https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-491

Job Description: 

The National Courts Section seeks four attorneys to represent the United States in all aspects of "first chair" trial and appellate litigation. At the trial stage, attorneys personally manage their own cases, conduct fact investigation, work with expert witnesses, serve and respond to written discovery, take and defend depositions, write all substantive and procedural briefs, conduct all aspects of any trial, and present oral argument in the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States Court of International Trade. Attorneys also personally handle all aspects of appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Attorneys also occasionally handle matters within the Section's various areas of expertise in other Federal district and circuit courts, as well as in administrative tribunals and international arbitration fora. In addition, attorneys first-chair alternative dispute resolution proceedings and settlement negotiations, and recommend settlements of litigation when appropriate. For larger cases, attorneys work collaboratively as members of trial teams. Whether handling trial cases and appeals as counsel of record or as part of a trial team, all attorneys work closely with counsel from Federal client agencies.

Attorneys practice in a diverse range of often complex subject-matter, including government contracts, procurement challenges, and other commercial and administrative disputes. Other Section cases involve defense of takings under the 5th Amendment of the Constitution, and military and civilian pay actions. Section attorneys also prosecute civil actions to recover money secured fraudulently from the United States, that arise in contract disputes before the Court of Federal Claims. Attorneys in the international trade practice defend the imposition of various trade remedies, including special duties imposed on dumped or subsidized imports, prosecute customs fraud, and enforce other international trade laws at both the trial and appellate stages. The Section has primary responsibility for the majority of Government appeals to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, including appeals from the Court of Federal Claims, the Court of International Trade, the boards of contract appeals, the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the Merit Systems Protection Board.

Please Note: The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 120 days after the closing date of the vacancy.

Qualifications: 

Applicants must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least two years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; have at least three years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-14 level; and four years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-15 level.

You must also be a U.S. citizen.

Applicants should have a strong interest in trial and appellate work, excellent writing and oral advocacy skills, and an exceptional academic background. Applicants should anticipate working on fast-paced, complex litigation, and feel comfortable in a courtroom setting. An exceptional background and judicial clerkship experience are highly desirable.

Salary: 

$103,690.00-$172,500.00