Attorney Fellow (Legal Honors Program) - Mid to Experienced Level (Maryland)

NSA Office of General Counsel (OGC) is seeking highly motivated entry-level attorneys with a commitment to public service to join its Legal Honors Program in the Fall of 2027. This exclusive program is NSA OGC's primary entry-level attorney hiring initiative, offering a three-year rotation through both operational and support practice areas.

About the role

NSA OGC comprises eight legal practice groups that provide comprehensive legal advice on issues including legislation, intelligence operations, cybersecurity, ethics, procurement, research and development, litigation, environmental law, patents, personnel security, and employment. As an Honors Program attorney, you will tackle unique challenges not found in the private sector or other government agencies, making a global impact alongside top professionals at the highest levels of the Agency and across the U.S. Government.

Your work will ensure Agency operations comply with the law while protecting national security and civil liberties. With training and supervision, you will assume immediate responsibility, working directly with clients and Agency leadership. The program also offers special opportunities such as attending high-level briefings, meetings, and congressional hearings; liaising with intelligence community partners and federal agencies; and touring intelligence community facilities, all under the mentorship of a senior OGC attorney.

The NSA's dual missions—signals intelligence and cybersecurity—present dynamic and high-stakes challenges. As an NSA attorney, you will analyze cutting-edge technical and intelligence issues, often providing legal advice on high-profile national security events. You will collaborate with senior officials at agencies including the Department of Justice's National Security Division, FBI, CIA, National Security Council, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and relevant congressional committees.

Working in a highly classified setting, you will advise the Director and senior leaders on diverse and complex issues, including counterterrorism, espionage, transnational crime, cyber threats, and military operations, all while ensuring strict compliance with the Constitution and laws. As a Department of Defense agency, NSA attorneys have unique opportunities to engage directly in national security operations alongside military and civilian colleagues and interact with the private sector on cybersecurity and other matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on a broad spectrum of issues, including intelligence operations, cybersecurity, legislation, procurement, litigation, patents, and personnel security.
• Analyze cutting-edge technical and intelligence issues, often in relation to high-profile national security events.
• Work directly with senior Agency leadership and clients to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with intelligence community partners, federal agencies, and congressional committees on national security matters.
• Participate in high-level briefings, meetings, and facility tours within the intelligence community.
• Advise on matters related to counterterrorism, espionage, transnational crime, cyber threats, and military operations while protecting civil liberties.
• Engage in national security operations alongside military and civilian colleagues and interact with the private sector.

Qualifications

The following qualifications are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position:

• FULL PERFORMANCE (Entry for Grade 12):
  • Professional Law Degree (LL.B or J.D.).
  • As a condition of employment, Attorney Fellows must pass the bar exam within one year and establish active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
• SENIOR (Entry for Grade 13):
  • Professional Law Degree (LL.B or J.D.).
  • Active membership in the bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
  • Professional legal experience in excess of two years commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position, which may include:
    • Completion of a two-year judicial clerkship, or
    • Completion of a one-year judicial clerkship and an LL.M. following law school, or
    • Completion of a one-year judicial clerkship, an LL.M., and one year of experience within the program.

Pay

Salary offers are based on candidates' education level, years of relevant experience, and information provided by the hiring manager regarding the work level for the position.

• Salary Range: $102,415 - $158,322 (Full Performance, Senior).
• Salary varies by location, work level, and relevant experience.

Benefits

NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, with a basic 8-hour workday requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).