Trial Attorney

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 122,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in Washington, DC seeks a Trial Attorney to handle investigatory and enforcement activities under federal motor vehicle safety laws. You will participate in litigation over rules and regulations, and appear before tribunals like EEOC and MSPB.

The role involves collaborating with technical experts on recalls and safety defect investigations, and preparing enforcement regulations.

Qualifications

• ABA-accredited law degree required
• Active bar membership in the U.S. state or District of Columbia
• Full course of study in law and professional law degree

Responsibilities

• Represent or assist in representing the agency in investigatory and enforcement activities
• Represent or assist in representing the agency in litigation over rules and regulations
• Represent the agency before tribunals such as EEOC and MSPB
• Collaborate with technical experts on recalls and safety defects
• Prepare enforcement regulations and advise on related legal issues

Skills

Communication skills

Oral and written

Education

Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent

Job description

• Hiring Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Department: Department of Transportation
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia

The Litigation & Enforcement Division of the Office of Chief Counsel handles a wide range of investigatory and litigation activities relating to motor vehicle safety as well as defensive litigation, rulemaking, and counseling.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trial Attorney, you will: Represent or assist in representing the agency in a wide range of investigatory and enforcement activities pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Represent or assist in representing the agency in a range of litigation over rules and regulations, such as motor vehicle safety standards and fuel economy regulations, and other agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act, Vehicle Safety Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other statutes. Represent the agency before administrative tribunals such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

As a Trial Attorney in the Litigation and Enforcement Division you will have opportunities to be involved with a diverse portfolio of high-profile and innovative legal issues including enforcing the Nation's motor vehicle safety laws and the laws governing fuel economy. Attorneys in the Litigation and Enforcement Division lead investigations into potential violations of law and seek civil penalties or other sanctions when warranted.

Attorneys work in close partnership with technical experts on recalls and on investigations of potential safety defects in motor vehicles and noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Attorneys also prepare regulations related to enforcement and advise on a wide range of other legal issues.

With the Department of Justice, attorneys in the Litigation and Enforcement Division also participate in a range of litigation over rules and regulations, such as motor vehicle safety standards and fuel economy regulations, and other agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act, Vehicle Safety Act, Freedom of Information Act, and other statutes.

Attorneys in this Division also represent the agency in personnel cases before administrative tribunals such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). This position is perfect for a professional looking to grow with a great Federal agency. We are seeking highly qualified individuals who are willing to meet the challenges of public service and support our mission.

NHTSA is looking for someone who is highly motivated and who can communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, at all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, a customer/client service-oriented approach, creativity and initiative, and sound legal and practical judgment.

Requirements & Education

MANDATORY EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: In order to qualify for this position, candidates must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have a professional law degree, and must currently be a member in good standing of the bar of a State or Territory of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Department of Transportation.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $121785 – $197200/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Other security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-16.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Full Time position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Excepted' hiring path.

Related Searches

Trial Attorney, Trial Attorney jobs, Trial Attorney careers, apply Trial Attorney, Trial Attorney in Washington, Trial Attorney jobs Washington, Trial Attorney in District of Columbia, Trial Attorney jobs District of Columbia, jobs in Washington, careers in Washington, jobs in District of Columbia, federal jobs in District of Columbia, government jobs District of Columbia, jobs near Washington, District of Columbia, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration jobs, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration careers, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Washington, Department of Transportation, Department of Transportation jobs, Attorney, Attorney jobs, USAJOBS Attorney, fed excepted jobs, Full Time jobs

Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-18 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov