UD
Full-time · On-site

Deputy General Counsel

This is a high-level legal advisory role within the DOJ's Criminal Division, focusing on the internal legal health and personnel integrity of the organization. It offers a unique blend of litigation, policy development, and strategic counseling that directly supports global law enforcement operations. The position is ideal for an attorney who wants to influence agency-wide standards and defend the government's interests in complex employment disputes.

U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division · Washington, District of Columbia, United States · Posted 18 April 2026

The role

Overview

This is a high-level legal advisory role within the DOJ's Criminal Division, focusing on the internal legal health and personnel integrity of the organization. It offers a unique blend of litigation, policy development, and strategic counseling that directly supports global law enforcement operations. The position is ideal for an attorney who wants to influence agency-wide standards and defend the government's interests in complex employment disputes.

What they need

Requirements & Skills

Key Responsibilities

  • Advise Division leadership on performance, conduct, and reasonable accommodation issues
  • Represent the agency in federal court and before administrative boards like the MSPB and EEOC
  • Manage discovery, draft legal briefs, and lead settlement negotiations
  • Design and deliver legal compliance training for managers and supervisors
  • Review and refine Division policies to ensure regulatory and legal sufficiency

Essential

  • Active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction
  • Extensive knowledge of federal personnel and employment law
  • Experience representing agencies in administrative litigation (EEOC, MSPB, or OSC)
  • Proven ability to conduct complex legal research and draft persuasive motions/briefs
  • Experience in mediation and settlement negotiations

Preferred

  • Prior experience within a federal agency legal department
  • Demonstrated experience providing legal training to management-level staff
  • Background in handling Office of the Inspector General (OIG) investigations

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigation StrategyEmployment LawAdministrative LawConflict ResolutionPolicy AnalysisDiscovery ManagementOral Advocacy

Networking

People to Know

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Perks

Benefits & perks

  • Permanent federal attorney appointment
  • Comprehensive federal health and life insurance
  • Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with employer matching
  • Federal pension (FERS)
  • Paid annual and sick leave
  • Paid federal holidays
  • Access to professional development and training

Next step

Apply now

Found via www.justice.gov