Trial Attorney - Appellate Section

Offices, Boards and Divisions; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 118,675 - 154,280; Full time

Job summary

The Energy and Natural Resources Division seeks experienced litigators for the Appellate Section in Washington, DC or Denver, CO. The Section handles most Division cases in federal and state appellate courts.

The first cut-off date for referral of applicants will be 8/4/2026 and the second cut-off date will be on the closing date of 8/25/2026. Eligibility requires a J.D., bar admission, U.S. citizenship, and post-J.D. experience for the GS grades; clerkship and appellate familiarity are valued.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member in good standing of the bar.
• U.S. citizen or national.
• Post-J.D. litigation/judicial experience required for GS levels as described.
• Clerkship experience and familiarity with appellate litigation are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Handle most Division cases in federal and state appellate courts.
• Litigate in the Appellate Section for the Energy and Natural Resources Division.

Skills

Excellent academic background

Litigation experience

Research skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Judicial clerkship

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Energy and Natural Resources Division is seeking one or more experienced litigators for the Appellate Section in either Washington, DC, or Denver, CO. The Section is responsible for handling most Division cases in federal and state appellate courts.

The first cut-off date for referral of applicants will be 8/4/2026. The second cut-off date will be on the closing date of 8/25/2026.

Eligibility

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants must have the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience for the specific grade level requirements listed below:

• At least 1 year of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level.
• At least 1.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level.
• At least 2.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.
• At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should have an excellent academic background, litigation experience, and demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing skills. Applicants should also be able to communicate effectively, work well with other people, and exercise sound judgment. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with appellate litigation is highly desirable.

Salary Levels

Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is:

Washington DC

• GS-12 ($102,415 - $133,142)
• GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322)
• GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093)
• GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200)

Denver, CO

• GS-12 ($99,800 - $129,742)
• GS-13 ($118,675 - $154,280)
• GS-14 ($140,239 - $182,316)
• GS-15 ($164,956 - $197,200)

Resume Requirements

YOUR RESUME MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held or that position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement. Part‑time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.