General Attorney (RECA)

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, Torts Branch, CSTL Section, is seeking a General Attorney to support RECA claims processing, investigation, adjudication, and appeals in Washington, DC. The role involves complex legal questions and coordination with federal and local agencies.

Ideal candidates hold a J.D. and are in good standing, with progressive post‑J.D. experience for multiple GS levels. This is a non-remote, in‑person position based in Washington, DC.

Qualifications

• J.D., or equivalent, licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney.
• Active member of the bar in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research and analysis concerning interpretation and application of statutes, rules, and regulations in RECA matters.
• Reviews the administrative record in RECA claims with complex issues.
• Develops additional evidence supporting entitlement to compensation and amount.
• Collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies to collect evidence.
• Evaluates claims for fraud and litigative risk and provides entitlement recommendations.
• Drafts legal pleadings and documents for defense of decisions under the Act.
• Participates in meetings with opposing counsel and agencies regarding RECA matters.

Skills

Legal research

Legal writing

Advocacy

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Job description

Torts Branch, Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation Section

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Term

Job ID

AT-13096152-27-JS

Location: Washington, DC 20005 - United States

Location: Washington, DC 20005 - United States Application Deadline: Thursday, November 12, 2026

About the Office

The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section is the largest section of the Torts Branch in the Civil Division, Department of Justice. CSTL includes three groups: Civil Division, Torts Branch, Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program.

Job Description

The RECA Program administers claims under a statute providing compensation to individuals who developed illnesses from radiation exposure while mining, milling, or transporting uranium ore for defense purposes, or from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. In July 2025, the Act was expanded to cover additional geographic areas, more workers, and injuries connected to the Manhattan Project. Staff in the RECA Program represent the Attorney General's interests throughout the claims process, including investigation, adjudication, and appeal. The program handles complex legal and factual issues involving substantial monetary claims and serves as a key component of the Department's efforts to provide restitution to affected individuals. As a General Attorney, the incumbent:

• Conducts research and analysis concerning the interpretation and application of statutes, rules, and regulations regarding complex issues that arise in connection with the RECA Program and matters within purview of T-CSTL;
• Reviews the administrative record in claims under RECA with complex factual and legal questions;
• Works to develop additional evidence in support of determinations of entitlement to compensation and the amount of such compensation;
• Works closely with federal, state, and local agencies to collect evidence relevant to the Department's position;
• Evaluates claims for fraud and litigative risk and provides recommendations of entitlement.
• Drafts associated correspondence, memoranda, and documents relating to claims;
• Works closely with DOJ trial attorneys representing the United States in RECA Program matters that end up before the courts.
• Drafts legal pleadings and other documents that may be needed in defense of decisions made under the Act; and
• Participates in meetings and discussions with opposing counsel, collaborating agencies, state and local stakeholders regarding all aspects of claims and other matters related to the RECA Program.

This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week

Qualifications

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

• To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience
• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Preferred qualifications:

Applicants with proven advocacy and legal writing skills preferred. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable.

Trial Period Statement:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government;
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

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 and othervacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships . The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.