Hiring Organization
Office of Legal Policy (OLP)
Attorney Appointment Type
Attorney Permanent
Job ID
OLP ATTY 26-002
Location:
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530 - United States
Application Deadline:
Friday, July 31, 2026
About the Office
The mission of the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) is, among other things, to develop and implement the Department’s significant policy initiatives, handle policy projects that implicate the interests of multiple Department components, and serve as the primary policy advisor to the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney General. OLP reviews and coordinates regulations promulgated by the Department and all its components and evaluates draft regulations of other agencies that are circulated for review. OLP also vets candidates for federal judgeships and coordinates with the White House and U.S. Senate on the nomination and confirmation process.
Job Description
OLP is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as Counsel or Senior Counsel to assist with a wide range of legal issues relevant to the Department’s policy work. This position may require significant collaboration with Department components and other Executive Branch agencies on policy, legislation, and regulatory issues. Projects may involve conducting internal inquiries, reviewing documents, and writing reports on findings. The jobholder may conduct disparate legal research in order to provide solutions or responses to various legal issues. The jobholder may also evaluate ways to update the Department’s policies, procedures, etc. to better reflect Department priorities. This position may involve assisting in work relating to regulations and judicial nominations, so a willingness to work on topics outside a specific area of expertise is expected.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, have at least two years of post-JD experience practicing law, have strong research and writing skills, and be an active member of the bar of any state or the District of Columbia. Prior work in or with federal government agencies is helpful. Experience working on policy or regulatory matters is strongly preferred. Effective writing skills and the ability to communicate complicated policy issues in a clear, succinct way is demanded. Experience with criminal law, national security issues, and/or emerging technologies like Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Artificial Intelligence is strongly preferred.
Application Process
Applicants must submit a resume or OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Legal Policy (Attn: OLP POLICY UNIT) at
[email protected]. No telephone calls please. Reference this announcement, OLP ATTY 26-002, in your email. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Salary
Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level ranging from GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322) to GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200) per annum, which includes locality pay. See OPM’s Web page at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/
