Trial Attorney
Offices, Boards and Divisions
Posted: February 23, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Offices, Boards and Divisions
Department of Justice
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Salary
$102,415 - $197,200
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Legal jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job is for a trial attorney in the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, where you'll help enforce laws that prevent unfair business practices to keep the economy competitive and fair for everyone.
You'll work on civil cases involving industries like technology, healthcare, agriculture, and finance, investigating violations and possibly taking them to court.
It's a great fit for lawyers with some experience who are passionate about public service and protecting consumers from monopolies.
The mission of the Antitrust Division is to promote competition by enforcing the antitrust laws to protect economic freedom and opportunity on behalf of the American people.
The Antitrust Division has openings for Trial Attorneys to join its dedicated team and gain invaluable experience working in the public interest to protect the competitive process.
Are you ready to contribute to matters of national importance that promote a competitive and productive American economy?
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the position qualifications listed in this announcement.
If you are minimally qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration.
To qualify, an applicant must: Be a citizen of the United States; Possess a J.D. or equivalent degree, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S.
jurisdiction), and have at least one year of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-12 level; one and one-half years of post J.D.
legal experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; two and one-half years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-14 level, and/or at least four years of post J.D.
legal experience to qualify at the GS-15 level; Have experience in the investigation of potential civil antitrust violations, or general federal litigation experience, including civil cases; and Demonstrate excellent writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Major Duties:
The Antitrust Division's Civil Enforcement Program is seeking qualified attorneys committed to vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws across the American economy.
The Division is particularly interested in attorneys experienced with competition issues related to agriculture, technology, healthcare, and finance.
Trial attorneys hired through this announcement will be assigned to a section that is based in Washington DC. Positions across the Civil Enforcement Program may be filled in response to this ad.
In particular: Anti-Monopoly and Collusion Enforcement Section enforces antitrust laws in civil nonmerger matters across a broad range of industries, with recent experience in advertising technology, smartphones, and consumer meat products.
ACE focuses on high priority conduct matters to ensure that the statutory timing demands of merger cases do not overtake the Division's ability to move forward with key civil conduct investigations and litigations.
Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section enforces antitrust laws in the defense, avionics and aeronautics, industrial equipment, metals and mining, and waste industries.
Financial Services, Financial Technology, and Banking Section enforces antitrust laws in the financial, banking, real estate, ticket distribution, and publishing industries.
Healthcare and Consumer Products Section enforces antitrust laws in healthcare and consumer products, including apparel, appliances, beer, cosmetics, dairy, and paper among others.
Protecting competition in healthcare is one of the Division's top priorities.
As part of its commitment to enforcement in this crucial industry, the Division seeks attorneys with an interest and/or background in healthcare issues.
Media, Entertainment, and Communications Section enforces antitrust laws in the broadcast media, television and film production and distribution, streaming entertainment services, professional and amateur sports, and telecommunications industries.
Technology and Digital Platforms Section enforces antitrust laws in internet-related businesses, gig economy platforms, and computer hardware and software industries.
Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture Section enforces antitrust laws in the agricultural, aviation, shipping, electricity, oil field services, hotel, restaurant, and travel services industries.
Protecting competition in agriculture markets is one of the Division's top priorities.
Trial attorneys in the Division's Civil Enforcement Program are responsible for a wide range of investigative, litigation, and trial work.
They may review mergers, conduct pre-complaint investigations, engage in post-complaint litigation, and participate in trials.
Trial attorneys are also frequently responsible for building relationships with other federal, state, and international enforcers and for advocacy to ensure innovative and competitive marketplaces.
Trial attorneys in the Civil Enforcement Program frequently grapple with challenging cases involving complex technologies, rapidly changing industries, rising barriers to entry, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
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