Trial Attorney (Open Continuous)

Consumer Product Safety Commission•District of Columbia, DC

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Trial Attorney is located in the Division of Enforcement & Litigation, Office of Compliance and Field Operations, at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in Washington, DC. This is an open continuous announcement that remains open until March 5, 2027; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and positions are filled as needs or vacancies arise. The position is not remote. The Office identifies and investigates potentially hazardous products; enforces mandatory standards and regulations; negotiates voluntary recalls, corrective actions, and civil penalties; conducts administrative litigation to obtain mandatory recalls; supports the Department of Justice in civil cases brought on behalf of CPSC; and assists with drafting and reviewing rules and regulations affecting CPSC's compliance and enforcement authority. The attorney identifies matters for investigation, investigates potential substantial product hazards, negotiates voluntary corrective actions, determines investigative and legal strategies, and recommends whether matters should be closed, resolved informally, or litigated. The attorney litigates administrative actions seeking mandatory product recalls, represents the Agency at hearings, trials, and appeals, investigates and negotiates civil penalties, advises on referrals to the Department of Justice, and provides legal advice concerning regulations and policy affecting CPSC's compliance and enforcement authority. The position requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active membership in good standing of a qualifying bar. Candidates must meet the specialized experience and attorney experience requirements for the grade sought (GS-11 through GS-14). Employment is conditional on U.S. citizenship, background and suitability requirements, and other federal appointment requirements. The appointment generally requires a two-year trial period. The duty station is Washington, DC, and employees must reside in its local commuting area. CPSC employees are expected to move to 441 G Street NW after the agency's planned relocation, expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree and be an active member in good standing of the bar in a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; proof of current active membership and good standing is required.
Must provide a law school transcript or other documentation proving successful completion of the education requirements; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower federal grade level. GS-12 experience must include conducting investigations and assessing evidence to recommend litigation or other resolutions; preparing pleadings and legal documents; and providing legal advice related to statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities.
For GS-13, must independently conduct investigations and determine investigative and legal strategy; draft and negotiate agreements; draft pleadings, motions, or legal memoranda; participate in hearings or trials; and provide legal advice related to statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities.
For GS-14, must independently conduct complex investigations and determine investigative and legal strategy; draft and negotiate complex agreements; draft complex pleadings, motions, or legal memoranda; represent clients in hearings or trials; and provide legal advice on complex matters related to statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities.
GS-11 applicants must meet the basic requirement and qualifying specialized experience, and have either one year practicing as an attorney, an LL.M., or a J.D./LL.B. with superior law student work or activities.
GS-12 applicants must meet the basic requirement and qualifying specialized experience, and have either two years practicing as an attorney or one year practicing as an attorney plus an LL.M.
GS-13 applicants must meet the basic requirement and qualifying specialized experience and have three years practicing as an attorney.
GS-14 applicants must meet the basic requirement and qualifying specialized experience and have four years practicing as an attorney.
Must pass a background investigation and receive a favorable suitability determination; a Public Trust position.
Must complete required federal employment forms and a Personal Identity Verification process, including providing two forms of identification from the I-9 Form.
If male and born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System or exemption.
Must serve a two-year trial period unless qualifying prior federal service satisfies the stated conditions.
Must reside in the local commuting area of the duty station; proof of residence may be required.
Applicants must meet the qualifications by the closing date of the announcement.

Responsibilities

Identify new matters to investigate using internal and external data and newly emerging technologies.
Investigate whether consumer products present substantial product hazards.
Negotiate voluntary corrective actions with manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers.
Determine investigative and legal strategies.
Recommend whether cases should be closed, resolved informally, or litigated.
Litigate administrative actions seeking mandatory product recalls, including drafting pleadings and motions.
Represent the Agency at hearings, trials, and appeals.
Investigate and negotiate civil penalties arising from violations of Acts administered by the Commission.
Advise on and recommend referral of matters to the Department of Justice.
Provide legal advice related to regulations and policy affecting the Commission's compliance and enforcement authority.