Trial Attorney (ITFO-NY)
About The Position
The International Trade Field Office (ITFO) represents the United States, its departments and agencies, and federal officials in affirmative and defensive litigation before the United States Court of International Trade. The Trial Attorney represents the United States in all aspects of first-chair trial and appellate litigation. Attorneys manage their own cases, investigate facts, work with expert witnesses, handle written discovery and depositions, prepare substantive and procedural briefs, conduct trials, and present oral arguments before the Court of International Trade. They also handle appeals before the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, negotiate settlements, and recommend settlements when appropriate. The attorney works closely with counsel from federal client agencies. ITFO matters include importer challenges to Customs and Border Protection decisions on merchandise classification and valuation and other tariff-law issues; litigation involving trade-related presidential proclamations, executive orders, treaties, and free trade agreements; disputes over the denial or revocation of customs licenses; and actions to collect customs duties and penalties. This position is not remote and requires in-person work five days per week. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a J.D. or equivalent, and be active members in good standing of a U.S. jurisdiction's bar. A Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information access may be required, depending on assignment and duty location. Selected applicants must pass a drug test and background investigation, and may be required to serve a two-year trial period. A two-year trial period is a condition of employment; continued employment after the period requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
Requirements
- J.D. degree or equivalent.
- Active membership in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- U.S. citizenship.
- Post-J.D. legal experience varies by grade: GS-11 requires up to one year; GS-12 requires at least one year; GS-13 requires at least 1.5 years; GS-14 requires at least 2.5 years; GS-15 requires at least four years.
- Must complete a background investigation, including drug testing.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information access, depending on organizational assignment or duty location.
- Must complete a drug test screening for illegal drug use before final appointment.
- Must disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and federal ethics guidelines if selected.
- Must serve a two-year trial period as a condition of employment.
- Academic degrees and coursework must be from an accredited or pre-accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or foreign education must be shown to be comparable to U.S. education.
- All education documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
- Selective Service registration is required when applicable.
Nice To Haves
- Excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Good judgment.
- Experience in trial work.
- Judicial clerkship experience is desirable.
Responsibilities
- Represent the United States in first-chair trial and appellate litigation.
- Personally manage cases and conduct fact investigations.
- Work with expert witnesses.
- Serve and respond to written discovery and take and defend depositions.
- Prepare substantive and procedural briefs.
- Conduct all aspects of trials and present oral argument in the United States Court of International Trade.
- Handle all aspects of appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
- Conduct settlement negotiations and recommend settlements when appropriate.
- Work closely with counsel from federal client agencies.
Benefits
- Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position eligibility and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
