Paralegal Specialist
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Posted: April 7, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Office of the Secretary of the Army
Department of the Army
Base salary range: $123,041 - $159,950
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-14. Senior leader or top expert.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job is for a senior lawyer who advises on government contracts, technology projects, and legal issues in the U.S. Army's acquisition office at the Pentagon.
The role involves guiding high-level officials on buying equipment, handling disputes, and ensuring everything follows federal rules.
It's a great fit for experienced attorneys with a strong background in defense procurement and federal law who enjoy working independently on complex problems.
About the Position: This position is located with the Headquarters Department of the Army, Office of The General Counsel, Deputy General Counsel (Acquisition) at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.
If you are currently serving in a permanent, competitive service appointment in the Federal service, and are selected for this position, the appointment will remove you from the competitive service while you occupy this position.
Who May Apply: US Citizens Applicants will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualification requirements and on the extent to which their application shows possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the position.
KSA's: Knowledge of and experience as a legal adviser in the areas of: defense research and development, acquisition, and logistics programs; federal procurement (including non-procurement and other transactions); information management; information technology; cyber, defense business systems; and general principles of administrative and fiscal law.
Experience advising on administrative and federal court litigation in connection with source selections and post-award contract disputes.
Experience advising senior level civilian and military officials commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of this position.
Ability to work independently based on overarching supervisor direction and feedback, anticipate and identify potential legal and policy issues, and prepare legal opinions, usually final, that address pertinent legal and policy authorities and advise upon a recommended course of action.
Qualification Requirements: The following minimum qualification requirements must be met before applicants are eligible for further consideration: Education Requirements: Position requires the possession of the first professional law degree (LL.B.
or J.D.) AND active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
Applicants for initial appointment into attorney positions within the Department of Army must be graduates of law schools accredited by the American Bar Association at the time of the applicant's graduation.
As indicated below, a law school transcript must be submitted with your application materials.
Bar Membership: Applicants must currently be a member in good standing (as defined by the pertinent bar) of the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S.
territory, the District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As noted below, proof of such membership and good standing must be submitted with your application materials.
Experience: In addition to the requirements above, applicants for the GS-15 or equivalent Attorney positions must also possess 3 years of professional legal experience , acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.
Graduation from an ABA-Accredited Law School in the top 25% of the class or an advanced law degree such as an LLM may substitute for one year of the required professional legal experience.
Time in Grade: The Qualifying Authorities (QA's) will make a determination as to the applicability of time in grade based on the requirements of the position.
If you are currently employed as an attorney by the Federal government you must have completed one year at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade level as the position being filled.
NOTICE OF VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veteran's preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of the Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring.
Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., DD Form 214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty") to their submissions.
Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim a 10-point preference must submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference", and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed.
The SF 15 will identify the supporting documentation required along with the list of the types of 10-point preference. The SF 15 is available from the OPM at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/sf/.
Major Duties:
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