About the opportunity
The Legislative and Correctional Issues Branch (LCI) provides essential legal counsel to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) on a wide range of matters, including the management of correctional facilities, implementation of the First Step Act of 2018, civil commitment of sexually dangerous prisoners, and national security-related inmate management. The incumbent will advise senior leadership and staff on the interpretation and compliance with state and federal statutes, regulations, and constitutional provisions. The role requires close collaboration with Department of Justice officials and other Executive Branch agencies to resolve complex correctional issues. Practice areas include correctional law, criminal law, and prisoners’ rights.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive federal salary range of $143,913 to $197,200 per annum
- Opportunity to work on high-impact federal correctional policy and legislation
- Professional development within the Department of Justice legal environment
Who can apply?
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must possess a J.D. degree from an accredited institution
- Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction
- Must have resided in the United States for at least three of the past five years (cumulative)
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation, urinalysis, and physical
Required documents
- Resume (strictly limited to 2 pages, including start/end dates in MM/YYYY format and hours worked per week)
- Cover letter highlighting relevant experience
- College transcripts
- Writing sample
- List of legal references
- SF-50 (if applicable for prior LEO coverage)
- Supporting documentation for veterans' preference (if applicable)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-03
How to apply
- Prepare a complete application packet including a 2-page resume, cover letter, transcripts, writing sample, and references
- Email the complete packet to Paul Irby, Branch Chief/Associate General Counsel, at pirby@bop.gov
- Include the subject line 'LCI Assistant General Counsel – November 2026' in the email
Additional information
- This position is processed under Direct Hire procedures; veteran's preference and category rating do not apply in the traditional sense, though veterans' preference is considered a positive factor
- Applicants must disclose any potential conflicts of interest regarding current client representation or family members involved in related matters
- Failure to follow the 2-page resume limit or provide legible documents will result in disqualification
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Legal professionals with specific experience in correctional law, criminal law, or prisoners' rights
- Attorneys with a background in federal or civil litigation who enjoy policy-oriented legal work
- Candidates comfortable advising senior leadership on complex statutory and constitutional compliance issues
What should you think carefully about?
- The application process is highly specific; failure to adhere to the 2-page resume limit or the required email subject line will result in immediate disqualification
- The role requires a rigorous background investigation and residency history check, which may be a significant hurdle for some applicants
- Applications must be submitted directly via email rather than through the standard USAJOBS online portal
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is an excellent opportunity for an experienced attorney to transition into a high-level federal advisory position. It offers the chance to influence national correctional policy and work at the intersection of law, security, and human rights within the Department of Justice.
Our take
This position is ideal for experienced attorneys with a strong foundation in correctional or criminal law who are looking to serve in a critical federal capacity. Applicants must be prepared to follow strict administrative submission guidelines to be considered.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
