Attorney Adviser (General)

Summary

OPR is responsible for reviewing allegations of misconduct involving Department attorneys, investigators, or law enforcement personnel, when the allegations relate to the exercise of the authority of an attorney to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice. OPR also investigates other matters at the request of the Attorney General or Deputy Attorney General.

Duties

About the Office The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of professional misconduct involving Department of Justice attorneys and law enforcement agents that relate to the exercise of an attorney's authority to investigate, litigate, or provide legal advice. OPR attorneys conduct sensitive investigations involving all levels and components of the Department and relating to a wide range of challenging and topical ethical issues, including grand jury abuse, discovery violations, and lack of candor. OPR also has jurisdiction to investigate allegations of whistleblower retaliation made by current, former, and prospective employees of the FBI. Because professional misconduct and whistleblower retaliation allegations may involve highly publicized or sensitive cases, matters with complex legal or factual issues, and those with novel ethical questions, the office seeks experienced, detail-oriented attorneys with discretion, good judgment, and excellent analytical and writing skills. OPR attorneys and administrative staff are public-service oriented and dedicated to OPR's mission to ensure that Department attorneys perform their duties with integrity in accordance with the high professional standards expected of the nation's principal law enforcement agency. OPR's small size fosters collegiality and collaboration. OPR's offices are in the historic RFK Main Justice Building in Washington, D.C., with convenient access to parking, public transportation, and downtown attractions. This is an in-office position. For more information about OPR, please visit our website at https://www.justice.gov/opr Job Description: OPR attorneys enjoy a challenging mix of responsibilities that require investigative, analytical, and oral and written communication skills. OPR attorneys are expected to work independently and to effectively manage multiple concurrent assignments. Duties include the following: Developing investigative plans. Locating and reviewing relevant records and other physical evidence. Conducting in-depth interviews of witnesses and subjects. Researching complex and novel ethical issues. Identifying the relevant standards of conduct and applying the facts to reach well-supported conclusions. Drafting memoranda and reports that concisely summarize the facts developed during the investigation, discuss the legal analysis, and explain the investigative findings. Making recommendations for appropriate action to OPR and Department leadership.

Qualifications and evaluation

Application Process: This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. citizens. To apply, interested candidates must submit the following: Cover letter that highlights the applicant's interest in the position and addresses in detail how qualifications are met. Current resume that includes months and years of education and employment, all bar admissions, and month and year of earliest bar admission. Resumes cannot exceed two pages. Most recent SF-50 (for current or former federal employees only). Writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages). Copy of J.D. degree transcripts (may be unofficial). Proof of current and active bar membership. Applicants may be asked to complete a written legal analysis based on a factual scenario provided by OPR. Contact information for references may be required at a later time. Applications should be submitted to OPR.Applications@usdoj.gov. Application Deadline: September 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

Education

See Qualification section above for education requirement. Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

How to apply

To apply, interested candidates must submit the following: Cover letter that highlights the applicant's interest in the position and addresses in detail how qualifications are met. Current resume that includes months and years of education and employment, all bar admissions, and month and year of earliest bar admission. Resumes cannot exceed two pages. Most recent SF-50 (for current or former federal employees only). Writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages). Copy of J.D. degree transcripts (may be unofficial). Proof of current and active bar membership. Applicants may be asked to complete a written legal analysis based on a factual scenario provided by OPR. Contact information for references may be required at a later time. Applications should be submitted to OPR.Applications@usdoj.gov. Application Deadline: September 30, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Need Help? If you need help with USAJOBs or the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help or Application Manager Online Help websites which includes information on managing your account, creating an application, uploading documents, etc. Reasonable Accommodation: To request reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement for assistance.

Required documents

It is your responsibility to carefully review the list of required documents below and submit the necessary documentation based on your eligibility. To apply, interested candidates must submit the following: Cover letter that highlights the applicant's interest in the position and addresses in detail how qualifications are met. Current resume that includes months and years of education and employment, all bar admissions, and month and year of earliest bar admission. Resumes cannot exceed two pages. Most recent SF-50 (for current or former federal employees only). Writing sample (not to exceed 20 pages). Copy of J.D. degree transcripts (may be unofficial). Proof of current and active bar membership. Resume - All Applicants: You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following pieces of information for each job entry listed in your employment history: Official position title, Employer name and contact information, Start and end dates (including month and year), Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and A list of duties performed and accomplishments. Veterans' Preference documentation: If you are claiming veterans' preference you must submit: (1) a copy of your DD-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty," (Member 4 copy), showing the dates of active duty, type of discharge, and character of service, OR (2) a certification letter from the armed forces that certifies you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. This letter must contain (a) military service dates including the expected discharge or release date and (b) character of service. If you are claiming 10-point veterans' preference as a Disabled Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, or Mother or Spouse of a Disabled or Deceased Veteran, in addition to the documents specified above, you must submit all additional proof required by the SF-15, and if applicable, a completed SF-15. College Transcripts - If you are using education to qualify for this position, or education is required, you must submit: An unofficial transcript containing a full listing of courses, credit earned, grade and grade-point-average, subject area, degree(s) earned, and dates of award. Note: If you are selected for this position, official transcripts will be required prior to your first day.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Salary: Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level (GS-14, $143,913 - $187,093) or (GS-15, $169,279 - $197,200). Travel: Occasional travel may be required. Relocation Expenses: Not authorized. Number of Positions: One Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline. DOJ Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. The DOJ Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/reasonable-accommodation#policy Selective Service: If you were born male, on or after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Additional information is found at: www.sss.gov. Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to the hiring office using the contact information listed in the announcement. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.