Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with first consideration given to applicants that apply by May 15th 2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) seeks an attorney experienced in personnel law and litigation to support OPM's unique, governmentwide role in reviewing and challenging decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and certain decisions of arbitrators that will have a substantial, negative impact on the civil service.
Summary
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with first consideration given to applicants that apply by May 15th 2026.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) seeks an attorney experienced in personnel law and litigation to support OPM's unique, governmentwide role in reviewing and challenging decisions of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) and certain decisions of arbitrators that will have a substantial, negative impact on the civil service.
The incumbent is a subject matter expert in matters within the jurisdiction of the MSPB, including but not limited to employee relations law. The incumbent acts as the principal attorney and team leader supporting the Director's exercise of governmentwide authority to intervene in MSPB appeals, seek reconsideration of MSPB decisions and certain arbitration decisions, and petition the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for review when the MSPB or an arbitrator has erred in a way that will have a substantial negative impact on a civil service law, rule, or regulation.
Major duties and responsibilities include:
Reviewing final decisions of the MSPB and certain decisions of arbitrators to detect legal errors of such magnitude that OPM intervention/reconsideration and judicial review of MSPB or arbitration decisions may be appropriate.
Conferring with high-level officials both within OPM and from other agencies in connection with requests that the OPM Director exercise the Director's authority to challenge an adverse MSPB or arbitration decision.
Developing and effectively and persuasively articulating orally and in writing sound legal theories in support of intervention and reconsideration motions and petitions for judicial review, often under compressed timeframes.
Directly supporting, and assisting other attorneys in supporting, the Department of Justice in appellate litigation, including consulting with Justice concerning whether the agency should seek further review of adverse decisions.
Assisting the Associate General Counsel as needed in the coordination, assignment, and review of work to and by designated team members. Mentoring, advising, and assisting other attorneys to accomplish their work in the relevant subject matter(s).
Keeping up to date on employee relations law and precedent, and advising other attorneys as to changes.
Personally handling the most complex, impactful, and/or novel MSPB litigation, particularly at the intervention or reconsideration stage.
Other duties as assigned, which may encompass the full range of subjects and activities performed by OGC, potentially including in such varied subject matters as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) litigation; suitability and security; internal and government-wide labor relations; collective bargaining; FOIA and Privacy Act appeals; MSPB and FLRA appeals; and examination, certification, and appointment into the civil service.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
You will be required to report to an OPM assigned office.
Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications: Applicants with one or more years of post Juris Doctorate (J.D.) legal work experience as a practicing attorney, such as a judicial clerkship or in general law practice, must have:
A J.D. from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association;
Active membership, in good standing, of the Bar of a State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia; and
At least two years of progressively responsible experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; and at least three years of progressively responsible experience to qualify at the GS-14 level.
Preferred Qualifications
The ability to provide excellent customer service and to exercise sound judgment and decision making in challenging situations;
Strong oral and written communication skills;
High competence in legal research and analysis, including the ability to effectively integrate and synthesize facts and law to make legally sound decisions, including in compressed timeframes;
The ability to work both independently and as a team member in a demanding environment;
Willingness to consider diverse perspectives and ability to navigate changing circumstances;
Ability to effectively manage multiple work assignments and competing priorities concurrently;
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships, both within and outside OGC;
You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Incentive payments may be considered. Relocation expenses will not be paid.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.
If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications 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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume that includes your bar number and issuing state.
Other supporting documents, as applicable:
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, OPM considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
Performance Appraisals: Current Federal employees must submit their last three performance appraisals or explain why three are not available (e.g. employed in the government for fewer than three years).
Responses to four Merit Hiring essay questions described below (optional)
Merit Hiring Questions: Applicants may choose to submit responses to the four essay questions below. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with these responses is not permitted. By submitting responses, you certify that the essays are your own work and were completed without the use of AI.
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above to the following email address: OGCJobs@opm.gov.
Please include in the subject line your last name, the job announcement number, and the GS level(s) for which you are applying. For example: Smith, 26-RGJ-12948161-ATT, GS13 and 14. You will receive an email acknowledgment when your application has been received. This is not an indication as to the completeness of your application; you are responsible for ensuring that you submit a complete application
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
Once referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview.
We expect to make a job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Your Resume that includes your bar number and issuing state.
Other supporting documents, as applicable:
Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, OPM considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
Performance Appraisals: Current Federal employees must submit their last three performance appraisals or explain why three are not available (e.g. employed in the government for fewer than three years).
Responses to four Merit Hiring essay questions described below (optional)
Merit Hiring Questions: Applicants may choose to submit responses to the four essay questions below. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with these responses is not permitted. By submitting responses, you certify that the essays are your own work and were completed without the use of AI.
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
To apply for this position, you must submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above to the following email address: OGCJobs@opm.gov.
Please include in the subject line your last name, the job announcement number, and the GS level(s) for which you are applying. For example: Smith, 26-RGJ-12948161-ATT, GS13 and 14. You will receive an email acknowledgment when your application has been received. This is not an indication as to the completeness of your application; you are responsible for ensuring that you submit a complete application
OPM Human Resources
1900 E St., NW
Washington, DC 20415
US
Next steps
Once referred, you may be asked to complete a structured interview, written demonstration, and/or fit interview.
We expect to make a job offer within 40 days after the closing date of the announcement. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
An agency may not request, orally, in writing, or electronically through the USA Jobs website or other electronic means, that an applicant for appointment for a position in the civil service disclose criminal history record information before the appointing agency extends a conditional offer of employment. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency or visit https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/opportunities/
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
