Trial Attorney (Vaccine Litigation Section)

Offices, Boards and Divisions•Washington, DC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Torts Branch defends the United States and its employees in litigation seeking monetary judgments for damages resulting from alleged negligent or wrongful acts. It serves as a principal guardian of the public fisc in tort suits seeking monetary damages. The Vaccine Act is an important part of the nation’s vaccination system, providing compensation in rare cases where people are harmed by covered vaccines. The Trial Attorney prepares and conducts hearings, settlement negotiations, and trials involving potentially difficult and complex facts; prepares legal memoranda and other filings based on factual and legal research; participates in pretrial and prehearing conferences; and presents oral arguments in federal and state courts and administrative proceedings. The position also involves reviewing filings for legal sufficiency and procedural compliance, responding to inquiries from government officials and the public, and working with colleagues and other officials on litigation and policy matters. This is an in-person position requiring work at the assigned location five days per week; it is not remote. The appointment may require a two-year trial period. Applicants must meet the qualifications by the vacancy announcement closing date.

Requirements

Possess a J.D. or equivalent degree.
Be duly licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.
For GS-13: at least 1.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
For GS-14: at least 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
For GS-15: at least 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Be a U.S. citizen or national.
Register with the Selective Service, if applicable.
Successfully complete a background investigation; a security clearance may be required depending on assignment and other factors.
Pass a pre-appointment drug test.
Disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and federal ethics guidelines if selected.
Complete academic degrees and coursework at an appropriately accredited institution, or provide evidence that foreign education is comparable to U.S. accredited education.
Work in person five days per week; the position is not remote.
Serve a two-year trial period, during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

Nice To Haves

Proven advocacy skills.
Strong legal writing skills.
Negotiation skills.
Interpersonal skills.
Ability to exhibit good judgment.
Trial experience is strongly preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Prepare for and conduct hearings, settlement negotiations, and trials involving difficult or complex factual situations.
Prepare pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda, and other documents based on factual and legal research.
Participate in pretrial and prehearing conferences.
Conduct trials and present oral arguments in federal courts, state courts, and administrative proceedings, as appropriate.
Examine formal filings for legal sufficiency.
Review submissions from party representatives to ensure procedural requirements are met.
Respond to inquiries from the White House, Congress, federal departments and agencies, state and local authorities, and private individuals on matters within assigned statutory responsibilities.
Maintain personal contacts and work closely with Division, Department, and other government agency officials and employees, as well as the public, on litigation and policy-related matters.