Trial Attorney (T-ASA)

NASA International; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section seeks attorneys to defend the United States in federal district courts, handling cases challenging policies and actions brought against the government. Applicants must hold a J.D. degree, be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S.

citizen. The minimum post-J.D. experience aligns with GS-12 to GS-15 levels, with preferred trial and appellate work.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Minimum post-J.D. experience commensurate with GS level (see below).
• Familiarity with aviation, space, or admiralty litigation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Defend the United States in federal district court cases.
• Advise on aviation, space, and admiralty litigation matters.
• Prepare pleadings, briefs, and appellate submissions.
• Engage in trial and appellate proceedings and related discovery.

Skills

Writing

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Trial & appellate work

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and actions brought in federal district courts. The branch's work touches on many areas of government. 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.

• GS-12 - minimum 1 year of post J.D. experience
• 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 an interest in trial and appellate work. Aviation, space and/or admiralty litigation experience is strongly preferred as well as complex litigation skills, including experience with expert witnesses and e-discovery.

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.