Attorney - Experienced to Expert Level (Maryland)
- U. S. National Security Agency
- Fort Meade, MD
- Jun 15, 2026
Job Description
Responsibilities:
NSA Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking highly motivated, accomplished attorneys with experience in artificial intelligence, administrative law, human resources, government ethics, equal employment opportunity, and litigation, as well as other practice areas such as cybersecurity and national security law, government contracts, privacy and civil liberties, compliance programs, and Congressional affairs, who are interested in joining its elite team of lawyers. At NSA OGC, you will analyze cutting-edge technical and intelligence issues and will frequently provide legal advice that relates to high-profile current events affecting our national security.
Attorneys working in NSA OGC apply their expertise, skills, and education to solve a variety of challenges not found in the private sector or at any other government agency. You will have the opportunity to make a global impact on a daily basis as you work with other top caliber professionals at the highest levels of the Agency and across the U.S. Government. This critical work ensures that Agency operations comply with the law while also protecting both our national security and our civil liberties.
Because the twin missions of NSA, signals intelligence and cybersecurity, which are two of the most important and dynamic challenges our Government faces today, there is rarely a typical day for an NSA attorney. We are routinely presented with exciting and novel legal issues at the intersection of technology and law.
In tackling these challenges, our attorneys work directly with senior officials at various Intelligence Community and Executive Branch agencies, as well as with relevant committees of Congress.
NSA attorneys work in a highly classified setting and are entrusted with tremendous responsibility as they advise the Director and other senior leaders at the Agency on a diverse and complex spectrum of issues related to gathering the foreign intelligence information needed to fight international terrorism, espionage, transnational crime, and narcotics, to defeat foreign cyber adversaries trying to steal national secrets, and to provide intelligence support to critical military overseas tactical operations, all while protecting our civil liberties and ensuring strict compliance with the Constitution and our laws. Because the NSA is a Department of War agency, our attorneys have a unique opportunity to be directly involved in national security operations working alongside military and civilian colleagues, as well as to interact with the private sector in cybersecurity and other matters.
In short, many OGC attorneys say they can't imagine working in a more exciting and important position.
NSA OGC has several exciting and challenging career opportunities available in a range of legal practice groups that provide advice in the areas of: Artificial Intelligence, Administrative Law & Ethics; Security matters; Litigation; Intelligence Operations; Procurement; Research and Development; Information Security; Environmental Law, Patents, Telecommunications; and Acquisition, Research & Technology Law.
The responsibilities of an Attorney at the NSA can include:
- Advising the Agency on legal matters involving a particular subject matter (e.g., artificial intelligence, employment/personnel issues, ethics, security matters, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act (PA), intelligence operations, procurement, research and development, information security, patents, legislation, or Federal Records Act (FRA) questions)
- Analyzing legislation, programs, policies, regulations, or plans to determine impact on the Agency
- Representing the Agency's official position in legal and legislative proceedings
- Representing the Agency in interactions with outside customers, DoD, Congressional representatives, foreign partners, or the general public
- Conferring with/educating clients, customers, or stakeholders on legal or policy issues
- Determining the legal sufficiency of documents
- Drafting legal briefs, pleadings, etc
- Making legal determinations in accordance with laws, regulations, professional standards, or Agency policies and procedures
Appointment to this position requires a minimum commitment of 2 years in OGC before you can be eligible to apply for any other positions at the Agency.
AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR ELECTRONIC APPLICATION, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the following supplemental information:
- Cover letter
- Professional resume
- Legal writing sample (short, <15 pages)
- Unofficial law school transcript
- Past professional references (approximately three; include name, title, phone number, and email). Current employer references will only be required after a successful interview is completed.
This email will come from a member of the OGC Hiring Team from a uwe.nsa.gov account. If you do not receive this email within seven (7) business days of submitting your application, contact OGC_Applications@nsa.gov. Your application will not be considered if these supplemental documents are not received by the date noted in the email instructions.
Skills:
Experience and knowledge of law in one or more of the following areas is required:
- artificial intelligence
- human resources
- equal employment opportunity
- ethics
- security matters
- litigation
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- intelligence operations
- procurement
- research and development
- information security
- environmental law
- patents
- telecommunications
- legislation
- cybersecurity
- compliance
- Congressional affairs
- Privacy Act (PA) and civil liberties
The ideal candidate is a highly-motivated and qualified attorney with excellent oral and written communication skills, a desire for continual learning, possesses problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, and is:
- detail-oriented
- customer and results oriented
- able to adjust to changing situational requirements
- able to build relationships across the Agency and with external stakeholders
- able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $121,785 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \
NSA Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking highly motivated, accomplished attorneys with experience in artificial intelligence, administrative law, human resources, government ethics, equal employment opportunity, and litigation, as well as other practice areas such as cybersecurity and national security law, government contracts, privacy and civil liberties, compliance programs, and Congressional affairs, who are interested in joining its elite team of lawyers. At NSA OGC, you will analyze cutting-edge technical and intelligence issues and will frequently provide legal advice that relates to high-profile current events affecting our national security.
Attorneys working in NSA OGC apply their expertise, skills, and education to solve a variety of challenges not found in the private sector or at any other government agency. You will have the opportunity to make a global impact on a daily basis as you work with other top caliber professionals at the highest levels of the Agency and across the U.S. Government. This critical work ensures that Agency operations comply with the law while also protecting both our national security and our civil liberties.
Because the twin missions of NSA, signals intelligence and cybersecurity, which are two of the most important and dynamic challenges our Government faces today, there is rarely a typical day for an NSA attorney. We are routinely presented with exciting and novel legal issues at the intersection of technology and law.
In tackling these challenges, our attorneys work directly with senior officials at various Intelligence Community and Executive Branch agencies, as well as with relevant committees of Congress.
NSA attorneys work in a highly classified setting and are entrusted with tremendous responsibility as they advise the Director and other senior leaders at the Agency on a diverse and complex spectrum of issues related to gathering the foreign intelligence information needed to fight international terrorism, espionage, transnational crime, and narcotics, to defeat foreign cyber adversaries trying to steal national secrets, and to provide intelligence support to critical military overseas tactical operations, all while protecting our civil liberties and ensuring strict compliance with the Constitution and our laws. Because the NSA is a Department of War agency, our attorneys have a unique opportunity to be directly involved in national security operations working alongside military and civilian colleagues, as well as to interact with the private sector in cybersecurity and other matters.
In short, many OGC attorneys say they can't imagine working in a more exciting and important position.
NSA OGC has several exciting and challenging career opportunities available in a range of legal practice groups that provide advice in the areas of: Artificial Intelligence, Administrative Law & Ethics; Security matters; Litigation; Intelligence Operations; Procurement; Research and Development; Information Security; Environmental Law, Patents, Telecommunications; and Acquisition, Research & Technology Law.
The responsibilities of an Attorney at the NSA can include:
- Advising the Agency on legal matters involving a particular subject matter (e.g., artificial intelligence, employment/personnel issues, ethics, security matters, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Privacy Act (PA), intelligence operations, procurement, research and development, information security, patents, legislation, or Federal Records Act (FRA) questions)
- Analyzing legislation, programs, policies, regulations, or plans to determine impact on the Agency
- Representing the Agency's official position in legal and legislative proceedings
- Representing the Agency in interactions with outside customers, DoD, Congressional representatives, foreign partners, or the general public
- Conferring with/educating clients, customers, or stakeholders on legal or policy issues
- Determining the legal sufficiency of documents
- Drafting legal briefs, pleadings, etc
- Making legal determinations in accordance with laws, regulations, professional standards, or Agency policies and procedures
Appointment to this position requires a minimum commitment of 2 years in OGC before you can be eligible to apply for any other positions at the Agency.
AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR ELECTRONIC APPLICATION, you will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the following supplemental information:
- Cover letter
- Professional resume
- Legal writing sample (short, <15 pages)
- Unofficial law school transcript
- Past professional references (approximately three; include name, title, phone number, and email). Current employer references will only be required after a successful interview is completed.
This email will come from a member of the OGC Hiring Team from a uwe.nsa.gov account. If you do not receive this email within seven (7) business days of submitting your application, contact OGC_Applications@nsa.gov. Your application will not be considered if these supplemental documents are not received by the date noted in the email instructions.
Skills:
Experience and knowledge of law in one or more of the following areas is required:
- artificial intelligence
- human resources
- equal employment opportunity
- ethics
- security matters
- litigation
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
- intelligence operations
- procurement
- research and development
- information security
- environmental law
- patents
- telecommunications
- legislation
- cybersecurity
- compliance
- Congressional affairs
- Privacy Act (PA) and civil liberties
The ideal candidate is a highly-motivated and qualified attorney with excellent oral and written communication skills, a desire for continual learning, possesses problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills, and is:
- detail-oriented
- customer and results oriented
- able to adjust to changing situational requirements
- able to build relationships across the Agency and with external stakeholders
- able to manage multiple tasks with competing timelines and deliverables
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule:
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $121,785 - $197,200 (Senior, Expert)
Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
DCIPS Trial Period:
If selected for this position, you will be required to serve a two-year DCIPS trial period, unless you are a veterans' preference-eligible employee, in which case you are required to serve a one-year trial period. This trial period runs concurrently with your commitment to the position, if applicable. Before finalizing your appointment at the conclusion of your trial period, NSA will determine whether your continued employment advances the public interest. This decision will be based on factors such as your performance and conduct; the Agency's needs and interests; whether your continued employment would advance the Agency's organizational goals; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you do not receive certification for continued employment, you should receive written notice prior to the end of your trial period that your employment will be terminated and the effective date of such termination.
How To Apply - External:
Apply soonest, as job postings can close earlier than stated end dates due to changes in requirements. It is important to review and note the minimum qualifications, as only those applicants who meet the required qualifications will be contacted to continue the employment process. Please populate the resume tool to showcase any relevant work experience and education related to the position and answer any applicable screening questions. Information collected will be used to determine eligibility, and failure to provide accurate information may result in disqualification for this position.
A confirmation email will be sent after submission of the first application and also after any future updates to submitted applications. **Due to time sensitive communications regarding applications, please ensure your spam filters are configured to accept email from noreply@intelligencecareers.gov. For job vacancies that include stated testing requirements, also include the following: @uwe.nsa.gov, @nsa.gov, and @pearson.com**
U.S. Citizenship is required for all applicants. NSA is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations. All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a security background investigation and polygraph. NSA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities during the application and hiring process.
The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. (Please attach in application)
1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
DCIPS Disclaimer:
**VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING SERVICE MEMBERS**
Thank you for your service! The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions at NSA are in the Excepted Service under Title 10, United States Codes (U.S.C.), Section 1601 appointment authority.
Veterans' Preference
In accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, \
About U. S. National Security Agency
NSA is at the forefront of U.S. government cryptology, integrating signals intelligence (SIGINT)
and cybersecurity to enhance national and allied advantages. Our mission encompasses
computer network operations aimed at securing critical insights and services, ensuring decisive
advantages for the nation and our allies.
NSA's cybersecurity initiatives are pivotal in safeguarding U.S. national security systems,
particularly within the Defense Industrial Base and enhancing the security of U.S. weaponry. We are committed to advancing cybersecurity through education, research, and career development.
Through foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT), NSA delivers crucial intelligence to U.S.
policymakers and military forces. This intelligence, derived from electronic signals and systems
used by foreign entities, provides essential insights into the capabilities, actions, and intentions
of adversaries worldwide. It supports our efforts to defend the nation, save lives, and advance
U.S. objectives and alliances globally.