Trial Attorney (TAX)

Offices, Boards and Divisions • Washington, DC

1d

About The Position

The U.S. Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Trial Attorney positions in the Tax Section. The Tax Section enforces federal criminal tax laws, including investigating and prosecuting fraudulent tax preparers, identity theft-related tax crimes, tax evasion, willful failure to file returns, false tax forms, and other schemes to defraud the internal revenue system. Cases may involve fraudulent refund claims, tax defiers, financial institution or securities fraud, health care fraud, organized crime, and narcotics trafficking. The Tax Section also supervises criminal tax enforcement across the Department.

Trial attorneys develop and advance investigations and prosecute offenders in U.S. District Courts. They handle all phases of criminal litigation, including grand jury investigations, indictments, motions, jury trials, and sentencing. They work collaboratively with unit managers, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, and attorneys at other federal law enforcement agencies. The role offers opportunities to develop legal writing, oral advocacy, investigative, and courtroom skills.

The position is permanent at the GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 grade level. Applicants who accept an offer must commit to three years of service in the Fraud Division. The amount of travel may be significant and varies according to litigation schedules and locations. Relocation expenses will not be authorized. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning on or before October 21, 2026, and the announcement remains open until positions are filled. Applications are not accepted through USAJOBS; interested applicants should consult the DOJ Legal Careers announcement.

Requirements

• Be a United States citizen or national.
• Possess a J.D. or equivalent degree.
• Be duly licensed and authorized to practice law in 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, including one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-13. Examples include legal analysis and recommendations to senior managers, drafting litigation pleadings and briefs, and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
• For GS-15: at least four years of post-J.D. legal experience, including one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-14. Examples include independent legal analysis, drafting court documents involving unique or difficult legal issues, conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation, and leading paralegals and support staff.
• Upon accepting an offer, commit to three years in the Fraud Division.
• Complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check, including drug screening.
• Register with the Selective Service if required, or have an approved exemption on file.
• Disclose financial information if required under DOJ and federal ethics guidelines.
• Candidates should be committed to improving federal government efficiency, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a federal criminal prosecutor.
• Experience supporting, litigating, and supervising federal or state criminal cases.
• Experience in U.S. District Court or state court.
• Experience with the federal judiciary.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with unit managers to carry out and foster effective investigations and prosecutions, advise on strategy and legal complexities, and develop litigation priorities.
• Partner with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and attorneys in other federal law enforcement agencies to develop, manage, and try tax and related financial fraud cases.
• Handle all phases of investigation and litigation, including grand jury practice, advising federal law enforcement agents, using international evidence collection tools, preparing pleadings, and litigating motions and trials in U.S. District Courts.
• Recommend charging decisions and propose dispositions for assigned cases.
• Advise and instruct Assistant U.S. Attorneys on complex questions of law and Department policy concerning matters under the internal revenue laws.
• Consult with and report case and criminal-remedy matter status to the Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Section Chief, and other Section Managers.
• Investigate and prosecute criminal tax offenses on behalf of the United States.

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