Trial Attorney (Bankruptcy)

The United States Department of Justice; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Trustee Program, a division of the Department of Justice, seeks an attorney with bankruptcy experience to oversee cases nationwide and litigate enforcement matters in federal bankruptcy courts. The role includes supervising private trustees, handling appellate matters, and collaborating with law enforcement.

Strong advocacy, research, and independent work are essential. Ideal candidates will hold a JD, be active bar members, and have several years of post‑JD experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and bar admission are required.
• Strong oral and written communication, research, and analytical abilities are essential.
• Ability to manage high-volume cases and work independently in a demanding legal environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration of bankruptcy cases in the Region and field office.
• Litigate issues in chapter 11 cases, including plan confirmation and governance matters.
• Litigate civil enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases and appeal-related matters.
• Supervise private trustees and collaborate with auditors, paralegals, and support staff.
• Work with federal/state law enforcement and report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy oversight.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Legal research

Analytical reasoning

Judgment

Independent work

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Location: 111 South 10th Street
Suite 6.353
St. Louis, MO 63102 - United States

Application Deadline:

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

About the Office

The United States Trustee Program (USTP or Program) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. The Program operates nationwide through twenty-one (21) regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, chapter 12 family farmer cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings.

As the only participant in the bankruptcy process with a national footprint and independent oversight mandate, the USTP is uniquely positioned to identify and address multijurisdictional misconduct and other issues of national significance that threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy system. At the same time, the Program remains equipped to respond effectively to local matters involving fraud, abuse, or other practices undermining the fair and efficient administration of bankruptcy cases.

The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) is seeking 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials; excellent oral and written communication skills; superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities; sound judgment; and the ability to work independently in a demanding legal environment. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and possess the minimum post–law degree experience listed below, or relevant experience involving client advocacy and the interpretation or application of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations.

Meeting the minimum post–law degree legal experience requirements does not guarantee selection at that grade level.

• GS-13: Minimum 1.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
• GS-14: Minimum 2.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
• GS-15: Minimum 4 years of post J.D. legal experience.

Applicants must be active members in good standing of a state bar. Please note that in certain jurisdictions, federal attorneys must maintain active membership in that jurisdiction’s state bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong record of analyzing complex legal issues; interpreting statutes, rules, and regulations; developing litigation strategies; and exhibiting superior trial practice skills.
• Experience litigating complex matters, including taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and conducting formal written discovery.
• Exceptional organizational abilities and the capacity to manage a high volume of cases involving diverse issues.
• The ability to clearly and accurately articulate critical issues across a broad range of matters and projects.
• Skill in setting, managing, and balancing multiple, evolving, and challenging priorities.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and sound professional judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with information technology, including the use of databases and IT systems to manage and track work.
• Experience working with or within federal agencies.
• Experience in bankruptcy practice, particularly complex chapter 11 proceedings.
• A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Optional Narrative Statements:

The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment to public service to hiring managers and agency leadership. Although responses are optional and will not be scored, applicants are encouraged to address each question thoughtfully. Please limit each response to 200 words or fewer. At the beginning of your submission, please certify that the responses are your own work and that you did not use a
consultant or any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Copilot.

• How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
• In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
• How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
• How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Evaluation Process:

A panel of subject matter experts will review applications to assess how well each candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scored by a selecting committee, and candidates in the best qualified category will receive further consideration.

Trial Period Statement:

As a condition of employment for the position of Trial Attorney with the USTP, you may be required to serve a two-year trial period during which the Program will assess your fitness for continued employment and whether your service advances the public interest. In making this determination, the Program may consider:

• Your performance and conduct.
• The needs and interests of the agency.
• Whether your continued employment advances the organizational goals of the agency or the Government.
• Whether your continued employment promotes the efficiency of the service.

Your employment will conclude at the end of the trial period unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest. If certification is not granted, you will receive written notice prior to the end of the trial period advising you of the termination and its effective date.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

This is a full-time, permanent position. The salary range corresponds to the General Schedule grades GS-13 to GS-15. The annual salary will depend on the selected applicant’s qualifications, experience, and the applicable locality pay for the duty station.

Number of Positions

1

Travel

Periodic travel may be required based on work assignments and training needs.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

This and othervacancy announcements can be found underAttorney Vacancies andVolunteer Legal Internships . The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.