Attorney Advisor

Job Summary

The mission of the District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) is to protect the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors and to advance the development of the built environment through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is the legal team for DOB. OGC provides representation and legal advice on a wide range of issues, including housing and building code enforcement, permitting, and zoning issues. OGC also represents DOB before the Office of Administrative Hearings in appeals of civil infractions, stop work orders, and other enforcement actions and defends decisions by the Zoning Administrator before the Board of Zoning Adjustment. DOB seeks an experienced professional to serve as an Attorney Advisor in its OGC. The incumbent will litigate before the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Board of Zoning Adjustment on behalf of DOB and will provide legal advice to the agency on a wide variety of regulatory, compliance, enforcement, and ethics matters.


This vacancy announcement is one of two Attorney Advisor postings; candidates must apply to both postings in order to be considered for both.

Duties and Responsibilities

This position is responsible for providing sound legal advice to senior management and division heads, including drafting memoranda, letters, policies, recommendations, and other documents; conducting legal review of various documents; representing the agency before the Office of Administrative Hearings and the Board of Zoning Adjustment and handling all case responsibilities, including preparing evidence, briefs, motions, and other documents, conducting witness examinations, and making oral arguments; reviewing and preparing enforcement notices and orders; drafting legislation and regulations; and reviewing existing laws for amendment and to ensure compliance.

Qualifications and Education

Applicants must have a law degree, LLB or Juris Doctor (J.D.), from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited law school.

Applicants must have at least two (2) years of post J.D. professional legal experience, five (5) years preferred.


Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, the incumbent must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

License and Certification

The incumbent must be a current member of the District of Columbia Bar in good standing or must be admitted in another United States jurisdiction and be eligible to waive in and be admitted into the D.C. Bar within 365 days of their appointment. If eligible for waiver, incumbent must submit an application for admission prior to commencing employment and successfully obtain admission to the D.C. Bar within 365 days of commencing employment.


Working Conditions/Environment

The work is primarily performed in a typical office setting.

Other Significant Factors

Applicants must submit a legal writing sample to View email address on click.appcast.io in order to be considered for this position.

Tour of Duty: Monday - Friday 8:15am - 4:45pm

Pay plan, Series and Grade: LA-0905-13

Promotion Potential: None

Duration of Appointment: Legal Service - An appointee to the Legal Service position shall remain a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar during his/her employment in the Legal Service.

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is covered under a collective bargaining unit represented by AFGE 1403 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

Position Designation: This position is designated as Security Sensitive. The incumbents of this position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC personnel regulations, Suitability.

EEO Statement: EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.