Trial Attorney (Federal Programs Branch)

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

US Offices, Boards and Divisions seeks attorneys to defend the United States, the Executive Office of the President, and federal agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies in federal district courts. Applicants must hold a J.D. and be admitted to practice in any State or the District of Columbia, with an active bar in good standing.

The position involves qualification across GS-11 through GS-15 levels, based on post-J.D. experience.

Qualifications

• J.D. or equivalent; licensed to practice in any US state or DC.
• Active bar in good standing.
• GS-11: up to 1 year post-J.D. experience.
• GS-12: 1+ year post-J.D. experience.
• GS-13: 1.5+ years post-J.D. experience.
• GS-14: 2.5+ years post-J.D. experience.
• GS-15: 4+ years post-J.D. experience.
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date.
• Preferred: advocacy and legal writing; motions, discovery, depositions, expert testimony, and trial experience.
• Trial period per EO 14284; 2-year duration and evaluation factors.
• Completion of the trial period may lead to continued employment.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal writing

Oral arguments

Deposition handling

Trial experience

Education

J.D. or equivalent law degree

Job description

Federal Programs Branch seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and federal agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and actions brought in federal district courts. The Branch's work touches on almost all areas of government.

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.

• To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience
• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Preferred qualifications

Applicants with proven advocacy and legal writing skills preferred. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable.

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.