Trial Attorney

US Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 86,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Division of Enforcement, is seeking attorneys to join CT-13 or CT-14 grade levels. The role involves enforcing the Commodity Exchange Act and Commission Regulations, conducting investigations, and litigating suspected violations related to derivatives and commodities in federal court.

Qualified applicants must hold a J.D. or LL.M., be admitted to the bar, and have three to four years of post‑admission legal experience.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. and active bar membership in good standing.
• Three years (CT-13) or four years (CT-14) of relevant legal practice after bar admission.
• Knowledge of FRCP and FRE; experience in investigations, trials, and discovery.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and litigate suspected violations of the Act and Regulations.
• Lead investigations; interview witnesses; develop case strategy; manage discovery and trials.

Skills

Writing skills

Critical thinking

Investigations

Witness interviewing

Legal research

Education

J.D./LL.M. equivalent degree

Job description

The CFTC’s Division of Enforcement (DOE) is responsible for enforcing the Commodity Exchange Act (Act) and Commission Regulations (Regulations). As such, DOE investigates and litigates suspected violations of the Act and Regulations, including fraud, manipulation, and other abuses concerning derivatives and commodities.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: All applicants must possess the following:

• J.D.; and
• Active membership of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. (Note: proof of bar membership will be required before entry on duty)

AND

To qualify at each grade level, you must have the following:

CT-13:

You must have a J.D. and/or LLM equivalent Degree, bar membership andthree years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school.

Qualifying experience may include:

demonstrating excellent writing and critical thinking skills; participating in investigations; interviewing witnesses; researching and writing legal memoranda and litigation documents; knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence; developing case strategy; engaging in all aspects of discovery, including depositions; and assisting attorneys in preparation for and participating in trials.

CT-14:

You must have a J.D. and/or LLM equivalent Degree, bar membership andfour years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school.

Qualifying experience may include:

demonstrating excellent writing and critical thinking skills; leading investigations; taking primary responsibility in interviewing witnesses; researching and writing legal memoranda and litigation documents; substantial knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Federal Rules of Evidence; developing case strategy; engaging in and having primary responsibility for all aspects of discovery, including depositions; having primary responsibility in preparing for and conducting trials; briefing senior managers or clients on factual developments and legal theories of ongoing investigations and litigations.

Selections may be made at all grade levels.