal Advisory Committee Act compliance; Federal Vacancies Reform Act compliance, Appointments Clause and Separation of Powers issues, delegations and designations of authority, orders of succession issues; review of the Department's directives and instructions, organization and structure; Administrative Procedures Act compliance; and litigation associated with challenges to the Department's authority. Provide legal counsel, advice, recommendations, and drafting assistance to the Committee Management Office, Components of the Department and the Department's leadership on the application of the laws Federal Advisory Committees. Review, investigate, and resolve Headquarters-related Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) administrative claims; resolve requests for Departmental information in third-party litigation; and manage litigation matters related to tort claims and individual capacity claims. Support various clients, both at Headquarters and Components, by reviewing and advising in the areas of environmental law compliance, real and personal property management; vehicle and travel issues; home-to-work policy; Memorandums of Agreement/Understanding; delegations and designations; and tribal affairs. View common definitions of terms found in this announcement: Common Definitions.

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: GS-13: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); AND Specialized professional legal experience in excess of two (2) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position, or two years of judicial clerkship. GS-14 and GS-15: The first professional law degree (LL.B. or JD) or the second professional law degree (LL.M.); AND Specialized professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position. The quality of the individual's background may be evidenced by the relatedness of his or her specialization. Specialized Experience: The skills and experience listed immediately below are of particular importance to the position, and applicants should provide specific detailed information in these areas, where applicable, as part of their application. You qualify for the GS-13 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the federal government. You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the federal government. You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the federal government. Specialized experience is experience providing legal advice and representation on matters related to the legal topics listed in the "Duties" section above. A successful applicant must have experience in some, but not necessarily all, of the legal topics listed in the "Duties" section above. . Substitution of education in lieu of specialized experience may not be used for this grade level. All qualifications and eligibility requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.

How to Apply: To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. If you are unable to apply online or need to submit a document you do not have in electronic form, visit this link for more information regarding an alternate application process. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM eastern standard time on the day the announcement closes. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete. Applicants must submit all required documentation to properly qualify for this position.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-27