The General Counsel (GC) position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Justice, in Washington, DC. The GC serves as the principal legal advisor to the Inspector General, and provides oversight, guidance and direction regarding OIG legal matters. The GC supervises six attorneys, five Government Information Specialists, and other staff with the objective of providing a cohesive, full-service legal team.
Summary
The General Counsel (GC) position is located in the Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Inspector General (OIG), Department of Justice, in Washington, DC. The GC serves as the principal legal advisor to the Inspector General, and provides oversight, guidance and direction regarding OIG legal matters. The GC supervises six attorneys, five Government Information Specialists, and other staff with the objective of providing a cohesive, full-service legal team.
The General Counsel is a member of the Senior Executive Service and OIG's senior leadership team and provides consultation and advice to the IG and other OIG staff. The General Counsel also provides executive leadership over the day-to-day administration and operations of OGC. The General Counsel establishes OGC's priorities and develops the plan for accomplishing OGS's mission, including exercising the following responsibilities:
Provides legal opinions or memoranda on complex and difficult issues of law relevant to general OIG operations, or to particular OIG audits, investigations, inspections or reviews, which encompass criminal, national security, ethics, and other issues.
Formulates and recommends OIG positions on proposed or new legislation that affect OIG authorities or equities. Identifies and integrates key legal issues and legislation affecting the functions and work of the OIG.
Serves as the Designated Ethics Official (DAEO); executes the OIG Ethics Program, ensuring accurate reporting of financial interests by suspense dates established in law, rule or regulations; effective annual ethics training; and timely responsive ethics advice and information to OIG employees.
Oversees the analyses and preparation of OIG responses to requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and reviews OIG reports for Privacy Act protected and proprietary information to clear such reports for public release.
Engages in the consultation and coordination of OIG investigations, to include preparing recommendations for suspensions and debarment actions by the Department against financially irresponsible parties doing business with the Department.
Engages in the review and preparation of recommendations for OIG responses to subpoenas and other requests for production of materials in OIG custody. Reviews OIG investigators' requests for IG subpoenas for documents, records, and tangible things to be issued to third-parties; prepares recommendations to the IG as to whether the subpoenas should be issued; and assists in obtaining court orders, under the Right to Financial Privacy Act or otherwise, as may be required.
Oversees the preparation of OIG's responses to Giglio inquiries by United States Attorneys' Offices.
Engages to provide the necessary legal input on Department and Congressional inquiries relating to OIG matters.
Participates in the overall management and supervision of the OGC; assigns special projects and workload, determines staffing requirements, and exercises executive management authority in carrying out the functions and activities of the OGC.
Obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
Incumbent will be subject to initial and random drug testing.
Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested.
Qualifications
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) or the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ).
It is recommended that your resume emphasize levels of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments, and results. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.
In addition to the minimum qualifications listed above, you must possess the following Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications:
Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)
Thorough knowledge of legal principles and federal law, including familiarity with the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, employment law, contract law, and federal ethics regulations.
Extensive experience analyzing complex legal issues, making statutory interpretations, and developing sound legal decisions and recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to manage personnel, coordinate program efforts with other internal and external offices, represent the Office of the Inspector General to key individuals and groups outside the immediate work unit, as well as serve as spokesperson for the organization.
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)
In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs:
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing in any state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia,
Additional information
Conditions of Employment: Only U.S. Citizens or Nationals are eligible for employment. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ applicants, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens, whose job location is with the U.S., must meet the residency requirement. For a total of three (not necessarily consecutive years) of the five years immediately prior to applying for a position, the applicant must have: 1) resided in the U.S., 2) worked for the U.S. overseas in a Federal or military capacity; or 3) been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving oversees.
Note: Veterans' preference does not apply to this position. 5 USC 2108(3), which defines "preference eligible," indicates this does not include applicants for, or members of, the Senior Executive Service.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. The information in your Application Package will be compared with your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you possess the minimum qualifications listed above.
If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
1. Your Resume showing relevant legal experience; cover letter optional. You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following 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.
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Current or former SES members must submit an SF-50 and/or QRB Certification of ECQs to show current or former service in the SES.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/23/2026 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must upload your resume and other supporting documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be considered incomplete.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), 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.
Office of General Counsel
950 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. An SES rating and ranking panel will review applications to determine the highly qualified candidates. An Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur. Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by a QRB, in addition to successfully completing a suitability/security background investigation before appointment can occur.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Your Resume showing relevant legal experience; cover letter optional. You must submit a resume (a two page or less resume is required) containing the following 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.
2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire.
3. Current or former SES members must submit an SF-50 and/or QRB Certification of ECQs to show current or former service in the SES.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/23/2026 to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to upload your resume and other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package.
It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must upload your resume and other supporting documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be considered incomplete.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), 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.
Office of General Counsel
950 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. An SES rating and ranking panel will review applications to determine the highly qualified candidates. An Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur. Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by a QRB, in addition to successfully completing a suitability/security background investigation before appointment can occur.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
