Trial Attorney (Vaccine Litigation Section)

US Offices, Boards and Divisions; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Torts Branch advocates for the United States and its employees in complex litigation seeking damages from alleged negligent or wrongful acts, with a focus on protecting the public fisc and vaccine-related claims. This in-person role requires a J.D., active bar membership, and a track record of appellate or trial advocacy, legal writing, and negotiation skills.

Qualified applicants will meet the GS-13/14/15 criteria based on post‑J.D.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active bar membership in good standing.
• Post‑J.D. legal experience required for GS-13/14/15 levels.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal writing

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Judgment

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The Torts Branch defends the United States and its employees in litigation seeking monetary judgment for damages resulting from alleged negligent or wrongful acts. The Torts Branch is the principal guardian of the public fisc in tort suits that seek billions of dollars in monetary damages each year. The Vaccine Act is a critical component of our nation's vaccination system and ensures that the very rare cases where people are harmed by covered vaccines, appropriate compensation is available.

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.

This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week
Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.

Preferred qualifications:

Applicants with proven advocacy, legal writing, negotiation skills, interpersonal skills and ability to exhibit good judgment preferred. Trial experience is strongly preferred, although not required.

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.