Trial Attorney - Land Acquisition Section (Open Continuous)

Offices, Boards and Divisions • Washington, DC

10h

About The Position

The Energy and Natural Resources Division’s Land Acquisition Section (LAS) seeks experienced civil litigators to represent federal agencies in federal district courts throughout the United States and its territories. LAS acquires real property for the United States through condemnation litigation, title review, and collaboration with agencies. Projects support public uses such as taking land into trust for tribes, expanding military installations, rebuilding federal courthouses, establishing national parks and monuments, constructing border and immigration security infrastructure and land ports of entry, and maintaining the air traffic safety network. The Section also reviews title sufficiency for property acquired directly by federal agencies and provides training and consultation during planning for major federal land acquisition projects. Its work includes protecting the Fifth Amendment by helping ensure fair compensation for property owners and taxpayers.

Attorneys handle matters from pre-filing consultation through discovery, motion practice, negotiation, and trial. Their work includes case management and development, negotiations with opposing counsel, drafting substantive motions and briefs, taking depositions, presenting oral arguments, and conducting trials before juries, judges, and land commissions. Cases can involve complex questions about federal acquisition authority, market value, and the physical, legal, or financial feasibility of proposed property uses. Attorneys work collaboratively with client-agency counsel, expert witnesses, consulting appraisers, paralegals, and other attorneys.

The Section offers frequent court experience across a variety of jurisdictions and substantive, ongoing training in civil litigation and real estate law. New attorneys handle their own cases while working with experienced co-counsel on more complex matters; they may soon author substantive motions and pleadings, argue in federal district court, take depositions, and negotiate. Trial participation typically occurs within the first two years of employment. The Section seeks attorneys who can take first-chair and supporting roles, enjoy primary responsibility in sophisticated litigation, and contribute to a respectful, collaborative workplace that supports learning and mentorship.

This is an open continuous announcement that will remain open until September 30, 2027. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, and positions may be filled as needs or vacancies arise. The announcement may close early once a sufficient pool is established or authorized positions are filled. The possible Washington, D.C. salary ranges are GS-13: $121,785–$158,322; GS-14: $143,913–$187,093; and GS-15: $169,279–$197,200. Years of experience determine the appropriate grade and salary level.

Requirements

• J.D. degree or equivalent.
• Active membership in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
• U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• At least 1.5 years of post-J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience for GS-13.
• At least 2.5 years of post-J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience for GS-14.
• At least 4 years of post-J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience for GS-15.
• Demonstrated substantial civil litigation experience, including pre-trial discovery, motion practice, oral argument, and examination of fact and expert witnesses.
• Ability to handle first-chair and supporting roles in multiple complex cases and to develop intellectual command of complicated facts, real estate and appraisal principles, and legal issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and a wide range of experts; strong problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
• Completion of a background investigation and pre-employment drug testing.
• Maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.
• Selective Service registration, if applicable.
• Academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or foreign education must be documented as comparable; documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in litigation, administrative law, and/or environmental law is highly desirable.
• Strong interest in federal litigation and trial work.

Responsibilities

• Represent federal agencies in condemnation cases in federal district courts across the United States and its territories.
• Review title sufficiency for real property acquired directly by federal agencies.
• Consult with client agencies before filing and provide training and consultation during planning for major federal land acquisition projects.
• Handle litigation from case development and discovery through motion practice, negotiation, and trial.
• Manage cases, negotiate with opposing counsel, draft substantive motions and briefs, take depositions, present oral arguments, and conduct trials before juries, judges, and land commissions.
• Work with client-agency counsel, expert witnesses, consulting appraisers, paralegals, and attorney colleagues to develop litigation positions.
• Provide support and mentorship to less experienced attorneys.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree