Trial Attorney

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice seeks experienced Trial Attorneys. The role involves handling complex investigations and litigation that affect the constitutional rights of many individuals, particularly focusing on disadvantaged groups. Candidates must possess a J.D., be a bar member, and demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Active member of the bar in good standing.
• Minimum post-JD legal experience: 1.5 years for GS-13, 2.5 years for GS-14, 4 years for GS-15.

Responsibilities

• Work on complex investigations and litigation.
• Enforcement of settlement agreements and remedial orders.

Skills

Academic achievement

Substantive knowledge

Written communication skills

Oral communication skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Professional judgment

Initiative

Ability to excel in fast-paced environments

Education

J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school

Job description

The Special Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division is seeking one or more experienced attorneys for the position of Trial Attorney to work on complex, pattern or practice investigations, litigation, and enforcement of settlement agreements and remedial orders that affect the constitutional and other federal rights of a substantial number of individuals. These matters are sensitive, of high public interest, and often involve working with disadvantaged or disenfranchised groups.

Duties

[Details of duties needed]

Requirements

[Details of requirements needed]

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. from an American Bar Association-accredited law school, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction), and possess the minimum years of post-professional law degree experience commensurate with the grade level of eligibility, as shown below. Applicants must also demonstrate strong qualifications in:

• Academic achievement
• Substantive knowledge and expertise in applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Written and oral communication skills
• Ability to analyze complex issues
• Collaborative and productive work experience
• Organizational skills
• Professional judgment
• Initiative
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Outstanding professional references

Note: Possessing the minimum post-law degree legal experience does not guarantee selection at that grade level.

• GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience
• GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience
• GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with judicial clerkships (especially in federal court), law review, moot court, clinical experience, and working cooperatively with diverse groups such as charging parties, witnesses, respondents, disadvantaged or disenfranchised groups, opposing counsel, judicial or administrative officials, advocacy groups, law enforcement personnel, and other federal or state agencies are preferred but not required.

About the Department

The United States Department of Justice, also known as the Justice Department, is a federal executive department responsible for law enforcement and administration of justice in the U.S. Established in 1870, it oversees agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, ATF, and DEA. The DOJ investigates financial fraud, represents the U.S. in legal matters, manages the federal prison system, and reviews local law enforcement conduct as mandated by law.