About the opportunity
This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, with multiple locations available. As an Attorney-Adviser (General), responsibilities include researching, analyzing, and interpreting statutes, regulations, case law, administrative decisions, and legal precedents to resolve legal issues. Incumbents will provide legal advice, guidance, and recommendations on matters involving Department programs and operations, including immigrant and unaccompanied children, prepare and review legal documents, assist with administrative proceedings and litigation, collaborate with leadership, and participate in regulatory and policy initiatives. This is an open continuous announcement used to fill multiple vacancies.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range of $63,795 to $139,684 per year
- Potential incentives such as moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentives, and student loan repayment, contingent upon funds availability and service agreements
- Creditable service for annual leave for prior non-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, if authorized
Who can apply?
- Must possess a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Must possess a current active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. State, territory, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, or Federal Court
- GS-11: Requires J.D./LL.B. and active bar membership with no prior professional legal experience
- GS-12: Requires J.D./LL.B., active bar membership, and one year of professional legal experience post bar admission equivalent to GS-11
- GS-13: Requires J.D./LL.B., active bar membership, and two years of professional legal experience post bar admission, including one year equivalent to GS-12
- GS-14: Requires J.D./LL.B., active bar membership, and three years of professional legal experience post bar admission, including one year equivalent to GS-13
Required documents
- A resume not exceeding two (2) pages in length, detailing duties, accomplishments, related skills, responsibilities, and start/end dates (month/year) for each position
- College transcript if qualifying all or in part based on education
- Proof of active bar membership
- CTAP/ICTAP documentation if applicable (such as RIF separation notice or SF-50)
When to apply
- Announcement opening date: August 25, 2026
- Application closing date: September 30, 2026
- First cut-off date for applicant lists: September 8, 2026
- Subsequent cut-off dates occur every two weeks thereafter until the closing date
How to apply
- Click Apply Online on USAJOBS to create an account or log in to an existing account
- Upload your resume (maximum two pages) and required supporting documents
- Complete the occupational questionnaire and submit your application package
- Complete the USA Hire technical assessment when notified via email or your submission screen
Additional information
- HHS is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.
- Applicants selected may be subject to a suitability and security background investigation.
- Category rating procedures are used to rank candidates into Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified categories.
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…
- Attorneys with a Juris Doctorate and active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Legal professionals interested in public service, specifically regarding Department of Health and Human Services programs.
- Candidates ranging from entry-level (GS-11) to experienced (GS-14) legal practitioners.
What should you think carefully about?
- The application requires a strict two-page limit for your resume, which you must adhere to carefully.
- You must be prepared to complete a USA Hire technical assessment as part of the application process.
- The position is subject to a suitability and security background investigation.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a significant career step for attorneys looking to specialize in federal law and policy. It provides the opportunity to work on complex legal issues, including those involving unaccompanied children, while benefiting from federal salary and potential incentive structures.
Our take
Qualified attorneys with a strong interest in federal service should apply, ensuring their resume strictly follows the two-page limit; it is less suitable for those who cannot meet the bar membership or security clearance requirements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
