Trial Attorney

Offices, Boards and Divisions•Washington, DC

13h

About The Position

The Appellate Section defends the integrity and constitutionality of DOJ investigations and prosecutions. Its attorneys handle criminal appeals in U.S. Courts of Appeals, prepare briefs and certiorari petitions for the Solicitor General, recommend whether to seek further review of adverse decisions, and advise Department leadership and federal prosecutors on criminal-law issues. The Trial Attorney handles criminal cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including briefing and oral argument, involving cases prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and other Criminal Division litigating sections. The attorney drafts merits briefs for the Solicitor General in Supreme Court cases, as a party or amicus, and participates in moot courts and oral arguments with the Solicitor General’s Office. The role also includes preparing recommendations on further review of adverse criminal-case decisions, drafting opposition briefs to Supreme Court certiorari petitions, and advising Department leadership and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices on complex substantive issues. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold a J.D. or equivalent, be authorized and licensed to practice law in a U.S. jurisdiction, and be an active member of a bar in good standing. Grade-level eligibility ranges from GS-13 through GS-15 and requires between 1.5 and 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience, including specialized experience at the preceding grade level. A pre-employment security investigation, drug screening, and potentially a two-year trial period apply. Federal salary payments are made by direct deposit.

Requirements

J.D. or equivalent degree.
Duly licensed and authorized to practice law under the laws of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Active membership in a bar in good standing.
U.S. citizenship.
GS-13: At least 1.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience, including one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-12.
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.
GS-15: At least four years of post-J.D. legal experience, including one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-14.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.
Undergo a pre-employment security investigation and pass a drug test before final appointment.
Register for Selective Service if applicable, or demonstrate exempt status; applicable male applicants must certify registration if selected.
Use direct deposit for federal salary payments.

Nice To Haves

Communicate clearly through well-organized and accurately written documents.
Perform cogent and correct legal analysis on complex substantive issues.
Provide legal advice to others.
Manage a heavy legal caseload.
Argue persuasively in court.

Responsibilities

Handle criminal cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including preparing briefs and presenting oral arguments.
Draft merits briefs for the Solicitor General in Supreme Court cases, as a party or amicus.
Attend moot courts and oral arguments with attorneys from the Solicitor General’s Office.
Write memoranda recommending whether to seek further review of adverse decisions in criminal cases.
Draft briefs for the Solicitor General opposing Supreme Court certiorari petitions.
Advise Department leadership and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices on complex substantive issues.