This is a Defense Legal Services Agency (DLSA) position with duty in the Office of General Counsel, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). The General Counsel of the Department of Defense is dual hatted as the DLSA Director. DLSA provides a full range of legal advice and services to officials of the Defense Agencies and the DoD Field Activities.
Read the entire announcement before starting the application process
Summary
This is a Defense Legal Services Agency (DLSA) position with duty in the Office of General Counsel, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). The General Counsel of the Department of Defense is dual hatted as the DLSA Director. DLSA provides a full range of legal advice and services to officials of the Defense Agencies and the DoD Field Activities.
Read the entire announcement before starting the application process
The Office of General Counsel, DeCA, has a robust and varied legal practice in support of DeCA and its mission. Our attorneys provide legal advice, counsel and representation in substantive areas including federal labor and employment law, commercial law, fiscal law, procurement law, construction law, environmental law, government standards of conduct and ethics, administrative law, and issues arising under the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act. Our attorneys represent DeCA before various administrative bodies and provide litigation support to U.S. Attorney Offices for matters pending in Federal courts.
As an Assistant General Counsel for Personnel Law, the incumbent reports to the Deputy General Counsel for Personnel Law and assists in discharging the responsibility of DeCA OGC to provide legal advice, counsel and representation in all aspects of federal employment law, including but not limited to employee appointment, classification, compensation, benefits, conduct, performance, termination of employment, labor management relations, whistleblower protection, and equal employment opportunity. The incumbent independently performs in-depth legal research and analysis, as well as writing briefs, legal memoranda, and other documents. The incumbent represents the agency before third parties, including but not limited to the Merit Systems Protection Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Federal Labor Relations Authority, and the Office of Special Counsel, and is responsible for the investigation, preparation and presentation of the agency's positions and defenses before such tribunals.The incumbent addresses difficult and novel legal policy questions where frequently there is an absence of clearly applicable precedents. The incumbent provides support to the Department of Justice in matters litigated in Federal courts. The incumbent provides legal advice in the areas of the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and government ethics and standards of conduct. The incumbent may perform the duties of the Deputy General Counsel for Personnel Law in his/her absence and other duties as assigned.
This position is in the Excepted Service.
Notice of Veterans Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documents (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit an SF 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.) If two of more applicants for an attorney position are determined to be equally "best qualified" for the position, but one of the applicants is a preference eligible veteran, the preference eligible veteran has preference over the non-preference eligible applicant.
TRAVEL REQUIRED- Occasional Travel- Business travel is required less than 20% of the time
RELOCATION EXPENSES- PCS may be authorized-budget permitting
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. Citizenship is Required
- Direct Deposit of Pay is Required- Tour of Duty: Full Time
- FLSA: Exempt- Bargaining Unit: No
- License/Certification: Bar Certificate of Good Standing reflecting Active Status
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must be registered with the Selective Service System or exempt from registration. See http://www.sss.gov/ for more information.
Must be a U.S. Citizen
Must apply by 11:59 EST on closing date of the announcement
Work Schedule: Full Time Monday through Friday
Position is telework eligible – as determined by agency policy
Security Clearance: Other
Position Sensitivity: Non-Critical/Sensitive
Trust Determination Process: Suitability/Fitness.
Position may be subject to occasional overtime.
Occasional business travel is required.
Position is Exempt from Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
Position is Not Eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.
Drug Testing is not required.
Position is not obligated.
Financial Statement Required. Employment and Financial Interest.
License/Certification: Bar Certificate of Good Standing reflecting Active Status.
Qualifications
Qualification requirements for Attorney positions can be found in DoD Instruction 1442.02, "Personnel Actions Involving Civilian Attorneys."
The minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration.
Applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD) from that institution.
Bar Membership: An applicant must currently be an active member of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
Applicant must have professional legal experience in excess of 3 years that is commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
BASIS FOR RATING: The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened for basic qualification requirements, and the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the duties of this position. Errors or omissions may affect an applicant's rating or consideration for employment.
SELECTIVE FACTORS: Selection will be based on the judgment of the selecting official as to which applicant is best qualified to perform the duties of the position. The breadth and depth of relevant experience and knowledge and the quality of past performance will be the primary considerations used for selection. Attorneys performing duties at the GS-14, or equivalent-level, are expected to perform with substantial independence even when working on the most complex or difficult matters. Important selection factors are demonstrated substantial experience in the following: legal analytical ability and sound professional judgment; excellence in oral and written communication skills across audiences; strong client and colleague relations and interpersonal skills; ability to interpret law and provide authoritative legal advice; recognized ability as an advocate, including the ability to balance competing interests and provide alternative courses of action to advance agency interests; skill in resolving extremely complex and difficult legal questions which will be precedent-setting in nature and demonstrated advisory and conflict-resolution skills.
A selection panel may be used and oral interviews may be conducted with all, with some, or with none of the applicants, solely at the option of the selecting official.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
A one to two year trial/probationary period may be required.
Financial Disclosure Required
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Education
You MUST provide transcripts and/or other documentation to support your educational claims.
Transcripts. REQUIRED when using education to meet qualifications or when education is required.
Foreign education may be qualifying if a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses.
Unofficial transcripts from U.S. Department of Education accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions listing your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned are acceptable for the application process. If selected, official transcripts are required before a firm job offer is made. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
When relying on foreign education, submit transcripts and a copy of the equivalency evaluation results letter with a course-by-course listing. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
Additional information
Executive Order 12564 requires a federal workplace to be free of illegal drugs and prohibits the use of illegal drugs both on and off duty by federal employees. As a reminder, marijuana is still classified as an illegal drug by the Federal government and is prohibited for use by Federal employees even if such use is legal in the state where the Federal employee resides and/or works. The Defense Commissary Agency is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace where the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated and may result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal service.
Upon first appointment to a civilian position in the Federal government, you are entitled only to the lowest step (Step 1) of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this announcement does not suggest or convey an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
The minimum age requirement is generally 18 years. Employing those under 18 may be possible under certain circumstances. If under 18 years of age, ensure you provide documentation showing how you are eligible.
Applicants with financial difficulty are not automatically removed from consideration.
Selectees are required to complete an online onboarding process.
Retired military service members cannot be appointed to a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian position within 180 days of their retirement date. 5 United States Code 3326.
PCS Is Authorized (Budget Permitting): Most civilian PCS entitlements are now taxable. The Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) reimburses eligible employees for additional Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred as a result of receiving taxable travel income. More information is available at Civilian Relocation/PCS Tax Changes.
Required to submit an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report annually.
May be required to travel by military and commercial aircraft in performance of officially assigned duties.
Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance eligibility based upon appropriate investigation.
The following may result in a rating of ineligible. Ineligible applicants receive no consideration.
Submitting an incomplete application package, such as missing documents, illegible documents, and/or missing information necessary to determine qualifications and eligibility. A resume reflecting part-time (PT)/full-time (FT) or nothing rather than the number of hours worked per week (e.g., 40, 30, 20, etc.) may be considered incomplete.
Submitting encrypted documents or uploading Adobe portfolio documents.
Submitting any document that contains a photo or image of you.
Including social media links, inappropriate material or content, classified or government sensitive information, or personal information such as age, gender, race, religion, or social security number on your resume.
Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or questionnaire responses.
Deliberately attempting to falsify your application information, such as copying portions of this announcement into your resume.
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.
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and narrative) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
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.
Resume. Learn more about creating a suitable resume by watching this video or reading What to include. Using the USAJOBS Resume Builder will help you submit a complete resume.
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the Qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We do not assume you have the necessary experience to successfully perform in this job regardless of your employment history or academic career.
At a minimum, your resume MUST contain your name, address, and contact information, and the following for each listed job experience: Job title; Series and grade, if it is a federal civilian position; Employer's name and address; Employment beginning and ending dates (Month/Year); Number of hours worked per week, and Description of duties performed. If selected, you must provide official transcripts before receiving a firm job offer. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
Transcripts: Required when using education to qualify and/or if the position requires education (positive education requirement)
Unofficial transcripts from colleges, universities, schools, or institutions education accredited by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable for the application process if they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned.
When using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to qualify, you must show that a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs (credential evaluation service) has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or that a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses. In addition to your transcript, you must include a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing when you apply. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
If selected, you must provide official transcripts before receiving a firm job offer. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
Writing Sample: Demonstrated by a legal brief, memorandum, letter, etc. (10 pages or less)
SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action. Current and former federal employees submit a copy of your most recent SF 50 showing your current position title, pay plan-series-grade, tenure and position occupied. To obtain a copy of your SF 50, all current Department of Defense (DoD) employees can access MyBiz, employees receiving HR servicing from DLA can access eOPF and former civilian employees can request a copy from the National Archives.
Future military retirees and/or Future military separatees: must include a copy of their terminal leave request, if applicable, AND a copy of retirement DD214 [if available]. If DD214 not available, submit a certification document* or a copy of your retirement letter.
*A written document from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certificate is signed. The certification must be on letterhead signed by the adjutant, personnel officer, unit commander or higher headquarters and include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge, character of service, and, if applicable, the date your terminal leave begins. This document is sometimes called a Statement of Se
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.
The subject line of your e-mail should state "Resume File [APPLICANT'S LAST NAME, FIRST NAME], Office of General Counsel, Defense Commissary Agency.
Your resume and cover letter must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 6/22/2026.
Documents to be submitted later:
1) An example of writing skills demonstrated by a legal brief, memorandum, letter, etc. (five pages or less).
2) If the applicant is a current Federal employee, a copy of the applicant's most recent performance appraisal (or an explanation of why a performance appraisal cannot be provided), plus the applicant's most recent non-award SF-50 or DD3434.
3) Applicants who are not currently serving in a DoD civilian attorney position must also submit:
a) a transcript of the applicant's law school records with an official statement of his/her relative standing in his/her class, if obtainable. A copy of the transcript is acceptable for the application but the official transcript must be submitted prior to entrance on duty;
b) a certificate showing active membership of a qualifying state bar (see Bar Membership above). A copy is acceptable for the application but the official certificate or on-line link to verify the information, presented prior to entrance on duty.
c) a statement that his/her fitness to practice law or their conduct as an attorney has never been challenged. If fitness or conduct has been challenged, a statement explaining the circumstances must be provided.
The successful applicant will be required to submit an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of assuming the position.
DECA HQ
1300 Eisenhower Street
Fort Lee, VA 23801
US
Next steps
Notices post to your USAJOBS account and are emailed to you. You can expect to receive a notice when you complete the application process, when your qualifications status is determined (qualified or not qualified), and when your referral status is determined (referred or not). If you are referred but not selected, you can expect to receive a final notice after the hiring manager makes a selection.
The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews and may conduct telephone interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Someone from the hiring agency (i.e., DeCA) will contact you if the hiring manager decides to interview you.
Should you receive a tentative job offer, be aware such offers are automatically withdrawn if you fail to (1) record an acceptance or declination by the response date provided in the offer notice and/or (2) meet any pre-employment requirements, including a scheduled appointment. If you receive a job offer, use a computer to submit your response rather than a mobile/cell phone
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Resume. Learn more about creating a suitable resume by watching this video or reading What to include. Using the USAJOBS Resume Builder will help you submit a complete resume.
Your resume must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria defined in the Qualifications section of this announcement and it must support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. We do not assume you have the necessary experience to successfully perform in this job regardless of your employment history or academic career.
At a minimum, your resume MUST contain your name, address, and contact information, and the following for each listed job experience: Job title; Series and grade, if it is a federal civilian position; Employer's name and address; Employment beginning and ending dates (Month/Year); Number of hours worked per week, and Description of duties performed. If selected, you must provide official transcripts before receiving a firm job offer. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
Transcripts: Required when using education to qualify and/or if the position requires education (positive education requirement)
Unofficial transcripts from colleges, universities, schools, or institutions education accredited by the U.S. Department of Education are acceptable for the application process if they contain your name, the name of the school, the date and degree awarded, and the list of classes and credits earned.
When using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to qualify, you must show that a private organization specializing in interpreting foreign education programs (credential evaluation service) has deemed the foreign education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program or that a U.S. accredited college or university has given full credit for the foreign courses. In addition to your transcript, you must include a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing when you apply. Documents must be in English or include an English translation. The hiring employer for this position does not evaluate degrees from foreign colleges or universities.
If selected, you must provide official transcripts before receiving a firm job offer. A photocopy of your degree/diploma is not acceptable.
Writing Sample: Demonstrated by a legal brief, memorandum, letter, etc. (10 pages or less)
SF 50 Notification of Personnel Action. Current and former federal employees submit a copy of your most recent SF 50 showing your current position title, pay plan-series-grade, tenure and position occupied. To obtain a copy of your SF 50, all current Department of Defense (DoD) employees can access MyBiz, employees receiving HR servicing from DLA can access eOPF and former civilian employees can request a copy from the National Archives.
Future military retirees and/or Future military separatees: must include a copy of their terminal leave request, if applicable, AND a copy of retirement DD214 [if available]. If DD214 not available, submit a certification document* or a copy of your retirement letter.
*A written document from the armed forces certifying the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certificate is signed. The certification must be on letterhead signed by the adjutant, personnel officer, unit commander or higher headquarters and include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge, character of service, and, if applicable, the date your terminal leave begins. This document is sometimes called a Statement of Se
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.
The subject line of your e-mail should state "Resume File [APPLICANT'S LAST NAME, FIRST NAME], Office of General Counsel, Defense Commissary Agency.
Your resume and cover letter must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 6/22/2026.
Documents to be submitted later:
1) An example of writing skills demonstrated by a legal brief, memorandum, letter, etc. (five pages or less).
2) If the applicant is a current Federal employee, a copy of the applicant's most recent performance appraisal (or an explanation of why a performance appraisal cannot be provided), plus the applicant's most recent non-award SF-50 or DD3434.
3) Applicants who are not currently serving in a DoD civilian attorney position must also submit:
a) a transcript of the applicant's law school records with an official statement of his/her relative standing in his/her class, if obtainable. A copy of the transcript is acceptable for the application but the official transcript must be submitted prior to entrance on duty;
b) a certificate showing active membership of a qualifying state bar (see Bar Membership above). A copy is acceptable for the application but the official certificate or on-line link to verify the information, presented prior to entrance on duty.
c) a statement that his/her fitness to practice law or their conduct as an attorney has never been challenged. If fitness or conduct has been challenged, a statement explaining the circumstances must be provided.
The successful applicant will be required to submit an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, within 30 days of assuming the position.
DECA HQ
1300 Eisenhower Street
Fort Lee, VA 23801
US
Next steps
Notices post to your USAJOBS account and are emailed to you. You can expect to receive a notice when you complete the application process, when your qualifications status is determined (qualified or not qualified), and when your referral status is determined (referred or not). If you are referred but not selected, you can expect to receive a final notice after the hiring manager makes a selection.
The hiring manager may choose to conduct interviews and may conduct telephone interviews to preclude travel hardships for applicants. Someone from the hiring agency (i.e., DeCA) will contact you if the hiring manager decides to interview you.
Should you receive a tentative job offer, be aware such offers are automatically withdrawn if you fail to (1) record an acceptance or declination by the response date provided in the offer notice and/or (2) meet any pre-employment requirements, including a scheduled appointment. If you receive a job offer, use a computer to submit your response rather than a mobile/cell phone
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
