Trial Attorney (Vaccine Litigation Section).

Offices-to-go; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Justice seeks a Trial Attorney in Washington, DC, to handle hearings, settlements and trials across federal and state courts and administrative proceedings. You will prepare pleadings, briefs and other materials based on rigorous factual and legal research, and participate in pretrial conferences and complex litigation strategy.

The role requires a J.D. and active bar membership, with potential for challenging assignments and interaction with national agencies.

Qualifications

• J.D. required and licensed to practice law in the United States or DC.
• Active bar membership in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Prepares for and conducts hearings, settlement negotiations or trials of cases that may involve difficult and complex factual situations.
• Prepares memoranda such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents based on factual and legal research.
• Participates in pretrial and prehearing conferences.
• Conducts trials or presents oral arguments in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings.
• Examines formal filings for legal sufficiency.
• Reviews submissions of party representatives to ensure procedural requirements are met.
• Responds to inquiries from high-level government officials and agencies on statutory matters.
• Maintains contacts with officials and employees of the Department and other government agencies on litigation and policy-related matters.

Skills

Advocacy

Legal writing

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. or equivalent

Active bar membership in US/DC

Job description

• Prepares for and conducts hearings, settlement negotiations or trials of cases that may involve difficult and complex factual situations.
• Prepares memoranda such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents on the basis of factual and legal research.
• Participates in pretrial and prehearing conferences.
• Conducts trials or presents oral arguments in federal courts, state courts and administrative proceedings, as appropriate.
• Examines formal filings for legal sufficiency.
• Reviews submissions of party representatives to ensure procedural requirements are met.
• Responds to inquiries from the White House, Congress, federal departments and agencies, state and local authorities, and private individuals on matters within scope of assigned statutory responsibilities.
• Maintains personal contacts and works closely with officials and employees of the Division, officials and employees of the Department and other government agencies and the public on litigation and policy-related matters.

Duties

As a Trial Attorney, The Incumbent

• Prepares for and conducts hearings, settlement negotiations or trials of cases that may involve difficult and complex factual situations.
• Prepares memoranda such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents on the basis of factual and legal research.
• Participates in pretrial and prehearing conferences.
• Conducts trials or presents oral arguments in federal courts, state courts and administrative proceedings, as appropriate.
• Examines formal filings for legal sufficiency.
• Reviews submissions of party representatives to ensure procedural requirements are met.
• Responds to inquiries from the White House, Congress, federal departments and agencies, state and local authorities, and private individuals on matters within scope of assigned statutory responsibilities.
• Maintains personal contacts and works closely with officials and employees of the Division, officials and employees of the Department and other government agencies and the public on litigation and policy-related matters.

This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
• May require completion of a 2-year trial period. (Please refer to the trial period statement under Qualifications.)
• Must successfully complete a background investigation and may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance depending on the organizational assignment, duty location, or other factors.
• It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

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:

• 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;
• 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.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S