Trial Attorney

Offices, Boards and Divisions; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Immigration Litigation seeks attorneys to work at the forefront of the DOJ's significant immigration cases, handling high-impact litigation nationwide.

Ideal candidates will possess a J.D., be licensed to practice in any U.S. State or territory, and be an active member in good standing. Trial period requirements and preferred clerkship experience add to the role's qualifications.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree or equivalent and active bar license in good standing.
• For GS levels, post-J.D. experience ranges from 1 year (GS-11) to 4+ years (GS-15).
• Strong advocacy, legal writing, and motion practice are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle high-impact immigration cases in federal circuit courts and district courts nationwide.
• Lead litigation strategy, draft briefs, and argue motions with precision.
• Coordinate with federal agencies and manage discovery and case development.

Skills

Advocacy skills

Legal writing

Litigation experience

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Active bar admission in good standing

Job description

The Office of Immigration Litigation seeks attorneys eager to work at the forefront of the DOJ's most significant immigration cases, handling high-impact litigation in federal circuit courts of appeals and leading nearly all immigration matters in district courts nationwide.

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. 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 should also have excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills. Experience arguing motions, handling discovery, developing expert witness testimony, trying cases, and a federal judicial clerkship 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; and 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.