Trial Attorney (National Courts)

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Justice's National Courts Section invites applications for positions at the GS-13/14/15 level. Applicants must hold a J.D. degree, be an active member in good standing of a U.S. bar, and be a U.S.

citizen. Minimum post–law degree experience scales with grade level. Trial work experience is desirable, and judicial clerkship experience is also preferred. Selected candidates will join a leading litigation unit within the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation Branch, known for its

Qualifications

• Must have a J.D. degree and be admitted to the bar in good standing.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Minimum post-JD experience varies by grade level.
• Judicial clerkship experience is desirable.

Skills

Legal writing

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Trial work

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

The National Courts Section is one of the largest, oldest, and most active litigating sections in the Department of Justice. It is one of five sections of the Civil Division's Commercial Litigation Branch. The Civil Division is regularly voted one of the top places to work in the annual Best Places to Work in the Federal Government survey.

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 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.