Trial Attorney

The United States Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 122,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Department of Justice, Criminal Division, in Washington, DC, seeks qualified attorneys for permanent positions in the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS). The Trial Attorney will independently direct investigations, conduct trials, and advise on prosecution strategies for organized crime matters.

Qualifications include a J.D. and bar admission;GS-13/14/15 experience with increasing responsibilities in civil or criminal litigation.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and bar admission in good standing.
• GS-13 requires 1.5 years post-J.D. experience at or above GS-12 level.
• GS-14 requires 2.5 years post-J.D. experience at or above GS-13 level.
• GS-15 requires 4 years post-J.D. experience at or above GS-14 level.

Responsibilities

• Partners with AUSAs in developing and managing organized crime and gang investigations.
• Gives advice and instructions to AUSAs on complex questions of law and policy.
• Promotes national investigation strategies and litigation priorities for VCRS.
• Represents DoJ by coordinating with law enforcement agencies and USAOs.
• Serves as a subject matter expert on organized crime and gang cases.

Skills

Legal analysis

Pleadings

Legal research

Oral advocacy

Collaboration

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS)

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job ID

26-CRM-VCRS-029

Location: Washington, DC 20011 - United States

Location: Washington, DC 20011 - United States Application Deadline: Friday, September 25, 2026

About the Office

Consider joining the DOJ Criminal Division. One of seven litigating Divisions in the Department, the Criminal Division investigates and prosecutes complex criminal matters and assists the 93 United States Attorney Offices in investigations, trials, and appeals. In addition to its direct litigation responsibilities, the Division formulates and implements criminal enforcement policy and provides advice and assistance in sensitive areas of law enforcement; advises the Attorney General, Congress, the Office of Management and Budget and the White House on matters of criminal law; provides legal advice and assistance to federal prosecutors and investigative agencies; and provides leadership for coordinating international as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement matters.

The Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) is a specialized group of prosecutors charged with developing and implementing strategies to disrupt and dismantle regional, national and international gangs and organized crime groups. VCRS, in partnership with United States Attorney's Offices, prosecutes significant Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VICAR) and violent crime cases against the most dangerous criminal groups in the U.S.

Job Description

The Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualifi ed, experienced attorneys for permanentpositions in the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section located in Washington, D.C. The incumbentindependently directs, conducts, and monitors investigations, prepares and conducts trials, and advises onstrategies and tactics relating to the prosecution of organized crime.

As a Trial Attorney, the incumbent:

• Partners with Assistant U.S. Attorneys ("AUSAs") in the development and management of organized crime and gang investigations and prosecutions. Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, the use of grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, preparing appropriate
  pleadings, and litigating motions, and serving as counsel in trials, sentencings, and other matters before U.S. District Courts across the country.
• Gives advice and instructions to AUSAs on complicated questions of law and Departmental policy.
• Promotes, in collaboration with VCRS managers, the Section's program to foster effective national investigation and prosecution of organized crime and violent gang crime, including giving advice on strategy and legal complexities, and identifying and developing litigation priorities, policy, and legislative recommendations.
• Represents the interests of the Department of Justice by fostering communication and coordination between law enforcement agencies, as well as between United States Attorney's Offices (USAOs). Serves as a subject matter expert, participating in, and/or providing advice on, activities related to the investigation and litigation of organized crime and gang cases.
• Serves as a subject matter expert, participating in, and/or providing advice on, activities related to the investigation and litigation of organized crime and gang cases.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 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-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one and a half (1.5) years postJ.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-12grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulatingrecommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documentsinvolving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminallitigation.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years postJ.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulatingrecommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documentsinvolving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminallitigation.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legalexperience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level.Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composingpleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civilor criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leadingparalegals and support staff.

Preferred Qualifications

Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies and experiences:

• Experience with prosecuting RICO, CCE, and other complex conspiracy matters;
• Criminal litigation experience;
• Trial experience in U.S. District Courts;
• Trial experience in State or local courts; and
• Experience with the federal judiciary.
  

$121,785-$197,200 per year
Unless you have prior federal experience, you will likely start at step 1 of the pay scale for the grade in which you qualify.

Number of Positions

Few

Travel

75% or less - Routine travel will be required for conferences and litigation work throughout the United States. Overseas travel may also be required.

Relocation Expenses

No