Trial Attorney (Federal Programs Branch)

Full Job Description

Covering twelve diverse litigation areas, the Federal Programs Branch defends the United States, the Executive Office of the President, and federal agencies in cases challenging the legality of government policies and actions brought in federal district courts.

The Branch's work touches on almost all areas of the federal government, including national security, foreign affairs, and high-profile domestic policy initiatives. 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 at least 1.5 years 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.

Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.

GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience Examples of the experience described above include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.

Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Preferred qualifications: Applicants with proven advocacy and legal writing skills preferred.

Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable. You must also be a U.S.

citizen.

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 Civil Division, with more than 1,000 Attorneys and 14 litigating components, represents the United States, its departments and agencies, Members of Congress, Cabinet and other Federal employees.

Trial attorneys in the Federal Programs Branch are generalists who participate in significant, often high-profile litigation across a broad range of practice areas.

Trial Attorneys are expected 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, attending court conferences, arguing motions, and conducting trials.

As part of their work, Trial Attorneys communicate regularly with client agencies, Department of Justice leadership, opposing counsel, and others.

Trial Attorneys work on both individual and team cases in support of the Branch's and Department's mission of defending the interests of the United States. This is not a remote location position.

You will be required to work in person five days a week.