Trial Attorney (Bankruptcy)

U.S. Department of Justice; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 85,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Trustee Program, seeks a skilled attorney to oversee bankruptcy cases within the regional Districts served by Region 03, including Wilmington, DE, and Philadelphia, PA. The role focuses on enforcing bankruptcy law, supervising private trustees, and handling appellate matters.

Qualified applicants must possess a J.D. from an accredited law school, be in good standing with a state bar, and have substantial post–J.D. experience.

Qualifications

• Strong academic and professional credentials.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee bankruptcy litigation in the assigned region and field offices.
• Litigate enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases and related appeals.
• Supervise private trustees and coordinate with Program staff and law enforcement partners.
• Participate in national projects and help implement uniform bankruptcy policies.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Legal research

Analytical reasoning

Independent work

Judgment

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Application Deadline:

Monday, October 26, 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.

We invite you to visit the USTP’s website for more information on the Program and the Region 03 website for information on the Wilmington office. We recommend that you visit the City of Wilmington website for information about Wilmington, DE. Please note, one job opportunity is available at a Region 03 office located in Wilmington, DE or Philadelphia, PA.

Job Description

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

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.
• 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.

Required Application Documents:

• A current resume not to exceed two pages, including months and years of education, employment, and earliest bar admission. Resumes longer than two pages will result in removal from consideration.
• A short writing sample, or an excerpt from a longer sample (under ten pages), that is exclusively or primarily the applicant’s own work and includes legal analysis.
• DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy), if applicable.
• CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable.

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.

Salary/Pay

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.