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Summary

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$143,913 - $187,093 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 12 - 14
Promotion potential
14
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
OIP-26-13076165-DE
Control number
886373100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page.

Duties

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About the Office

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking experienced attorneys to work in the Office of Information Policy (OIP), located in Washington, DC. OIP manages the Department's responsibilities related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which includes coordinating and implementing policy development and compliance government-wide for the FOIA, processing FOIA requests for the senior leadership offices within the Department, adjudicating all administrative appeals from denials by any Department component under the FOIA, and assisting in the defense of certain FOIA matters in litigation. OIP attorneys may be assigned/reassigned to any one of several distinct but inter-related teams based on mission-critical office needs. Those teams include: the Administrative Appeals Staff, which adjudicates administrative appeals from Department components' FOIA determinations; the Initial Request (IR) Staff, which processes FOIA requests on behalf of the Department's leadership offices; the IR FOIA Litigation Staff; which handles FOIA requests subject to litigation; or the FOIA Compliance Staff, which supports the Office's responsibilities to oversee and encourage government-wide compliance with the FOIA.


Job Description

OIP is hiring an Attorney-Advisor to be assigned to its Administrative Appeals Staff. Primary duties of this position include the adjudication of appeals from Department component FOIA determinations. The incumbent will perform varied legal work involving the interpretation and application of laws, executive orders, regulations, precedents, and agency practices relating to the FOIA.

Specific responsibilities may include:

  • Recommending proposed actions to be taken in the adjudication of administrative FOIA appeals by reviewing the administrative record and evaluating actions taken by Department of Justice components in processing initial FOIA requests;
  • Conducting legal research and providing legal advice to a wide variety of federal agencies involving inquiries and assignments related to the application of FOIA and Privacy Act access laws;
  • Developing a mastery of assigned area(s) of expertise and updating corresponding section(s) of the United States Department of Justice Guide to the Freedom of Information Act;
  • Encouraging FOIA compliance by components of the Department of Justice;
  • Providing instructional training and guidance to various federal Departments regarding compliance with the FOIA; and
  • Providing written and oral legal advice to litigators or periodically serving as litigators in defending certain FOIA lawsuits.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
  • You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Preferred qualifications: It is preferred that applicants have knowledge of and a demonstrated interest in the Freedom of Information Act and have administrative law and/or civil litigation experience. Candidates must have at least one-year FOIA processing / FOIA litigation experience to qualify at the GS-13 level. Promotion potential to a GS-14.

Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, tax and credit checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. Applicants will be required to qualify for a Top Secret security clearance.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent).

Additional information

Salary

GS-12 - GS-13 ($102,415 - $158,322) with promotion potential to a GS-14 ($143,913 - 187,093)

See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2025/DCB.pdf

Number of Positions
One

Travel
Very limited travel may be associated with this position.

Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses are not authorized.

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.

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.

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? Join the U.S. Department of Justice!

The Department of Justice (DOJ) leads the nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. As a Justice employee you'll be a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. Read more about the exciting opportunities available.

Mission:

DOJ is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

Core Values:

  1. Independence and Impartiality. DOJ works each day to earn the public's trust by following the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence.
  2. Honesty and Integrity. DOJ's employees adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, mindful that, as public servants, we must work to earn the trust of, and inspire confidence in, the public we serve.
  3. Respect. DOJ's employees value differences in people and in ideas and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and compassion.
  4. Excellence.DOJ works every day to provide the highest levels of service to the American people and to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers' dollars.

Agency contact information

Laurie Day
Phone
202-514-4386
Email
Laurie.Day@usdoj.gov
Address
Office of Information Policy
441 G Street, NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20530
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Offices, Boards and Divisions, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.justice.gov/careers

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