Trial Attorney (Open Continuous)

Consumer Product Safety Commission•District of Columbia, DC

2d•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 not a remote position. 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 the Commission’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 potential referrals to the Department of Justice, and provides legal advice on regulations and policy concerning CPSC’s compliance and enforcement authority. This is an open continuous announcement accepting applications until February 19, 2027. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and positions may be filled as hiring needs arise. The position requires a J.D. or LL.B. and active membership in good standing of a bar in a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Specialized experience and practicing-attorney experience requirements vary by grade, GS-11 through GS-14. The duty location is Washington, DC, and employees must reside in the local commuting area. CPSC employees are expected to move to 441 G Street NW upon completion of the relocation, expected 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 a bar in a U.S. state, territory, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico; proof of bar membership and good standing is required.
Must provide proof of successful completion of education requirements, such as a law school transcript or diploma; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Must have 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal Service.
GS-12 specialized experience: conducting investigations and assessing evidence when recommending litigation or other resolutions; preparing pleadings and legal documents; and providing legal advice related to statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities.
GS-13 specialized experience: independently conducting investigations and determining investigative and legal strategy; drafting and negotiating agreements; drafting pleadings, motions, or legal memoranda; participating in hearings or trials; and providing legal advice related to statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities.
GS-14 specialized experience: independently conducting complex investigations and determining investigative and legal strategy; drafting and negotiating complex agreements; drafting complex pleadings, motions, or legal memoranda; representing clients in hearings or trials; and providing legal advice on complex matters related to statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities.
GS-11 additionally requires either one year of experience as a practicing attorney, an LL.M., or a J.D./LL.B. with superior law student work or activities as described in the announcement.
GS-12 additionally requires either two years of experience as a practicing attorney, or one year of practicing-attorney experience and an LL.M.
GS-13 additionally requires three years of experience as a practicing attorney.
GS-14 additionally requires four years of experience as a practicing attorney.
Must document qualifying experience in detail; experience is evaluated based on duties performed, not job title alone.
Must meet the qualifications by the announcement’s closing date.
Must undergo a background investigation and receive a favorable suitability determination; this is a Public Trust position.
Must complete required federal employment and background investigation forms and a Personal Identity Verification process.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.
Must serve a two-year trial period unless previously completing a qualifying trial period.
Must reside in the local commuting area of the duty station.
Must report to the new CPSC location at 441 G Street NW after the anticipated relocation, expected by the end of 2026.

Responsibilities

Identify new matters to investigate using internal and external data and information about 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 concerning regulations and policy affecting the Commission’s compliance and enforcement authority.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave
11 paid holidays per year
Life and health insurance
Long-term care insurance
Dental and vision insurance
Flexible spending account program
Retirement savings and investment plan similar to a 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan)
Flexible work schedules
Teleworking
Transit subsidies
Fitness center
Employee assistance and wellness programs