General Attorney
Patent and Trademark Office
Posted: January 5, 2026 (9 days ago)
This job has been posted for 1-2 weeks. Still a good time to apply.
Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Department of Defense
Entry salary: $104,604 | Full performance (GS-15): up to $159,950
Career ladder: Start at GS-14 and advance to GS-15 with experience.
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-13. Senior expert or supervisor.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job is for a senior lawyer who provides legal advice and support to a defense agency, handling tasks like researching laws, drafting documents, and representing the agency in disputes.
It involves protecting sensitive information and advising on ethics and personnel issues in a national security context.
A good fit would be an experienced attorney with a strong background in government or military law, comfortable with high-stakes litigation and compliance work.
This position may be filled using Direct Hire Authority: Z5CAV/Direct-Hire Authority (Certain DoD Personnel) PL 118-31, Sec 125OB (i)(2), 12/22/2023.This position is being filled under the memorandum from the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) "Expansion of Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense," dated August 12,2024.
Exemption request has been approved by PTDO USD(P&R), 12/14/2025 (Request ID 12164) You may qualify at the GS 14/15 , if you fulfill the following qualifications: A.
GS-14: Three years of specialized experience equivalent to the grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Conducting legal research, drafting and preparing pleadings and other legal documents, participating in pre-trial and pre-hearing proceedings, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and arguing motions Providing ethics advice to employees on all aspects of the organization's ethics program in accordance with the laws and regulations administered by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Protecting controlled unclassified information (commercially sensitive or militarily sensitive information), and classified, national security information from improper disclosure under the Government's information laws and policies (e.g., The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act) Providing legal reviews and representing an agency or an organization in inter-agency and intra-agency matters B.
GS-15: Five years of specialized experience equivalent to the grade level in the Federal service as listed below: Representing an agency or organization in adversarial proceedings and appellate litigation in the U.S.
District Courts and before administrative agencies such as the Merit System Protection Board and the Equal Opportunity Commission Conducting legal research, drafting and preparing pleadings and other legal documents, participating in pre-trial and pre-hearing proceedings, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and arguing motions Specializing in civilian personnel law, equal opportunity laws and regulations, labor relations, federal fiscal law, and military administrative law, including command directed investigations and inspector general reports of investigation Providing ethics advice to employees on all aspects of the organization's ethics program in accordance with the laws and regulations administered by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Protecting controlled unclassified information (commercially sensitive or militarily sensitive information), and classified, national security information from improper disclosure under the Government's information laws and policies (e.g., The Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act) Providing legal reviews and representing an agency or an organization in inter-agency and intra-agency matters., AND B.
Must be a graduate of an accredited law school, and must maintain active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).
Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:
As a Attorney-Advisor (General) at the GS-0905-14/15 some of your typical work assignments may include: Provide staff assistance and advice to all elements of the Agency by rendering legal advice, reviewing documents having legal significance, and drafting legal documents.
Research, investigate, and analyze diverse subject matter related to the missions and functions of the Agency.
Identify problem areas and associated legal issues; investigate facts; research and analyze applicable laws, regulations, and other legal and technical source materials.
Drafts and reviews reports on changes to legislation relevant to the Agency mission.
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of Government ethics, Government information practices, privacy, and civil liberties, civilian personnel, equal employment opportunity, labor relations, fiscal, and military administrative law to difficult legal issues arising from a broad spectrum of the Agency mission.
Represent the Agency, and as appropriate DoD, in adversarial proceedings and appellate litigation in United States District Courts and before administrative agencies such as the Merit System Protection Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Prepare pleadings and other legal documents, participate in pretrial and pre-hearing proceedings, examine and cross-examine witnesses, argue motions, and summarize the Agency's position.
Draft settlement agreements that are binding upon the Agency.
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