[Hiring] Trial Attorney @Offices, Boards and Divisions

Role Description

The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch seeks Trial Attorneys to bring high-impact affirmative litigation that protects public health and safety and ensures nationwide compliance with federal law. The Branch offers a frontline role in the Department's major enforcement initiatives. Strong applicants from any location are encouraged to apply. Please list your preferred duty location in your cover letter.

• The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch safeguards Americans' health, safety, economic security, and data privacy through proactive enforcement and high-impact affirmative litigation.
• The Branch's mission includes:
  • Bringing affirmative litigation to enforce federal laws and regulations.
  • Enjoining actions that conflict with or violate federal law.
  • Obtaining declaratory judgments regarding the laws of the United States.
  • Seeking monetary penalties where appropriate.
• Trial Attorneys handle a broad range of affirmative litigation in two sections:
  • Enforcement Section: Pursues cases under key consumer protection and public-safety statutes.
  • Affirmative Litigation Section: Files lawsuits to ensure nationwide compliance with federal law against state, local, or private actors.
• Trial Attorneys play a central role in:
  • Partnering with client agencies.
  • Leading investigations and litigation.
  • Coordinating with Department leadership.
• In the Enforcement Section, Trial Attorneys enforce consumer protection laws, tackling urgent challenges such as:
  • Harmful opioid products.
  • Unsafe food and drugs.
  • Deceptive trade practices.
  • Data privacy violations.
• They handle all phases of district court litigation, including:
  • Taking and defending depositions.
  • Managing written discovery.
  • Conducting legal research and analysis.
  • Writing briefs and other documents.
  • Attending court conferences.
  • Arguing motions.
  • Conducting trials.
• In the Affirmative Litigation Section, Trial Attorneys represent the United States by:
  • Filing lawsuits against individuals, states, municipalities, and other entities that interfere with or obstruct federal policies.
  • Ensuring nationwide compliance with the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
• They engage in all phases of district court litigation, including:
  • Conducting legal research and analysis.
  • Drafting complaints, briefs, and other filings.
  • Attending court conferences.
  • Arguing motions.
  • Preparing statements of interest or amicus briefs in relevant cases.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, and 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.
• Active member of the bar in good standing.
• To qualify at the GS-11 grade level:
  • Up to one (1) year of legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-12 grade level:
  • Minimum of one (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level:
  • At least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level:
  • At least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level:
  • At least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
• Preferred qualifications:
  • Excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills.
  • Experience conducting investigations, drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking and defending depositions, and trying cases.
  • Highly motivated with sound judgment and creativity.
  • Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with constitutional challenges and the enforcement of federal laws.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing.
• All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service.
• May require completion of a 2-year trial period.
• May be required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
• Must pass a drug test prior to final appointment.
• Financial Disclosure: Required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package for federal employees.
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position held (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).