This position is located in the Immediate Office of the Inspector General, in Washington, DC. The mission of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is to detect and deter fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct in the Department of Justice (DOJ). In addition, the OIG assists DOJ managers in promoting integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of DOJ programs and operations.
Summary
This position is located in the Immediate Office of the Inspector General, in Washington, DC. The mission of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is to detect and deter fraud, waste, abuse and misconduct in the Department of Justice (DOJ). In addition, the OIG assists DOJ managers in promoting integrity, economy, efficiency, and effectiveness of DOJ programs and operations.
The duties and responsibilities of Senior Counsel to the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations include:
Makes legal and policy recommendations based upon research, analysis and the evaluation of expert information. The incumbent uses legal training, practical experience and knowledge of OIG and Department personnel and activities to advise INV on matters affecting the mission of the OIG and the efficiency of the department of Justice.
Oversees, reviews, and edits INV reports and correspondence requiring the Inspector General's approval. These materials include INV investigations, Attorney General reports, semiannual reports, Congressional reports and other reports.
Provides expert direction to staff conducting investigations of alleged violations of fraud, abuse, and integrity laws that govern DOJ employees, operations, grantees, and contractors. The Senior Counsel provides expert advice and input in the identification of significant violations of policies or procedures of the Department that become evident in the course of inquiries and assists in developing procedural reform recommendations that may have significant impact on organizational operations.
Handles cases assigned by the AIG, which in the AIG's opinion require the attention of a senior member of the staff. Such cases include those involving sensitive, highly-visible issues; facts that are difficult to develop and prove; or matters of a precedent-setting nature. The Senior Counsel works with the AIG, Deputy AIG, criminal investigators, and other staff in the planning of investigative strategy and tactics. The Senior Counsel also performs other special projects and assignments for the AIG and the Inspector General.
Advises the AIG on substantive legal matters encountered in the investigation or litigation of the office's sensitive cases. The Senior Counsel brings to the attention of the AIG matters of concern, recommends changes in strategy, and if required, prepares other options for the AIG's consideration. The incumbent negotiates resolutions to problems, particularly those involving the coordination of legal strategy.
Provides expert legal advice and counsel to INV staff in support of law enforcement activities. The incumbent ensures staff compliance in the proper completion and filing of subpoenas and other documents in law enforcement matters or cases under review by appropriate legal authorities. The Senior Counsel reviews INV reports and legal documents prepared by staff for soundness of substance and compliance with policy, Department regulations, and applicable law. The incumbent provides legal advice and counsel on OIG law enforcement policies, procedures, and practices.
Utilizes a high level of expertise to write and/or edit information on programs, policies, functions and research. The incumbent will prepare probing and innovative analyses that explain complex issues with broad impact. The Senior Counsel will prepare written products that are characterized by substantial breadth and depth and cover many different issues.
Receives and reviews information or allegations concerning conduct of Department employees that may be in violation of laws or of Department regulations, orders and applicable standards of conduct. The incumbent advises the AIG and INV staff on a recommended course of action in response. The Senior Counsel also provides INV input on Department and congressional inquiries.
Represents INV in meetings within the OIG Front Office, other OIG Divisions, Department leadership, Department components, subject matter experts, Congressional staff, and the public. The Senior Counsel provides information, answers questions, coordinates activities, resolves differences, and achieves agreements relating to INV activities.
Communicates information that is extremely technical, complicated and/or sensitive to others so it is comprehensive enough so they can form opinions and base decisions on that information.
Obtain/maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.
Incumbent will be subject to initial and random drug testing.
Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) will be required upon appointment and annually.
If this is your first federal appointment, you will be required to complete a two-year probationary period. Current federal service employees may be given a new appointment, and a new probationary period may be required.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum requirements for a Senior Level position, candidates must be recognized subject matter expert with directly related experience. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. Candidates must demonstrate their experience meets the Professional Technical Qualifications for this position in their two-page resume and this experience must have been at a sufficiently high level of difficulty to clearly show the candidate possesses the required subject matter expertise and technical qualifications set forth below.
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; community; social; student, etc.). 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.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to the 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.
PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQS): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQS):
PTQ 1: Federal Investigative Law and Legal Oversight
Demonstrated expert knowledge of the laws, regulations, authorities, and procedures governing federal investigations involving fraud, abuse, misconduct, and integrity violations. Demonstrated ability to provide legal advice on investigative strategy, evaluate evidence and allegations, review investigative reports and legal documents for sufficiency and compliance, and guide complex or sensitive investigations.
PTQ 2: Complex Legal Analysis and Executive Advisory Support
Demonstrated expert ability to conduct complex legal research and analysis and develop legal and policy recommendations on sensitive, high-visibility, or precedent-setting investigative matters. Demonstrated ability to advise senior officials on investigative strategy and legal risks, prepare and review executive-level reports and correspondence, recommend corrective actions for systemic issues, and communicate complex legal matters to senior leadership and external stakeholders.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs).
Education
The candidate must have a law degree from an accredited law school program and must be a member of a bar in good standing, in the United States or a Territory of the United States.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.
Additional information
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
You may be required to complete the Fair Credit Act Memo.
All employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
DOJ EEO Statement/Policy:http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf. As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed by rating panel to determine if you possess the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs) listed above. PTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Superior applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
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. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages and the font size should not be smaller than 11 pts (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each). You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year worked for experience listed on your resume. Resume should clearly state your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section.
2. Education Documentation: You must submit copies of your LAW SCHOOL transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are accepted, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirement. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.
3. Proof of Good Standing and Active Membership: You must submit documentation showing that you are an active member of the Bar in Good Standing of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the U.S. Constitution.
4. Notification of Personnel Action SF-50: Please submit a current SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal Employee. Your status eligibility and highest permanent grade/step/salary held in the Federal service will be validated with a copy of your most recent SF-50.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/27/2026 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.
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.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
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.
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs system when you have successfully submitted your application. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJobs Account, editing your profile and changing the "Notification Settings" to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Track Your Online Application."
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages and the font size should not be smaller than 11 pts (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each). You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year worked for experience listed on your resume. Resume should clearly state your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section.
2. Education Documentation: You must submit copies of your LAW SCHOOL transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are accepted, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirement. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.
3. Proof of Good Standing and Active Membership: You must submit documentation showing that you are an active member of the Bar in Good Standing of any State, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or any Territorial Court under the U.S. Constitution.
4. Notification of Personnel Action SF-50: Please submit a current SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal Employee. Your status eligibility and highest permanent grade/step/salary held in the Federal service will be validated with a copy of your most recent SF-50.
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/27/2026 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.
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.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.
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.
You will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs system when you have successfully submitted your application. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJobs Account, editing your profile and changing the "Notification Settings" to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes.
You will be notified of your application status through USAJOBS at four points during the hiring process, as applicable. You can check the status of your application by accessing the USAJOBS website at http://usajobs.gov/ and clicking on "Track Your Online Application."
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
