Senior Appellate Environmental Counsel

The United States Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 165,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

United States Department of Justice’s Energy and Natural Resources Division seeks an experienced Trial Attorney to serve as Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters. The role involves litigating in federal appellate courts and guiding petition for review practices across major pollution-control statutes.

Senior Counsel will coordinate with senior colleagues, oversee petitions, and provide strategic guidance to client agencies, including EPA, with emphasis on the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and

Qualifications

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school.
• Active status in good standing of the U.S. bar.
• Five years post-J.D. litigation experience, including federal appellate work.
• Familiarity with the Administrative Procedure Act and pollution-control statutes.
• Excellent writing and editing skills; ability to manage a docket and mentor attorneys.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate petition for review practice; oversee junior attorneys handling petitions.
• Directly handle and argue cases before courts of appeals, including en banc proceedings when appropriate.
• Advise client agencies and DOJ leadership on environmental and administrative law issues.
• Mentor attorneys, review briefs and prepare for oral argument; manage docket priorities.

Skills

Oral advocacy

Federal appellate litigation

Leadership/mentoring

Education

J.D. degree

Active bar admission

Job description

United States Department of Justice’s Energy and Natural Resources Division seeks an experienced Trial Attorney to serve as Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters. The role involves litigating in federal appellate courts and guiding petition for review practices across major pollution-control statutes.

Senior Counsel will coordinate with senior colleagues, oversee petitions, and provide strategic guidance to client agencies, including EPA, with emphasis on the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and