Trial Attorney

Full Job Description

About the Position: Selects and accomplishes procedures and methods of preparation and trial of cases consults on more unique or complex cases with the managing counsel regarding the Government's positions, strategies, and arguments.

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience and education requirements described below.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Education Requirement for Trial Attorney, GS-0905-14: An applicant must have successfully completed a full course of study in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and have the first professional law degree (L.L.B or JD).

Only a law degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the American Bar Association is acceptable to meet positive education requirements.

You MUST submit a copy of your transcript if you want to substitute your education for experience.

If you claim qualifications based on education and do not submit a transcript, your education will not be used in making a qualifications determination and you may be found "not qualified." In addition to meeting the education basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below: Experience: Three or more years of professional legal experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of the position.

This experience was acquired after being admitted to the bar.

Examples of this experience are: (1) examining all correspondence, contracts and other pertinent documentary evidence as well as reviewing all applicable laws, regulations and directives, (2) preparing legal opinions and all written pleadings including answers, motions, briefs and such other legal papers as are required in each case, (3) securing, interviewing, arranging for and taking depositions of parties and witnesses, (4) initiating and responding to other discovery procedures, including preparation of interrogatories, (5) coordinating and arranging for hearing dates with the hearing authorities and opposing counsel, and providing for the presence of all government witnesses at such hearings, (6) planning and developing trial techniques, tactics, legal theories and procedures to be used in trial of each assigned case, (7) examining and cross-examining witnesses and introducing evidence during the course of adversary proceedings.

Must be a current member in good standing of a bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Time in Grade Requirement: If currently employed as an attorney by the federal government you must have completed one year of time-in-grade at the next lower grade level within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement, or previously served at the same or higher grade as the position being filled.

Major Duties:

• Preparation or review of extremely complex legal issues, instruments, assemblies, or the preparation of legal opinions on complex litigation relating to state and federal laws and regulations.
• Work is characterized by difficult legal or factual questions involved because of the absence of clearly applicable precedents or it is highly arguable which precedents.
• Preparation of legal briefs and demurrers, motions and written arguments; direct examination and cross-examination of witnesses and summations on completion of evidence.
• Represents the Command to which assigned in meetings, negotiations, conferences, presentations, hearings, administrative litigation, or other forums.
• Renders legal advice and assistance (either oral or in writing as required) to all elements of the Command.
• Assumes full responsibility for the preparation and presentation of the Government's case in adversarial proceedings, the majority of which are Type III cases, the most complex type.