Attorney Advisor (General)

Summary Department of Justice (DOJ) agencies post experienced attorney job announcements on the DOJ Careers page. The DOJ typically hires hundreds of attorneys each year. Responsibilities The Diversion Law Section works with investigators across the country to bring administrative enforcement actions against individuals and companies in the pharmaceutical industry who handle controlled substances in a manner inconsistent with federal regulations; provides legal guidance relating to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA); litigates complex matters in administrative court and coordinates parallel criminal and civil proceedings; provides legal guidance in the promulgation of regulations; reviews legislative proposals; and provides training to DEA personnel in this area of law. Attorneys in the Diversion Law Section may engage in litigation activities, legal review activities, or both. For litigation attorneys, duties also include: Representing the DEA in administrative hearings and civil litigation regarding license revocations, denials, suspensions, regulatory violations, or revocation of DEA Registrations for doctors, pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers. Providing legal advice on the enforcement of the CSA and the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act. Working with DEA Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, federal/state law enforcement, and prosecutors on criminal, civil, and administrative cases. Advising Diversion Investigators and Special Agents on civil and regulatory issues during active investigations and drafting charging documents. For legal review attorneys, duties also include: Serving as legal advisor on all issues related to the diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into illegitimate channels. Advising DEA on its authorities under the CSA, including drug and chemical control, drug scheduling actions, and quotas. Reviewing and providing legal advice on relevant legislation and agency policies. Reviewing rules, regulations, and notices relating to the legitimate handling of controlled substances and listed chemicals, and evaluating them for compliance with the requirements of federal statutes including the CSA and the Administrative Procedure Act. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. All applicants must be an active member of a bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction) and possess: 1) a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and have at least 1-year post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience; 2) excellent academic credentials; 3) strong oral and written advocacy skills; 4) superior legal research and analytical skills; and 5) a demonstrated ability to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. Preferred Experience: Expertise in the Controlled Substances Act is preferred. For litigating attorneys, experience in litigation and regulatory compliance is highly preferred. For legal review attorneys, extensive knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act is required and knowledge of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) or training and experience in scientific areas such as biochemistry or pharmacology is highly desirable but not required. To qualify for each GS Level: - Applicants applying for the GS-13 must have 2 or more years of post J.D. legal experience - Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 3 or more years of post J.D. legal experience - Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. legal experience Education A J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet these criteria, see Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For a list of accredited organizations recognized as specializing in interpretation of foreign education credentials, visit: Additional Information All applicants for employment with DEA must possess and maintain the highest levels of character and conduct. DEA will evaluate applicants' qualifications based on these qualities. Once a conditional offer is made, DEA will conduct a continuous evaluation of information, as it is obtained, to ensure that the prospective employees with DEA meet the agency-specific qualifications in the areas of character and conduct. To this end, an unfavorable decision in any of the areas that follow will be deemed as disqualifying: Drug Policy Requirements (as specified in this announcement), Credit History, Candor and Honesty, Work History, History with the Law, and other qualities that would detract from the integrity and efficiency of the DEA. The selected applicant will be required to enter into a mobility agreement. Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. Please notify this office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances

Created: 2026-03-30