Attorney Adviser; Legal Affairs

145 N St. NE, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20530 - United States

Friday, October 30, 2026

The Office of the Pardon Attorney (PARDON) fulfills the duties of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the President’s clemency power under Article II, § 2 of the Constitution. For over 130 years, the President has relied on the advice and assistance of the Attorney General in exercising clemency power.

PARDON is the office designated to carry out this function under the direction of the Deputy Attorney General. PARDON receives petitions for executive clemency, initiates the necessary investigations, and prepares the recommendations for DOJ leadership and the President in the consideration of all forms of executive clemency, including commutation of sentence, pardon, reprieve, remission of fine, and commutation of the penalty of death.

PARDON also investigates applications for the Restoration of Firearms Rights under 18 U.S.C. 925(c). For more information about the Office, please visit our Web page at https://www.justice.gov/pardon .

PARDON is seeking an experienced attorney for the position of Attorney Adviser, to perform duties, including reviewing 925(c) firearms rights restoration applications, evaluating executive clemency petitions, preparing and coordinating litigation activity impacting the Office, and assisting with the component’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act (PA) work. The Attorney Adviser will become familiar with all aspects of relief and executive clemency programs.

Among other responsibilities, the Attorney Adviser will review and evaluate the merits of relief or clemency petitions, confer with officials of the DOJ and external agencies regarding relief or clemency applications, collect information and records related to the relief or clemency investigation, produce high-quality, detailed written recommendations, and advise the Pardon Attorney, the Deputy Attorney General, and the White House on the appropriate disposition of individual petitions for relief or clemency.

Attorney Advisers will interact with petitioners and their legal representatives and must demonstrate a high level of commitment to professionalism, courtesy, and public service.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), have a minimum of three years ofpost-J.D. experience, and be a U.S. citizen.

The work of the Attorney Adviser requires significant attention to detail and the ability to thoroughly evaluate large case files, identify relevant issues, and recommend decisions. In addition, excellent legal research and analyses, writing skills, and exemplary judgment and discretion are required. A successful candidate will have the ability to manage a significant caseload and work both independently and collaboratively. The Office places a premium on the commitment and ability to prioritize assignments and efficiently produce high-quality work, including substantial, appropriately focused, and well-written work products.

Applicants should also demonstrate compassion and the ability to undertake fair and balanced evaluations of applications submitted by Federal clemency and relief petitioners. This position is located in Washington, DC. This is NOT a fully remote position, and employees will be required to come into the office. An out-of-area applicant who is selected for this position will be expected to relocate at their own expense.

This position is telework-eligible consistent with the Office’s telework policy.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in post-J.D., legal work. Practice experience in federal…