About This Position
The primary purpose of this position is to: lead the 7 AF International, Operations & Safety Law Division,providing legal counsel to the Commander, 7th Air Force, Commander, USAF-Korea (AFKOR), and DeputyCommander, US Forces Korea, as well as subordinate units regarding compliance with International Law, treaties,agreements and procedures; negotiating, concluding and implementing international agreements with thegovernment and political subdivisions of the Republic of Korea.
Qualifications
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: You MUST have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (LLB or JD). In addition, at the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status. GS-14 SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
In addition to the basic requirement: you must have professional legal experience in excess of three (3) years that commensurate with the position's duties and responsibilities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of applicable statutes, rules, instructions, policies, directives and regulations regarding substantiveInternational Law issues in the Republic of Korea including Foreign Criminal Jurisdiction; Foreign Military Sales;disposition of real property on federal installations overseas; principles and requirements of International HumanitarianLaw and Operations; along with the ability to research and apply host nation labor, safety, environmental and privacylaws, airspace utilization; non- representational activities of organized labor units; and Customs procedures &enforcement in the Republic of Korea, as it relates to USAF forces and personnel located in the ROK. Knowledge and the ability to apply the of principles and requirements of the Law of Armed Conflict; and Combined,Joint and Air Force doctrine (for bed-down and employment of Air Force forces and management of air operationsthrough an Air Operations Center.), including treaties, regulations, instructions, directives policy statements andcustomary International Law.
Comprehensive knowledge of applicable joint doctrines, rules, instructions, policies, directives and regulationsgoverning international treaties and agreements constraining and guiding employment of US Forces, particularly withrespect to northeast Asia and the Republic of Korea specifically. Ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and/or guide negotiators by identifying and developing interests,options, alternatives and proposals Ability to conduct and participate in training sessions and/or present information on areas of expertise. Ability to research various legal platforms and interpret law, regulations, directives and instructions and draft legalopinions regarding international, operations and safety and advise on authority and approval levels with a high degree ofskill in expressing ideas, opinions, and thoughts both orally and in writing, including an ability to draft a variety of legaldocuments of varying complexity.
At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status and in good standing with a bar of the highest court of a State, US commonwealth, US territory, or the District of Columbia. On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status and dated within four months of application. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.
You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The legal problems embraced within this position vary widely and involve complex questions of fact and law, primarily in the areas of International Law, Operational Law, humanitarian assistance, fiscal, ethics and safety law. It also frequently involves novel issues for which there are little or no pertinent legal precedents and guidelines.
Issues presented frequently encompass questions of ROK law or custom unique to Korea, thereby further complicating successful resolution. Accordingly, incumbent must not only be.an active member in good standing of the Bar of an US state or territory entitled to practice law but must also possess training and/or experience in the specialized fields of international Law, operations law, government contracts, fiscal law and management and utilization of SOFA-granted lands. A Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in International Law (or equivalent) and one year of experience dealing directly with International Law matters are highly desirable; or if the applicant does not have an LL.M., two years' experience dealing directly with International Law matters.
Incumbent should also be familiar with USAF procedures and terminology. The duty of the employee is to provide immediate and continuing support for combat operations or to support maintenance and repair of combat essential systems of the armed forces. Performs duty in a combat zone after the evacuation of nonessential personnel in connection with a war or a national emergency declared by Congress or the President, and it is impracticable to convert the employee's position to a position authorized to be filled by a member of the armed forces because of a necessity for that duty to be performed without interruption.
Employee must sign DD Form 2365 as a condition of employment. Employees could be assigned to any location worldwide providing civilian support to combat operations and could deploy to non-combat locations in response to contingencies, disaster relief, or other emergency operations. (IAW: Section 1580 of title 10, United States Code) Employee must adhere to the Air Force Rules of Professional Conduct.
Major Duties
International Law: Provides Legal Counsel regarding International Law matters which affect or relate to the authority, prerogatives and policies of US Forces, activities and commanders, as well as the personal status, rights and obligations of military and civilian personnel and their dependents while stationed in or transiting through the ROK. Develops and maintains a compliance process for international agreements for which 7 AF is responsible, in conjunction with 7 AF/A3A5, 7 AF/A4, 7 AF/A7 and subordinate 7 AF units. Operational Law: Plans, organizes, and manages Operations Law activities and integrates with International Law.
Provides legal support for AFFOR operations during contingencies and Readiness and Command & Control Exercises. Provide legal support for AFFOR operations during contingencies and Readiness and Command & Control Exercises. Provides Operations Law support and 7 AF/JA liaison to CACC.
Safety Law: Provides Safety Law Support and Reviews for all Air Force Activities in the Republic of Korea. Reviews and advises on all Site Plans, Munition Storage facilities, new construction, quantity distance requirements for all explosives and maintenance operations for all U.S. Air Force activities at 7 base locations throughout the Republic of Korea.
Additionally, duties include providing legal reviews and advice as legal advisor for all aviation safety mishaps. There is a constant state of construction in the Republic of Korea theater, and every upcoming project is affected by explosive site plans, surveys and encroachment issues. Administrative Law: Provides Administrative Law support to 7AF Staff.
As needed, reviews and provides timely guidance regarding ethics, as a JER ethics counselor for the CC and senior staff members; evaluates use of ORF and SM&W funds, advises 7AF/CC and HQ staff and 2 Wing Legal offices on all civil matters affecting the Korean Theaterof Operations; reviews and coordinates on Inspector General investigations and Command Directed Investigations(CDI's); advises on Freedom of Information Act requests and Privacy Act issues; and advises on civilian employmentissues.
Education
Must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, and be currently licensed as an attorney, in active (or equivalent) status and in good standing, with the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth. The attorney must maintain such bar membership in at least one jurisdiction during the entire course of employment with the Air Force.
How You Will Be Evaluated
Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. Applications who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.
Additional Information
Important Overseas Information: Applicants interested in applying for overseas locations please click here to review important information regarding the exceptional family member program. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants.
Click here for more information. Writing Example: Prior to receiving an offer, you will be asked to provide a writing sample demonstrating your legal analytical skills. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date.
Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit. Disabled veteran leave is available to a Federal employee hired on/after 5 Nov 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. For more information, click here. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here.
How to Apply
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 04/22/2026 To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12932056 To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
Follow the prompts to complete the application questionnaire. Please ensure you click the Submit My Application button at the end of the process. To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: 1.
Your Resume. If you submit more than one resume, only the most recent will be reviewed. The "most recent" is considered the resume with the latest timestamp. Resumes may not exceed two pages. The two-page resume ensures the most relevant experience is reviewed and considered, which is a common practice in both the public and private sectors.
Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Additional information on how to complete or update your resume may be located here. For qualification determination your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present).
If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient, and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09.
Current Federal Civilian Employees may list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs, inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. If the resume you submit contains such information you will not be considered for this vacancy.
Your name, first and last, MUST be included on your resume.
- A complete Application Questionnaire
- Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section). Ensure all submitted documents contain your full name.
- Help recruiters find you. Make your resume and profile searchable, which means recruiters may contact you about possible jobs. Additional information may be located here.
- Optional Documents: Performance Appraisals for Current Federal Civilian Employees - Most recent performance appraisals (dated within last 3 years) showing the official rating of record, signed by a supervisor, or statement why the performance appraisal is unavailable. PLEASE
NOTE: It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and/or uploaded, (i.e., resume) is received, accurate, and submitted by the closing date.
You may verify your documents have been processed with your application package successfully. You can access your USAJOBS account to do so by clicking here. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Human Resources WILL NOT modify or change any answers submitted by an applicant.
Required Documents
The following documents are required and must be provided with your application. Applicants who do not submit required documentation to determine eligibility and qualifications will be eliminated from consideration. Other documents may be required based on the eligibility/eligibilities you are claiming.
Click here to view the AF Civilian Employment Eligibility Guide and the required documents you must submit to substantiate the eligibilities you are claiming. Online Application: Questionnaire Resume: Your resume may NOT exceed two pages, and the font size should not be smaller than 10 pts.
You will not be considered for this vacancy if your resume is illegible/unreadable. Additional information on resume requirements can be located under "How To Apply". License: At the time of application, you must provide proof, dated within four months of application, of "active" status with a bar of the highest court of a State, U.S. commonwealth, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
On-line information is allowed as long as it shows that you are in "active" status. ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: The VOW Act requires federal agencies to treat an eligible active duty service member as a veteran, disabled veteran, and preference eligible (as applicable) when applying for civil service positions before the effective release or discharge date. Appointment of military members before the release or discharge date is permissible if the member is on terminal leave.
At the time the active duty member applies for a civil position, he or she must submit a "certification" memo in lieu of a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. The certification memo must originate from the member's military service branch on official letterhead and contain the following: Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member Branch of Armed Forces Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s) Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty Terminal leave start date (if applicable) Expected character of service/discharge (honorable/general) and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement) Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander
NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference. If appointed, a DD Form 214 must be submitted upon receipt. NOTICE OF VETERANS' PREFERENCE: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Defense considers veterans' preference eligibility a positive factor for attorney hiring.
Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation to their submissions. Although the point-preference system is not used, applicants eligible to claim Veterans Preference must submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service, and a Standard Form (SF) 15, "Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference," and supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed. (SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preference and the required supporting documents, is available from the Office of Personnel Management Website at www.opm.gov.)
NOTE: Applicants for attorney appointments do not require veterans' preference in order to be eligible for consideration.