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Office of Information Policy (OIP) manages the Department's responsibilities related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which includes coordinating and implementing policy development and compliance-wide for the FOIA, processing FOIA requests for the senior leadership offices, adjudicating all administrative appeals from denials and assisting in the defense of certain FOIA matters in litigation. OIP attorneys may be assigned/reassigned to any one of several distinct teams.
The duties and responsibilities for an Attorney-Advisor (Initial Request (IR) Litigation Staff), GS-0905-12 - 15 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Processing high-visibility and highly complex Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for Department of Justice (DOJ) senior leadership office records, including processing those records pursuant to court deadlines.
* Reviewing records in-depth for consultation and disclosure determinations.
* Drafting declarations and Vaughn indices, drafting or reviewing court filings, and assisting in the formulation of litigation strategies and legal arguments.
* Coordinating and collaborating with litigators in the Civil Division and the U.S. Attorney's Offices, Department senior leadership office stakeholders, and other agency contacts.
*Negotiating request scope and processing schedules with FOIA plaintiffs through assigned litigation counsel.
*Providing instructional training and guidance to various federal agencies regarding compliance with the FOIA.
* Conducting legal research and providing legal advice involving inquiries and assignments related to the FOIA.
* 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.
* Providing expert advice and guidance to agency personnel and DOJ litigators concerning the application of FOI.
* Presenting or teaching at Office of Information Policy training programs and events.
* Maintaining awareness of developments in FOIA and Privacy Act law, regulation, and policy.
- You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- You must successfully pass a security/background investigation and a drug screening.
- Selective Service registration is required. See the "Additional Information" section of this announcement.
- You may be required to complete a trial period.
- You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirement throughout the hiring process. Offer can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
- This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
To qualify for the position of Attorney-Adviser, at GS-0905-12/13/14/15, you must meet the basic qualification requirements listed below.
Preferred Qualifications: It is preferred that applicants have knowledge of and a demonstrated interest in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 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; at least two years experience to qualify at the GS-14 level; and at least three years experience to qualify at the GS-15 level.
You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the 04/07/2026 of this announcement.
Your resume must support your responses to the application questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), and be an active member of the bar (any United States jurisdiction).
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.
Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.
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 a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
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.
Review our 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.
- $169,279 - $197
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