Assistant Legal Adviser (Political-Military Affairs)

Quick Facts

Assistant Legal Adviser (Political-Military Affairs) provides expert legal advice supporting U.S. foreign policy and political-military activities, including the domestic and international legal implications of contemplated actions.

Description

You serve as an Assistant Legal Adviser providing timely, expert legal counsel to the Department of State and interagency actions—often in international situations presenting novel issues. The work includes ensuring contemplated actions are consistent with domestic and international law and U.S. practice, while supporting negotiations, litigation, and the drafting of legal instruments.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice for global military and political-military activities, including the use of force, base rights, and status of forces agreements.
• Advise on foreign military claims and suits against U.S. armed forces.
• Support foreign military assistance: technical assistance, foreign military sales, and security assistance.
• Advise on military applications of space technology, munitions export control, and the naval vessel loans program.
• Support legal issues related to disarmament; U.S. and foreign government aircraft, vessels, and nuclear-powered warships.
• Advise on the laws of war, including the Geneva Red Cross Conventions, the Hague Conventions and Rules, and the Convention on Conventional Weapons.
• Handle litigation, administrative proceedings, and claims; assist in drafting laws, regulations, procedures, and agreements.
• Provide budgetary input for Congress related to these areas of practice.
• Direct and supervise approximately 10–11 attorneys and other staff; review work products for accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage office and administrative responsibilities; promote human resources policies and employee development.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Active bar membership; licensed and authorized to practice law in a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
• LL.B. or J.D. degree; submit proof of degree
• Submit proof of licensure with application
• Top Secret/SCI security clearance: obtain and maintain
• OGE-278 financial disclosure statement
• Verification of Employment Eligibility in the United States
• Background investigation required; subject to random drug testing
• One-year probationary period (unless excepted by regulation)
• Resume-based application: evidence of ECQs and MTQs must be embedded in a resume limited to 2 pages; no separate narrative statement accepted

Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs)

• Experience providing sound legal advice and representation involving interpretation and application of public international law and domestic law to foreign policy and management activities of large public or private organizations.
• Experience providing sound legal advice and representation through effective written and oral counsel and advocacy on U.S. foreign relations issues, including foreign states, international organizations, and U.S. diplomacy.

Benefits

A federal career offers a comprehensive benefits package; eligibility depends on the position type and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or intermittent.