Trial Attorney - Natural Resources Section

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Natural Resources Section of the U.S. Department of Justice seeks experienced litigators for positions in Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado. Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be admitted to a U.S.

bar, and meet the post‑J.D. experience requirements for GS‑12 through GS‑15 levels. Strong research, writing, and analytical abilities are essential. Salary ranges vary by grade and location; the advertised ranges reflect GS‑12 to GS‑15 levels in Denver and Washington, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Must have a J.D. and be an active member in good standing of a U.S. bar.
• Experience levels tied to GS grades as described.
• Knowledge of Fifth Amendment takings, natural resources law, or Indian law is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Litigation and/or judicial experience for specified grade levels.
• Interest in federal litigation, trial work and appellate work.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Skills

Federal litigation interest

Trial work

Appellate work

Judicial clerkship experience

Research skills

Analytical abilities

Writing abilities

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

The Natural Resources Section has one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Energy and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, representing virtually every federal agency in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts in novel litigation arising under more than 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes.

The Natural Resources Section seeks one or more experienced litigators in Washington DC and Denver, Colorado.

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 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.

Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation, trial work and/or appellate work, and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable and knowledge of Fifth Amendment takings, natural resource law, or Indian law is a plus but not a requirement. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is:

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)

Washington DC:

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

YOUR RESUME MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held or that position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating.

Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.