Attorney (Forensic Science)

Summary

Forensic Science Law attorneys work on a day-to-day basis with renowned FBI Laboratory experts in a wide variety of forensic disciplines: DNA, explosives, trace evidence, code breaking, firearms, and more. Embedded within one of the largest and most comprehensive crime laboratories in the world, FSLU attorneys are experts in legal issues related to forensic science.

Duties

Duties for this position will include but are not limited to: Providing legal advice to FBI CRM and field agents regarding IGG-related investigative activities. Advising on FBI CRM, FBI LD, prosecutors, and external partners on policy and strategy related to IGG, including investigative techniques, discovery and trial strategy, issues related to admissibility. Collaborating with DOJ and FBI CRM to develop and implement a strategy for the use of legal process. Reviewing, drafting, and advocating for IGG-related legislation;· Working with the FBI LD and DOJ to assess the feasibility of alternative databasing options. Implementing a national strategy related to the admissibility of advanced DNA evidence, collaborating closely with state and federal prosecutors admitting such evidence. Representing the FBI during interactions with other agencies and the U.S. Department of Justice on legal issues surrounding forensic science, and working cooperatively with other agencies to establish inter-agency agreements. Travel will be required. Other legal duties as assigned.

Qualifications

GS-14: Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience. GS-15: Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience. Preferred Qualifications: At least 5 years of experience as a federal or state prosecutor handling complex criminal cases. A passion for learning about novel and complex scientific and/or technical concepts. Demonstrated ability to communicate and build strong relationships with a wide variety of people, especially scientific and/or technical subject matter experts. Experience litigating complex discovery challenges and familiarity with DOJ's Touhy process, helpful but required. Experience litigating challenges to the admissibility of forensic evidence, helpful but not required. Experience using DNA evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings helpful but not required. Experience providing legal training to prosecutors, law enforcement, or others. Ability to perform superior legal and factual analyses on complex issues. Excellent legal research, legal writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and environments.

Education

BASIC REQUIREMENT: Possess a law degree from an accredited American Bar Association law school; and Proof of active membership and good standing with any U. S. jurisdiction bar association Positive Education Requirement: This position has a specific education requirement; all applicants must verify completion of this basic requirement by submitting proof of J.D. degree and proof of good standing with a U. S. jurisdiction bar association. Please see the "Required Documents: section of this announcement for additional information. Education: Applicant must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (or have a LLM degree or other graduate law school degree in additional to J.D.) and be an active member of a U.S. jurisdiction bar association.

How You Will Be Evaluated

All applicants are rated on the following competencies: Analytic Thinking Communication Governance and Legal Jurisprudence Leadership Oral/Written Communication Research

Required Documents

1. Your cover letter and resume, not to exceed 2 pages. 2. A writing sample, not to exceed 10 pages. 3. Proof of current and active bar association membership. 4. Copy of Law School Transcripts5. Current SF-50 (if external government employee). 6. DD 214 (proof of Veteran's Preference). Please Note: FBI employees currently assigned to a General Attorney position do not need to provide Law School Transcripts or Proof of Bar association Membership. Step 1: Create a new email and attach all required electronic documents. Include contact information (phone number) and a brief introduction (2-3) sentences in the body of the email. Step 2: Title the subject of the email using the following format, indicating whether you are an internal or external candidate. (Example: OGC_FSLU_2026_External/Internal). Step 3: Submit the completed application email to OGC-JOBS@fbi.gov

How to Apply

To apply for the Attorney (Forensic Science) position, please click here.

What to Expect Next

Once your complete application is received, the FBI will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. You will be notified of your status throughout the application process.

Additional Information

About the Office The FBI's Office of the General Counsel (OGC) Forensic Science Law Unit (FSLU) is seeking a highly qualified attorney with an interest in DNA and significant prosecutorial experience to represent the FBI's cutting-edge Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) program. First used in 2018 to solve the Golden State Killer case, the IGG technique has grown to a nationwide investigative program of 200+ personnel that has solved more than 300 homicide and sexual assault cases to date. The program involves close collaboration with FBI CRM and the FBI Laboratory. This exciting and extremely rewarding portfolio involves a range of responsibilities, from advising on active criminal investigations, to providing critical advice to prosecutors across the country related to discovery and trial strategy, working with DOJ to develop legal strategy regarding legal process associated with the technique, and paving the way for courtroom admission of next generation of DNA evidence.

GS-14: Applicants applying for the GS-14 must have 2.5 or more years post J.D. attorney experience. GS-15: Applicants applying for the GS-15 must have 4 or more years of post J.D. attorney experience. Preferred Qualifications: At least 5 years of experience as a federal or state prosecutor handling complex criminal cases. A passion for learning about novel and complex scientific and/or technical concepts. Demonstrated ability to communicate and build strong relationships with a wide variety of people, especially scientific and/or technical subject matter experts. Experience litigating complex discovery challenges and familiarity with DOJ's Touhy process, helpful but required. Experience litigating challenges to the admissibility of forensic evidence, helpful but not required. Experience using DNA evidence in criminal investigations and court proceedings helpful but not required. Experience providing legal training to prosecutors, law enforcement, or others. Ability to perform superior legal and factual analyses on complex issues. Excellent legal research, legal writing, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and environments.