Trial Attorney: U.S. DOJ in Washington DC

Attorneys House; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 197,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Justice, Energy and Natural Resources Division, Wildlife and Marine Resources Section, seeks a Trial Attorney for Washington, DC or Denver, CO. This permanent attorney position covers federal defensive litigation, Animal Welfare Act enforcement, civil forfeitures, and agency counseling.

The role requires a J.D., bar admission, U.S. citizenship, and strong writing and litigation skills; travel up to 25%. Salary ranges GS-13 to GS-15, adjusted by duty station.

Qualifications

• JD degree required and active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• U.S. citizenship or nationality required.
• Strong interest in federal litigation, trial work, or appellate work; outstanding academic record; superior writing abilities.

Responsibilities

• Draft and argue motions; handle discovery; negotiate settlements.
• Prepare emergency applications and manage witness examinations.
• Present oral argument and manage case life cycle from start to finish.

Skills

Federal litigation

Trial work

Appellate work

Legal research

Legal writing

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Trial Attorney is a permanent attorney position with the Wildlife and Marine Resources Section of the Energy and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice. The section handles federal wildlife and marine species litigation, Animal Welfare Act enforcement, and related agency counseling. The position is available in Washington, DC or Denver, Colorado, with the Washington office located at 150 M Street NE.The work covers federal defensive litigation, record-review cases, civil forfeitures, emergency motions, discovery, settlements, witness examination, and oral argument. One position is available, and the appointment includes travel of 25% or less. The closing deadline is October 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.* Role: Trial Attorney* Employer: U.S. Department of Justice, Energy and Natural Resources Division* Location: Washington, DC or Denver, Colorado* Employment type: Attorney Permanent* Salary: GS-13, GS-14, and GS-15 ranges vary by duty station from $118,675 to $197,200* Application deadline: October 28, 2026Apply For Trial Attorney PositionApplicants submit a resume of no more than two pages, a cover letter, a writing sample, J.D. degree transcripts, and any applicable supporting documents through the federal application process. The vacancy requires applicants to complete the submission by the stated deadline and follow the materials instructions.Compare Legal Plans## Federal Wildlife And Marine Resources LitigationThe Trial Attorney litigates civil defensive cases in federal courts nationwide under federal wildlife and marine species statutes. The work also includes record-review cases that challenge agency rulemaking and agency decisions.Civil enforcement under the Animal Welfare Act forms another part of the docket. The attorney may pursue civil forfeitures of seized animals and counsel client agencies on statutory compliance. These matters require close attention to administrative records, statutory language, litigation posture, and the practical consequences for agency operations.## Trial Work Across Federal CourtsThe attorney manages cases from strategic planning through final resolution. Core work includes drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, negotiating settlements, preparing emergency applications, examining witnesses, and presenting oral argument.* Federal defensive litigation* Agency rulemaking and decision challenges* Animal Welfare Act enforcement* Civil forfeiture proceedings involving seized animals* Client-agency counseling on statutory complianceFederal courtroom work can involve courts in different jurisdictions, while agency counseling requires precise advice before a dispute reaches litigation. The position also carries first-chair responsibility across the case life cycle.Explore Tactical Gear## Qualifications And Experience TiersA J.D. degree or equivalent, active bar membership in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction, and U.S. citizenship or nationality are required. The selection criteria also include a strong interest in federal litigation, trial work, or appellate work, an exceptional academic background, and superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.The experience threshold depends on the grade. GS-13 requires at least 1.5 years of post-J.D. litigation or judicial experience, GS-14 requires at least 2.5 years, and GS-15 requires at least 4 years. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation are highly desirable.The opening is part of the federal federal attorney work market, while attorneys comparing attorney positions in Washington can assess the duty-station choice against the role's litigation demands.## Application Materials And Federal ReviewApplicants use the federal online application process and submit a concise resume, cover letter, writing sample, J.D. transcripts, and any relevant supporting documentation. The resume must identify employment dates, position titles, part-time hours where applicable, duties, and federal grade information when relevant.The DOJ vacancy search groups openings by hiring component, geographic locale, practice area, and state. Veterans' preference can be considered when eligible applicants provide the required information and documentation.## Questions About This Vacancy**Where is the position based?** The vacancy identifies Washington, DC and Denver, Colorado as duty-station options. The Washington office address is 150 M Street NE.**What salary applies?** GS-13 through GS-15 ranges vary by grade and duty station. The published ranges run from $118,675 to $197,200.**How much experience is required?** The requirement ranges from 1.5 years of post-J.D. litigation or judicial experience at GS-13 to 4 years at GS-15.Download Interactive Maps**What materials are required?** The application requires a two-page resume, cover letter, writing sample, J.D. transcripts, and applicable supporting documents.The vacancy has one available position. The first referral cutoff is October 7, 2026, and the second referral cutoff is October 28, 2026.Relocation expenses are not authorized. Drug testing and a satisfactory background investigation are required before final appointment, and applicants must disclose potential conflicts involving current clients, adjudicated matters, or family members connected to matters involving the office.