Working as a lawyer for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) offers a unique and challenging career path for legal professionals interested in national security and intelligence. As the chief legal officer, the General Counsel of the CIA leads the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and advises the Director of the CIA on all legal matters. This role, nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, as outlined in 50 U.S.C. § 3520, underscores the critical legal function within the agency.
The CIA’s Office of General Counsel is a dynamic and independent entity within the CIA, providing comprehensive legal guidance to the Director and other agency officers. They navigate a wide array of complex legal issues related to the CIA’s operations and management, ensuring all activities are legally sound and ethically conducted.
What the CIA Office of General Counsel Does
In today’s complex global landscape, the CIA Office of General Counsel (CIA/OGC) plays a pivotal role. They seek talented legal professionals – attorneys, paralegals, and law librarians – to join their team and contribute to the CIA’s vital national security mission. For those who thrive on intellectual challenges and wish to apply their legal expertise to matters of national importance, the CIA offers an unparalleled career.
Diverse Areas of Legal Practice
The OGC’s legal practice is broad and diverse, encompassing numerous specialized areas:
- Administrative Law and Government Ethics: Ensuring the agency operates within legal frameworks and adheres to the highest ethical standards.
- Intelligence Support: Providing legal counsel on intelligence operations, activities, and compliance with relevant laws.
- Litigation: Handling legal disputes and court cases involving the CIA.
- Operational Law: Advising on the legality of covert operations and intelligence gathering activities.
- Logistics and Procurement Law: Overseeing legal aspects of the CIA’s procurement and logistical operations.
- Real Estate Law: Managing the agency’s real estate and property matters.
- Environmental Law: Ensuring CIA activities comply with environmental regulations.
- Legislative Affairs: Engaging with legislative bodies and advising on legal implications of legislation.
- Law Enforcement Assistance: Navigating legal issues related to cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
- Information Law: Dealing with legal aspects of information management, access, and security.
- Privacy and Civil Liberties: Safeguarding privacy and civil liberties in intelligence operations.
- Security Law: Advising on legal aspects of agency security and personnel clearances.
- Personnel Law: Handling legal issues related to CIA personnel and employment matters.
- Appropriations and Finance Law: Managing legal aspects of agency funding and financial operations.
- Legal Support to Intelligence Analysis: Ensuring legal compliance in the intelligence analysis process.
- Legal Support to Science and Technology Activities: Advising on legal matters related to the CIA’s science and technology initiatives.
Who Makes Up the Office of General Counsel?
The Office of General Counsel is composed of a diverse group of legal professionals, each bringing unique experiences and backgrounds to the agency.
Attorneys at the OGC
CIA attorneys come from various legal backgrounds, including private practice, government service, and non-profit sectors. Here’s what some Cia Lawyers say about their experiences:
“Transitioning from an AmLaw 100 firm to the CIA was the best decision for my career. I found the intellectually stimulating work and dedicated colleagues I expected from a top firm, but without the pressure of billable hours and with a genuine respect for work-life balance.” – Lateral CIA Attorney
“After a decade as in-house counsel for a small non-profit, joining OGC was a fantastic move. The continuous learning opportunities, support for professional development, and collaborative environment make OGC an incredibly dynamic and rewarding place to work.” – Lateral CIA Attorney
“As an Honors Attorney, I directly advise clients on a wide range of fascinating legal issues daily. While the legal challenges are often similar to those in other sectors, the unique CIA context adds an intriguing layer, making the practice of law here both challenging and highly engaging.” – CIA Honors Attorney
Paralegals at the OGC
OGC paralegals are essential members of the legal team, providing crucial support across various functions. They come with diverse experience levels and contribute to:
- Case management and file organization
- In-depth legal research and analysis
- Verification of legal citations and references
- General paralegal assistance to attorneys
CIA paralegals are involved in legal matters related to foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, and both civil and criminal litigation, playing a vital role in supporting the agency’s legal operations.
Law Librarians at the OGC
The law librarians at OGC form a growing, service-focused team. They offer critical expertise by:
- Conducting substantive legal research across diverse areas of law
- Providing research guidance to CIA personnel agency-wide
- Managing and curating a wide array of legal resources, both digital and physical
- Developing custom reference materials for specific legal needs
- Actively monitoring legal developments to ensure resources are current and relevant
OGC law librarians are integral to ensuring that CIA legal professionals have access to the most accurate and up-to-date legal information.
OGC’s Ambassador Program: Expanding Reach
The CIA recognizes that a diverse workforce enhances its national security mission. The OGC Ambassador Program is designed to broaden the applicant pool by fostering long-term relationships with seventeen select law schools across the country. OGC Ambassadors are assigned to each partner law school and are responsible for:
- Building and maintaining connections with career placement offices
- Networking with public interest organizations and affinity groups within the law school
- Serving as a liaison to share recruitment information and job postings
- Organizing recruitment events such as on-campus interviews, career fairs, and panel discussions
This program ensures that OGC can connect with a wide range of talented law students and graduates from diverse backgrounds.
Career Opportunities at CIA’s Office of General Counsel
Explore Career Paths:
To find available positions within the CIA’s Office of General Counsel, visit the CIA Careers page and search using terms such as “Attorney,” “Paralegal,” or “Law Librarian.” Hiring is conducted on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly.
Lateral Attorney Positions: For experienced attorneys with over three years of post-law school experience and bar membership in any U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, lateral positions offer the opportunity to work on complex national security legal issues. Specific openings may include roles in government contracts, ethics, employment law, federal litigation, investigations, technology law, and information law. Detailed job descriptions are available on the “Careers” page.
Honors Attorney Program: For attorneys with less than three years of post-law school legal practice and bar membership, the Honors Attorney program provides a structured entry point. These positions offer close mentorship from senior OGC attorneys. Strong writing and communication skills are essential for these roles.
Paralegal Positions: Candidates for paralegal roles should possess a paralegal certificate or degree from an ABA-approved institution and demonstrate proficiency in legal research. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Law Librarian Positions: Law librarian applicants typically have at least two years of experience in large law firm libraries, although candidates with unique and relevant skills from other library settings are also considered. Strong communication skills, a commitment to professional development, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are key attributes.
The OGC receives a high volume of applications from individuals seeking to contribute to national security through legal service. Due to this high volume, if you have not received communication within 45 days of applying, it indicates that your application is not being pursued at this time. While OGC appreciates the interest of all applicants, they are unable to respond personally to each application.
Important Note: All positions within the CIA’s Office of General Counsel require relocation to the Washington Metropolitan Area.
