Trial Attorney - Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation

Full Job Description

The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch is seeking a Trial Attorney to represent the United States in a broad range of affirmative civil litigation.

The Branch is structured into two sections: an Enforcement Section that pursues cases under key consumer protection and public safety statutes, and an Affirmative Litigation Section that files lawsuits to ensure nationwide compliance with federal law against state, local, or private actors.

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), be a U.S. citizen, and possess up to 1 year post J.D.

(or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience. The minimum years of post-law degree experience commensurate with the grade level of eligibility is shown below. GS-11 - up to 1 year of post J.D.

experience GS-12 - at least 1 year post-JD legal experience Preferred qualifications: Strongly preferred applicants will have excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills.

Experience conducting investigations, drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking and defending depositions, and trying cases are highly desirable.

Preferred applicants will be highly motivated and exhibit sound judgment and creativity.

Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with constitutional challenges and the enforcement of federal laws is strongly preferred.

Trial Period Statement As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.

In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Major Duties:

The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch seeks entry level Trial Attorneys to handle all phases of district court litigation, including taking and defending depositions, managing written discovery, conducting legal research and analysis, writing briefs and other documents.

For meaningful responsibility and impactful public service, the Branch offers a role in the Department's major civil enforcement initiatives.

The Attorney will work on cases as part of a larger team of attorneys; assist with investigations, conducting legal research, preparing pleadings for court, and providing legal advice to DOJ components; prepare tentative drafts of letters, memoranda, and legal documents for use by higher-grade Attorneys in the preparation of opinions, briefs and other legal documents; prepare drafts of pleadings, motions in connection with cases in litigation; conduct investigations of limited scope to obtain facts, studies legal precedents, and prepares recommendations for review by higher-grade attorneys; prepare cases for litigation, including writing motions, briefs, and other legal documents, conducting discovery and participating in administrative hearings; assist higher grade Trial Attorneys in the Section investigate unlawful conduct and pursue enforcement actions nationwide; as requested, perform special legal and administrative projects; and perform other duties as assigned.