Position Overview
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is currently accepting applications for Attorney-Advisor (General) positions in Springfield, Virginia. The attorneys sit within the Office of General Counsel, General Law Division, and provide labor and employment law support to the Federal Protective Service (FPS).
The USAJOBS announcement lists two vacancies, a salary range of $143,913 to $197,200 per year, and grades GS-14 to GS-15. The appointment is full-time and permanent, with travel of up to 25%.
This is a senior legal vacancy rather than an entry-level law job. Applicants need an accredited law degree, active bar membership and substantial specialized legal experience.
Minimum Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- Graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
- LL.B., JD or qualifying professional law degree
- Active membership in good standing of the highest court of a state, U.S. commonwealth, territory or the District of Columbia
- More than three years of specialized professional legal experience
- Relevant labor and employment law experience at the level required for GS-14 or GS-15 consideration
- Successful background investigation
- Pre-employment drug test
- Ability to satisfy Secret-clearance requirements
Tip: The announcement specifically values labor and employment law experience. Use the resume to show the type of advice, litigation, tribunals, disciplinary matters and federal/private employment issues you personally handled.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide legal analysis, advice and counsel on federal employment matters affecting FPS
- Support senior FPS and DHS leadership
- Represent DHS before the Merit Systems Protection Board
- Handle matters before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Work on Federal Labor Relations Authority and related proceedings
- Assist Department of Justice attorneys in federal district and circuit court litigation
- Prepare legal briefs, memoranda and opinions
- Advise on disciplinary and adverse personnel actions
- Coordinate with FPS clients, other DHS counsel and Human Capital staff
What You Will Gain
- Senior federal labor and employment law experience
- Direct legal support work connected to Federal Protective Service operations
- Experience before major federal administrative tribunals
- Federal litigation-support experience
- GS-14/15 federal compensation and benefits
- Promotion potential to GS-15 when hired at the GS-14 level under the announcement terms
Application Process
How to Apply
Apply through the official USAJOBS announcement, Control Number 874656700. The posting is currently marked as accepting applications.
- Create or sign in to a USAJOBS account
- Prepare a resume that meets the current federal resume-length requirements in the announcement
- Upload law-school and college transcripts
- Provide documentation of active bar membership as required
- Complete the online questionnaire
- Upload other supporting documents that apply to your eligibility
- Submit before the announcement closes or reaches any stated applicant limit
FAQ
How many vacancies are listed?
The current USAJOBS announcement lists two vacancies in Springfield, Virginia.
What is the salary range?
The listed salary range is $143,913 to $197,200 per year.
Is bar membership required?
Yes. Applicants must be active members in good standing of a qualifying U.S. jurisdiction’s bar.
What type of law does the role focus on?
The position focuses primarily on labor and employment law support for the Federal Protective Service.