Attorney-Adviser

Quick Facts

• Role: Attorney-Adviser (FOIA/Privacy Act legal guidance)

Description

The Attorney-Adviser role supports federal FOIA administration by helping adjudicate administrative FOIA appeals, conducting legal research, and providing legal advice on FOIA and Privacy Act access laws. You will develop expertise in assigned FOIA topics, update DOJ FOIA guidance sections, and help encourage agency compliance through training and written/oral legal guidance, including support for FOIA litigation.

Responsibilities

• Recommend proposed actions for administrative FOIA appeals by reviewing administrative records and evaluating DOJ components’ processing of initial FOIA requests
• Conduct legal research and provide legal advice to federal agencies on FOIA and Privacy Act access laws
• Build mastery in assigned FOIA expertise areas and update corresponding sections of the DOJ Guide to the Freedom of Information Act
• Encourage FOIA compliance by DOJ components
• Provide instructional training and guidance to federal departments on FOIA compliance
• Provide written and oral legal advice to litigators and/or serve as a litigator in defending FOIA lawsuits

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or National status
• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active bar membership (any U.S. jurisdiction)
• At least one-year FOIA processing or FOIA litigation experience to qualify at the GS-13 level
• Obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security clearance (pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening)
• Possible one-year probationary period
• Selective Service registration required for eligible males (or approved exemption)

Benefits

Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type (full-time/part-time/intermittent).