Trial Attorney - Federal Programs Branch
Location: 1100 L Street NW
Washington, DC - United States
About the Office
Covering twelve diverse litigation areas, the Federal Programs Branch defends the United States, the Executive Office of the President, and federal agencies in cases challenging the legality of government policies and actions brought in federal district courts. The Branch's work touches on almost all areas of the federal government, including national security, foreign affairs, and high-profile domestic policy initiatives.
Job Description
Trial attorneys in the Federal Programs Branch are generalists who participate in significant, often high-profile litigation across a broad range of practice areas. Trial Attorneys are expected to handle all phases of district court litigation, including:
- Taking and defending depositions
- Managing written discovery
- Conducting legal research and analysis
- Writing briefs and other documents
- Attending court conferences
- Arguing motions
- Conducting trials
As part of their work, Trial Attorneys communicate regularly with client agencies, Department of Justice leadership, opposing counsel, and others. Trial Attorneys work on both individual and team cases in support of the Branch's and Department's mission of defending the interests of the United States.
This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week.
Applicants must have a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) and have at least 1 year of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience to qualify at the GS-12 level; have at least 1.5 years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; have at least 2.5 years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-14 level; and 4 years of post J.D. experience is required to qualify at the GS-15 level. Applicants should also have excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable. You must also be a U.S. citizen.
Application Process
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation through USA Jobs:
You must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (not more than 15 pages in length, and written in the past 3 years). If you are claiming veterans preference, you must also submit your DD-214, and/or other documentation that you may have. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. Candidate lists will be generated as follows: 04/25/2025, 05/02/2025, and 05/12/2025. You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Application materials must be received no later than 11:59 pm EST May 9, 2025.
No telephone calls, please.
Salary is from the GS-12 level of $101,401 to the GS-15 level of $195,200 per year.
Number of Positions
Multiple
Travel
The position requires occasional travel.
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