Trial Attorney for Appellate Matters - Environmental Defense Section (Open Continuous)

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 119,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Environmental Defense Section (EDS) seeks attorneys to defend challenges to EPA rules and actions in federal appellate courts, with opportunities to handle select district court matters. Requires J.D., bar admission, U.S. citizenship, and post-J.D.

litigation experience according to grade level. Ideal candidates have federal appellate litigation background, APA familiarity, and strong writing skills. Salary ranges vary by grade level and location, with GS-12 to GS-15 levels available in Denver

Qualifications

• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and bar admission in good standing.
• U.S. citizenship or national.
• Post-J.D. litigation experience required by grade level: GS-12 = 1 year, GS-13 = 1.5 years, GS-14 = 2.5 years, GS-15 = 4 years.
• Ideal candidates have federal appellate litigation experience including defense of agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act, and experience managing complex litigation.
• Judicial clerkship and law review experience are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Defend agency actions under the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and related statutes before courts of appeals.
• Work on select district court matters if desired.
• Prepare and argue appellate briefs and motions; contribute to complex litigation strategies.

Skills

Litigation experience

Federal appellate litigation

Legal writing

APA familiarity

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) is seeking attorneys to specialize in defending against challenges to rules and other final EPA actions under the major pollution control statutes (e.g., the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Toxic Substance Control Act) that are filed as petitions for review in the courts of appeals under Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 15. These positions will also provide the opportunity, if desired, to work on select district court matters from the Section's docket.

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants must have the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience and a demonstrated interest in court of appeals litigation for the specific grade level requirements listed below:

• At least 1 year of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level.
• At least 1.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level.
• At least 2.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.
• At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.

Ideal candidates will have federal appellate litigation experience including the defense of agency actions under the Administrative Procedure Act; experience managing complex litigation; superior writing and editing skills; familiarity with federal pollution-control statutes and administrative law issues; and familiarity with the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Judicial clerkship and law review experience is highly desirable.
Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level.
The possible salary range for Denver, CO.:

• GS-12 ($ 99,800 - $129,742)
• GS-13 ($118,675 - $154,280)
• GS-14 ($140,239 - $182,316)
• GS-15 ($164,956 - $197,200)

The possible salary range for Washington D.C.:

• GS-12 ($102,415 - $133,142)
• GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322)
• GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093)
• GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200)