Trial Attorney (Constitutional Torts Staff)

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 95,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Constitutional Torts Staff at US Offices, Boards and Divisions in Washington, DC seeks Trial Attorneys to defend federal officials in individual-capacity litigation, handling actions on behalf of the United States. Trial Attorneys represent both line-level and high-level officials facing potential personal exposure for carrying out law enforcement and other activities.

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent).
• Be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Possess excellent writing, interpersonal skills, and good judgment.
• Experience with federal court motions practice is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Defend federal officials in individual-capacity litigation on behalf of the United States.
• Represent line-level and high-level officials in court and related matters.
• Develop expertise across areas: dealing with individual clients, dispositive motions, discovery, or trial preparation.
• Work independently and as part of a team with occasional travel.

Skills

Outstanding writing

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Litigation interest

Federal motions practice

Education

J.D. degree (or equivalent)

Active bar membership in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction)

U.S. citizen

Job description

The Constitutional Torts Staff seeks attorneys to defend federal officials who face individual-capacity litigation for actions they took on behalf of the United States. Trial Attorneys in the office personally represent both line-level and high-level officials facing potential personal exposure for carrying out law enforcement and other activities on behalf of the United States. Given the scope of individual-capacity litigation, the office's work touches on many areas of government. Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), be a U.S. citizen. The minimum years of post-law degree experience commensurate with the grade level of eligibility is shown below.

Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

• GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience
• GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience
• GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience

Preferred qualifications: Applicants should be outstanding writers, have strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and have an interest in litigation. Experience with federal court motions practice is preferred. The ideal candidate would be interested in developing expertise in all and have experience in at least one of the following areas: dealing with individual clients; asserting personal defenses by way of a dispositive motion; handling discovery; or preparing cases for trial. Applicants should enjoy working independently and as part of a team, feel comfortable in varied federal courtroom settings, and enjoy occasional travel. Applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with clients, staff, attorney supervisors, and Department officials.

Trial Period Statement

As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.