Contracts Attorney (Assistant General Counsel)

Summary

OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, budget and financial management, agency organizational management, personnel, procurement, access to government records (FOIA and Privacy Act), security, and delegations of authority. OGC attorneys also litigate in administrative forums and assist litigating divisions and U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) when JMD matters are in the federal courts.

Duties

About the Office: The Justice Management Division (JMD) is the administrative arm of the Department of Justice, headed by the Assistant Attorney General for Administration (AAG/A). The JMD Office of the General Counsel (OGC) functions as "in-house" counsel to the AAG/A, JMD managers, and senior Department leadership on a wide variety of matters relating to the organization, management, and administration of the Department. OGC attorneys advise JMD and Department management in areas such as appropriations, budget and financial management, agency organizational management, personnel, procurement, access to government records (FOIA and Privacy Act), security, and delegations of authority. OGC attorneys also litigate in administrative forums and assist litigating divisions and U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) when JMD matters are in the federal courts. Job Description: This position uses the organizational title of Assistant General Counsel and reports to a JMD Deputy General Counsel. The incumbent also has significant collaborative interaction with the General Counsel, attorney colleagues in the office, and managers and attorneys throughout JMD and the Department. As an Assistant General Counsel, you will: Provide legal advice to JMD management, JMD staffs, and other DOJ components on matters of procurement law. This includes advice regarding all steps of the procurement process, such as acquisition planning, award determination, contract administration, and conflicts of interest. Represent the Department in bid protests at the Government Accountability Office and contract disputes at the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals. Assist litigating divisions and USAOs when JMD matters are in the federal courts. Provide legal support for the Department's suspension and debarment program. The attorney selected for this position may also have the opportunity to work in OGC's other practice areas.

Qualifications and evaluation

Application Process: To apply, interested individuals must submit the following documents via email to: JMDOGC_employment@usdoj.gov Cover letter that highlights qualifications and interest in the position; Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above; Copy of J.D. or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable); Proof of active bar membership; Most recent SF-50; A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years (if applicable); A list of at least three professional references; A brief writing sample or part of a longer writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages) that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis; and Copy of most recent performance appraisal or rating (federal employees only). Note: Writing samples and performance appraisals may be redacted, as appropriate, to protect sensitive information. 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. Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 10, 2026

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

Application Process: To apply, interested individuals must submit the following documents via email to: JMDOGC_employment@usdoj.gov Cover letter that highlights qualifications and interest in the position; Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above; Copy of J.D. or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable); Proof of active bar membership; Most recent SF-50; A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years (if applicable); A list of at least three professional references; A brief writing sample or part of a longer writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages) that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis; and Copy of most recent performance appraisal or rating (federal employees only). Note: Writing samples and performance appraisals may be redacted, as appropriate, to protect sensitive information. Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 10, 2026 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. Application Process: To apply, interested individuals must submit the following documents via email to: JMDOGC_employment@usdoj.gov Cover letter that highlights qualifications and interest in the position; Resume, highlighting experience relevant to the duties and qualifications listed above; Copy of J.D. or equivalent degree (official transcript with conferred status is acceptable); Proof of active bar membership; Most recent SF-50; A statement indicating whether you are or have been a political appointee in the past five (5) years (if applicable); A list of at least three professional references; A brief writing sample or part of a longer writing sample (not exceeding 10 pages) that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis; and Copy of most recent performance appraisal or rating (federal employees only). Note: Writing samples and performance appraisals may be redacted, as appropriate, to protect sensitive information. 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. Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 10, 2026

Additional information

Additional selections may be made from this announcement. Salary: The salary range for the position is $169,279-$197,200 (GS-15). Current salary and years of experience are factors in determining the appropriate salary level. Travel: Travel is generally not required for successful performance of the duties of this position. Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized. Number of Positions: One or more positions. 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.