The Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the ODNI provides legal advice and counsel to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and other ODNI officials on a wide range of legal issues to include intelligence and national security law; procurement and acquisition law; personnel law; government ethics, fiscal law; general administrative law; legislative support; government information practices (Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act); and intellectual property law.
Summary
The Office of General Counsel (OGC) at the ODNI provides legal advice and counsel to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and other ODNI officials on a wide range of legal issues to include intelligence and national security law; procurement and acquisition law; personnel law; government ethics, fiscal law; general administrative law; legislative support; government information practices (Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act); and intellectual property law.
Internal to an Agency = Open to current permanent ODNI employees
Federal Employees = This detail opportunity is for current competitive and excepted service employees only. If you are not a current federal civilian employee you will not be eligible for this position. ODNI Joint Duty Assignments do not apply to members of the Military service or contractors. Applicants from federal agencies may be considered for this position as a reimbursable detailee, if endorsed by the employing agency.
Independently conduct moderately complex research and analysis using all available resources on subjects affecting ODNI's duties and responsibilities under the National Security Act, Presidential directives, Executive Orders, and other related laws and policies; analyze statutes, regulations and other information to determine relevance, accuracy, completeness, inconsistencies, or importance.
Respond to routine and moderately complex legal inquiries by drafting legal correspondence and memoranda as well as cables, affidavits, declarations, regulations, bulletins, notices, claims summaries and notices, and summaries of legal research and analysis that are grammatically correct, technically sound, accurate, and concise.
Present informal briefings on limited topics to small audiences; prepare slide presentations and statistical data for use by attorneys.
Assist with planning, organizing, and coordinating activities related to the preparation and submission of files or documents related to United States (US) Government-wide and IC-wide policies, procedures, guidelines, rules, and standards.
Update and maintain databases, files, notebooks, and logs (e.g., case files, trial notebooks, case assignment notebooks) in compliance with pre-existing storage systems and procedures.
Complete moderately-complex administrative forms and paperwork and function as a note taker during moderately complex depositions, administrative hearings, trials, or meetings.
Develop and maintain productive working relationships with co-workers, clients, and persons outside the organization as appropriate and use these relationships to share information of interest and provide basic legal information.
Must be a current permanent ODNI employee OR must be a current permanent Federal employee with supervisory approval to apply to the Joint Duty Assignment (JDA). JDA applicants must be currently at the grade level specified in the advertisement. No temporary promotion opportunities will be granted for this position. The program does not apply to members of the Military service or contractors.
Joint Duty applicants may be considered for this position as a reimbursable detailee, if endorsed by the employing agency. Joint Duty applicants must have a current TS/SCI clearance with polygraph or have the ability to obtain one. The ODNI does not conduct polygraphs or provide security clearances for detailees.
FREE RESPONSE ESSAY QUESTIONS
All applicants must answer the following four short, free response essay questions. The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question. By submitting your responses to the following questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).
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.
Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements:
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of substantive and procedural law as well as legal research processes, legal terminology, legal standards and documentation.
Demonstrated knowledge of document control procedures, security measures, and privacy rules in order to mitigate the potential release of any investigative information that would endanger or compromise pending cases.
Demonstrated knowledge of moderately complex litigation processes and court proceedings as well as strong listening and oral comprehension skills to determine relevance of points of discussion and to clarify ambiguities.
Demonstrated written communication skills sufficient to draft basic and complex documents comprehensively and in the correct style and format; ability to edit own work and write in a clear and concise manner clearly and concisely, in oral and written communications.
Extensive ability to perform moderately complex legal review, investigative, research, and analysis work, as well as the ability to organize and maintain the assembly and filing of legal documents for moderately complex cases within established deadlines.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills sufficient to make clear cut decisions regarding moderately complex matters in a timely manner; considerable legal research skills using law libraries, the internet, and computer-based tools such as Westlaw or other similar resources.
Extensive ability to work in an independent manner under appropriate attorney supervision and as a contributing member of a work group; ability to work with a varied group of team members or clients and give and receive constructive feedback.
Extensive ability to develop constructive professional working relationships with coworkers, clients, and persons outside the organization.
Desired Requirements:
Seven years of Paralegal work experience preferred.
Appropriate Paralegal certification or law degree, as required in Virginia/Maryland, is preferred.
Education
Bachelors Degree
Additional information
JOB INTERVIEW TRAVEL
Candidates from outside the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) may be selected for a telephone, teleconference, or in-person interview.
SALARY DETERMINATION
A current Federal Government employee, selected for this position, will be assigned to the position at their current grade and salary.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The ODNI provides reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Reasonable Accommodations Officer by classified email at dni_reasonable_accommodation_wma@cia.ic.gov, by unclassified email at DNI_COO_HRM_RA_ALL@odni.gov, by telephone at (703)275-3900 or by FAX at (703)275-1277. Your request for reasonable accommodation will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS EMAIL ADDRESS. THIS EMAIL IS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS ONLY.
The ODNI is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.
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.
You must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
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.
a. RESUME: Resumes must be no longer than two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the vacancy announcement, particularly the MDRs, and construct their resume to highlight their most significant experience and qualifications relevant to this job opportunity. You must ensure the resume contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: job title; name of employer; beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), and hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. Additionally, include a detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills and responsibilities, to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable), and series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
b. ESSAY QUESTION RESPONSES: The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question (please see questions in the Requirements section above). By submitting your responses to these questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).
c. COVER LETTER: Applicants must submit a professional narrative as a supplement to the resume to elaborate on their qualifications and previous work performed.
d. POSITION NUMBER: Reference the announcement number in the subject line on each document submitted.
e. CURRENT SF-50: Federal Government employees must provide your official most recent SF-50 (i.e., dated within the last 52 weeks from the closing date of this vacancy announcement.) SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" is used to verify to verify current federal status, position, title, grade, and organization of record. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.
f. WRITTEN ENDORSEMENT: Applicants from federal agencies must provide written endorsement from the employing agency concurring with the detail.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
We encourage you to read the entire announcement prior to submitting your application. This post is for viewing purposes only.
Internal ODNI Cadre Candidates must submit an application through the classified JobsDNI website.
For current employees who do not currently have access to internal systems (due to extenuating circumstances) applications should be sent to ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov
Joint Duty Candidates from within the IC must submit an application through the classified IC Joint Duty Program website.
ONLY applicants from federal agencies outside the IC should send their complete application package to ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov. Applicants experiencing technical issues may submit their application via email to the email system. All attachments should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applications submitted through the classified email system should NOT contain classified information above the TS//SI/TK//NOFORN level.
APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST CONTAIN ALL ITEMS LISTED ABOVE. AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Encrypted and digitally signed documents
Your application MUST be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be eligible for consideration.
MANAGEMENT
Director Of National Intelligence
Washington, DC 20511
US
Next steps
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. Due to the large number of applications received, applicants will be contacted ONLY if they have been selected for an interview.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
a. RESUME: Resumes must be no longer than two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the vacancy announcement, particularly the MDRs, and construct their resume to highlight their most significant experience and qualifications relevant to this job opportunity. You must ensure the resume contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: job title; name of employer; beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), and hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. Additionally, include a detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills and responsibilities, to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable), and series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
b. ESSAY QUESTION RESPONSES: The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question (please see questions in the Requirements section above). By submitting your responses to these questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).
c. COVER LETTER: Applicants must submit a professional narrative as a supplement to the resume to elaborate on their qualifications and previous work performed.
d. POSITION NUMBER: Reference the announcement number in the subject line on each document submitted.
e. CURRENT SF-50: Federal Government employees must provide your official most recent SF-50 (i.e., dated within the last 52 weeks from the closing date of this vacancy announcement.) SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" is used to verify to verify current federal status, position, title, grade, and organization of record. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.
f. WRITTEN ENDORSEMENT: Applicants from federal agencies must provide written endorsement from the employing agency concurring with the detail.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
We encourage you to read the entire announcement prior to submitting your application. This post is for viewing purposes only.
Internal ODNI Cadre Candidates must submit an application through the classified JobsDNI website.
For current employees who do not currently have access to internal systems (due to extenuating circumstances) applications should be sent to ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov
Joint Duty Candidates from within the IC must submit an application through the classified IC Joint Duty Program website.
ONLY applicants from federal agencies outside the IC should send their complete application package to ODNI_HRM_HOST_Team@odni.gov. Applicants experiencing technical issues may submit their application via email to the email system. All attachments should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applications submitted through the classified email system should NOT contain classified information above the TS//SI/TK//NOFORN level.
APPLICATION PACKAGES MUST CONTAIN ALL ITEMS LISTED ABOVE. AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGE WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
Encrypted and digitally signed documents
Your application MUST be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be eligible for consideration.
MANAGEMENT
Director Of National Intelligence
Washington, DC 20511
US
Next steps
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. Due to the large number of applications received, applicants will be contacted ONLY if they have been selected for an interview.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
