Trial Attorney (ITFO-NY)

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 88,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division, International Trade Field Office (ITFO) in Washington, DC, seeks a Trial Attorney to lead first-chair trial and appellate litigation representing the United States in trade-related matters. The role involves managing cases from investigation through trial, depositions, and appellate briefs in federal courts.

The position requires a J.D. degree, bar admission, and strong writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree required and bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• Excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Trial work experience is desirable and clerkship experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Represent the United States in first-chair trial and appellate litigation.
• Manage own cases at trial: investigate facts, work with experts, take and defend depositions, and draft briefs.
• Conduct trials in the United States Court of International Trade and appeals in the Federal Circuit.

Skills

Writing skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Trial experience

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

Civil Division, International Trade Field Office (ITFO)

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job ID

AT-13093914-27-BLC

Location

Washington, DC 20005 - United States

Washington, DC 20005 - United States Application Deadline: Friday, November 6, 2026

About the Office

The International Trade Field Office (ITFO) represents the United States, its departments and agencies, and federal officials in both affirmative and defensive litigation in the United States Court of International Trade.

Job Description

The Trial Attorney will be responsible for representing the United States in all aspects of "first chair" trial and appellate litigation. At the trial stage, attorneys personally manage their own cases, conduct fact investigation, work with expert witnesses, serve and respond to written discovery, take and defend depositions, write all substantive and procedural briefs, conduct all aspects of any trial, and present oral argument in the United States Court of International Trade. Attorneys also personally handle all aspects of appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In addition, attorneys engage in settlement negotiations, and recommend settlements of litigation when appropriate. In handling cases, attorneys work closely with counsel from Federal client agencies.

Matters within ITFO's area of responsibility include, among others: importer challenges to U.S. Customs and Border Protection decisions concerning the classification and valuation of imported merchandise, and other issues under the tariff laws; lawsuits relating to the interpretation and application of trade-related presidential proclamations, executive orders, international treaties and free trade agreements; disputes over the government's refusal to grant or the revocation of various licenses under the customs laws; and actions for the collection of duties and penalties under the customs laws.

This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week

Qualifications

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.

• 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.

Preferred qualifications

Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; exhibit good judgment and have experience in trial work. Judicial clerkship experience is 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.

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.

$88,005.00 to $197,200.00 Per Year; Unless you have prior federal experience, you will likely be appointed at step 1 of the applicable pay scale.

Travel

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