Assistant General Counsel, Legislative and Correctional Issues Branch

Hiring Organization Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Hiring Office Central Office, Office of General Counsel, Legislative and Correctional Issues Branch, Washington, DC Attorney Appointment Type Attorney Permanent Location: 320 First Street, NW

Washington, DC 20534 - United States Application Deadline: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 About the Office The mission of the Legislative and Correctional Issues Branch (LCI) is to provide legal advice to Bureau of Prisons (BOP) staff covering a broad range of subjects, including but not limited to: management of correctional facilities, First Step Act of 2018 implementation; civil commitment of sexually dangerous prisoners; Special Administrative Measures preventing threats from inmates associated with violence, national security, and terrorism; Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems to detect unauthorized drones; extradition of detainees from foreign courts; federal sentencing issues to include the BOP's calculation of inmate sentences; reviewing and processing compassionate release / Reduction in Sentence requests; reviewing and revising internal policies as well as proposed legislation consistent with administration priorities.

Job Description The incumbent works with and advises senior leaders, supervisors, and staff concerning legal aspects of, and the interpretation, applicability, and compliance with state and federal statutes and regulations, and constitutional provisions relating to the confinement of inmates.

The incumbent will work closely with other BOP divisions, Department of Justice officials, and officials in other Executive Branch agencies on statutory matters that affect the BOP and to resolve correctional issues.

Required qualifications

Applicants must have a J.D. degree, and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience in correctional law is preferred but not required.
• Application Process Applicants must submit a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, resume (not to exceed two pages), college transcripts, writing sample, and a list of legal references by November 3, 2026 to Paul Irby, Branch Chief/Associate General Counsel, at pirby@bop.gov.
• Applications must be received on or before the application deadline date below.
• Please include in the subject line "LCI Assistant General Counsel - November 2026."
• Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications.
• In particular, 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 conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
• Salary Current salary and years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level.
• The possible salary range, including locality pay adjustments, is GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093) or GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200).