TRIAL ATTORNEY

U.S. Trustee Program; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Trustee Program in Dallas seeks a trial attorney (Bankruptcy) to handle complex Chapter 11 matters and related bankruptcy proceedings. The role requires strong advocacy, independent work habits, and superb oral and written communication under demanding timelines.

Candidates must have a J.D. from an accredited law school, be active in good standing with a state bar, and possess 1.5–4 years of post‑J.D. experience depending on the grade level. Federal practice and databases are used daily.

Qualifications

• Strong academic and professional credentials with excellent oral and written communication.
• Superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities; sound judgment.
• Active state bar membership; federal attorneys must maintain bar status.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex legal issues and develop litigation strategies.
• Take depositions, examine witnesses, and conduct formal written discovery.
• Manage high-volume bankruptcy matters, including complex Chapter 11 cases.
• Articulate issues clearly across diverse matters and projects.

Skills

Legal analysis

Oral & written communication

Legal research

Judgment

Independence

Deposition experience

Discovery

Bankruptcy law

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Tools

Legal research databases

Case management software

IT systems

Job description

• Legal Careers | Trial Attorney (Bankruptcy) | United States Department of Justice

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials; excellent oral and written communication skills; superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities; sound judgment; and the ability to work independently in a demanding legal environment. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and possess the minimum post-law degree experience listed below, or relevant experience involving client advocacy and the interpretation or application of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations.

Meeting the minimum post-law degree legal experience requirements does not guarantee selection at that grade level.

• GS13: Minimum 1.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
• GS14: Minimum 2.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
• GS15: Minimum 4 years of post J.D. legal experience.

Applicants must be active members in good standing of a state bar. Please note that in certain jurisdictions, federal attorneys must maintain active membership in that jurisdiction's state bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong record of analyzing complex legal issues; interpreting statutes, rules, and regulations; developing litigation strategies; and exhibiting superior trial practice skills.
• Experience litigating complex matters, including taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and conducting formal written discovery.
• Experience in bankruptcy practice, particularly complex chapter 11 proceedings.
• Exceptional organizational abilities and the capacity to manage a high volume of cases involving diverse issues.
• Ability to articulate critical issues clearly and accurately across a broad range of matters and projects.
• Skill in setting, managing, and balancing multiple, evolving, and challenging priorities.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and sound professional judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with information technology, including the use of databases and IT systems to manage and track work.
• Experience working with or within federal agencies.
• A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.