Assistant United States Trustee

The United States Department of Justice; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Trustee Program in San Jose, CA seeks an Assistant United States Trustee to lead and manage the San Jose field office that oversees bankruptcy cases filed in the San Jose Division of the Northern District of California. The role requires a J.D. from an accredited law school, active state bar admission, and at least five years of post‑J.D.

experience advocating on bankruptcy issues. Responsibilities include staff supervision, policy collaboration, and handling civil enforcement

Qualifications

• Excellent academic and professional credentials in law
• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Ability to function with minimal guidance in a demanding legal environment

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the San Jose field office overseeing bankruptcy cases
• Advise policy questions and develop strategies to faithfully execute bankruptcy law
• Supervise staff including attorneys, auditors, paralegals and support staff
• Carry a caseload of civil enforcement, Chapter 11 and trustee matters
• Coordinate with regional and national offices and external partners

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Judgment

Education

J.D. degree from accredited law school

Active state bar admission

Job description

Location: 280 South First Street
Room 268
San Jose, CA 95113 - United States

Application Deadline:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

About the Office

The United States Trustee Program (USTP or Program) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. The Program operates nationwide through twenty-one (21) regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, chapter 12 family farmer cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings.

As the only participant in the bankruptcy process with a national footprint and independent oversight mandate, the USTP is uniquely positioned to identify and address multijurisdictional misconduct and other issues of national significance that threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy system. At the same time, the Program remains equipped to respond effectively to local matters involving fraud, abuse, or other practices undermining the fair and efficient administration of bankruptcy cases.

We invite you to visit the USTP’s website for more information on the Program and the Region 17 website for information on the available office location. One job opportunity is available at a Region 17 office located in San Francisco, CA or San Jose, CA .

Job Description

The USTP is seeking experienced attorney applicants for the position of Assistant United States Trustee to lead and manage the San Jose, CA field office that oversees bankruptcy cases filed in the San Jose Division of the Northern District of California.

The typical duties of an Assistant United States Trustee include:

• Manage and oversee the administration of the field office, including all bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial district served by the office;
• Advise and partner with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on policy questions, legal issues of national importance arising in cases, and other significant matters to enhance the Program’s mission locally, and help develop and implement policies and strategies designed to faithfully execute a uniform application of bankruptcy law;
• Supervise and manage a staff of Trial Attorneys, Auditors, Paralegals Specialists, and support staff, including assigning and monitoring work at the office and regional level in accordance with principles of shared staffing and functional consolidation;
• Oversee and assist in difficult, complex, or precedent-setting bankruptcy cases. Assist in developing and implementing civil enforcement and litigation strategies to address fraud and abuse identified in bankruptcy cases;
• Carry a caseload of civil enforcement, chapter 11, and trustee oversight matters;
• Participate or provide oversight in all appellate matters before the Bankruptcy Court Appellate Panel (if applicable), the United States District Court, and the United States Courts of Appeal;
• Appoint and supervise all private trustees who administer bankruptcy cases filed under chapter 7, 13, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code;
• Provide outreach to other interested constituents and those involved in the bankruptcy systems such as the bankruptcy court, the bar, other federal and state agencies, including public speaking and conducting training, as appropriate;
• Work with the Program’s federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight; and,
• Work on other national projects and priorities as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic and professional credentials; superior oral and written communication skills; good judgment; and the ability to function with minimal guidance in a demanding legal environment. Further, an applicant must have a J.D. degree (or equivalent) from an accredited law school; and have at least five (5) years post-J.D. professional legal or other relevant experience advocating on behalf of clients, interpreting, or applying provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations that arise in bankruptcy cases.
Applicants must be an active member of a state bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction). Please note, in select few jurisdictions, federal attorneys are required to be active members of the jurisdiction’s state bar.

Preferred

• Three (3) or more years' experience in management and personnel supervision;
• A minimum of five (5) years of chapter 11 experience;
• A demonstrated record of analyzing complex legal problems, interpreting statutory provisions, developing litigation strategies, and superior trial practice skills;
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to address a broad array of issues arising in a large volume of cases;
• The ability to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a wide variety of cases and projects;
• The ability to set, manage, and balance diverse, evolving, and challenging projects and priorities;
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity;
• Strong information technology skills, including using data bases and IT systems to manage work;
• Outstanding presentation and public speaking skills;
• Experience working with or for federal agencies; and,
• A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Trial Period Statement

As a condition of employment for the position of Trial Attorney with the USTP, you may be required to serve a two-year trial period during which the Program will assess your fitness for continued employment and whether your service advances the public interest. In making this determination, the Program may consider:

• Your performance and conduct.
• The needs and interests of the agency.
• Whether your continued employment advances the organizational goals of the agency or the Government.
• Whether your continued employment promotes the efficiency of the service.

Your employment will conclude at the end of the trial period unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest. If certification is not granted, you will receive written notice prior to the end of the trial period advising you of the termination and its effective date.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

This position is on the Administratively Determined pay scale and the possible current salary range is

$135,000 to $197,100 per annum. Years and type of experience will determine the appropriate salary level.

Number of Positions

1

Travel

Periodic travel is required depending on work assignments and training.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses may be authorized to current USTP employees only, based on USTP policy.