Trial Attorney - Natural Resources Section (Open Continuous)

Offices, Boards and Divisions; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The Natural Resources Section of the U.S. Department of Justice seeks experienced litigators for Denver, Colorado, handling federal litigation in district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts across more than 80 statutes. A J.D.

and bar admission are required, with post-J.D. experience levels determining the GS grade. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation, trial and appellate work, with superb research, analytical, and writing skills.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active bar admission in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Litigate and handle appellate work in federal courts as part of the Natural Resources Section.
• Engage in factual and legal research, draft pleadings, briefs, and motions.
• Advise on Fifth Amendment takings, natural resource law, or Indian law topics as relevant.

Skills

Legal research

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 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 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)