Trial Attorney (Bankruptcy)

United States Trustee Program (USTP); San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) seeks an attorney experienced in litigation and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases across the Region and field office. The role emphasizes meaningful courtroom experience and broad exposure to bankruptcy matters.

Typical duties include supervising trustees, litigating in chapter 11 matters, handling enforcement actions, assisting with appeals, and collaborating on national projects to ensure uniform bankruptcy law applications.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and field office.
• Litigating issues arising in chapter 11 cases, including matters related to corporate governance, employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation.
• Litigating civil enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors’ ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct, and misconduct by non-attorney document preparation services.
• Assisting with appellate matters arising in the Region and District.
• Partnering with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to support the Program’s mission locally and to help develop and implement policies that ensure uniform application of bankruptcy law.
• Supervising private trustees who administer cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code.
• Collaborating with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegal Specialists, and other support staff in the Region.
• Working with federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight.
• Conducting outreach to stakeholders in the bankruptcy system, including the bankruptcy court, bar, and other federal and state agencies.
• Participating in national projects and priorities, as assigned.

Job description

The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) seeks an attorney with experience in litigation and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts served by the Region and/or field office. Responsibilities include litigating enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, supervising private trustees, handling appellate matters, and referring potential criminal conduct identified through bankruptcy oversight. The Program aims to hire skilled Trial Attorneys and provide them with frequent, meaningful courtroom experience across a wide range of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.

Typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include:

• Overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and field office.
• Litigating issues arising in chapter 11 cases, including matters related to corporate governance, employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation.
• Litigating civil enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors’ ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct, and misconduct by non-attorney document preparation services.
• Assisting with appellate matters arising in the Region and District.
• Partnering with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to support the Program’s mission locally and to help develop and implement policies that ensure uniform application of bankruptcy law.
• Supervising private trustees who administer cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code.
• Collaborating with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegal Specialists, and other support staff in the Region.
• Working with federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight.
• Conducting outreach to stakeholders in the bankruptcy system, including the bankruptcy court, bar, and other federal and state agencies.
• Participating in national projects and priorities, as assigned.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/06/2026 to receive consideration.