Trial Attorney

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Washington, DC

JobSummary

LowGrade

HighGrade

PromotionPotential

OrganizationCodes

DJ/DJ01

Relocation

False

HiringPath

public

MCOTags

Attorney & Paralegal

TotalOpenings

AgencyMarketingStatement

Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? Join the U.S. Department of Justice! The Department of Justice (DOJ) leads the nation in safeguarding Americans while upholding constitutional freedoms. As part of our team, you'll contribute to a vital mission while advancing your career. Mission: DOJ is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. Core Values: Independence and Impartiality. DOJ works each day to earn the public's trust by following the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence. Honesty and Integrity. DOJ's employees adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, mindful that, as public servants, we must work to earn the trust of, and inspire confidence in, the public we serve. Respect. DOJ's employees value differences in people and in ideas and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and compassion. Excellence. DOJ works every day to provide the highest levels of service to the American people and to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers' dollars.

TravelCode

MajorDuties

About the Office This position serves as a Trial Attorney, located in the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Security Division (NSD), in Washington, D. C. The mission of the NSD is to coordinate the Department's efforts in carrying out its core mission of combating terrorism and protecting national security. NSD is responsible for supervising the enforcement of all federal criminal laws related to counterterrorism and counterespionage, except those specifically assigned to other divisions. NSD also serves as the Department of Justice's liaison to the United States Intelligence Community (USIC) and represents the USIC before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. In addition, NSD advises the Attorney General regarding all matters of national security policy. The incumbent may serve as a Trial Attorney in the Counterterrorism Section, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, or National Security Cyber Section of the NSD. As a GS-14 and GS-15 Trial Attorney, the incumbent provides advice, assistance and counsel to the Office of the Assistant Attorney General for NSD (OAAG) on a wide range of matters relating to the activities of NSD and the Department. The incumbent will present the views of the OAAG and other officials in correspondence and other communications with agency managers and program officials. The position requires mastery of the legal profession, as the attorney will be expected to apply novel legal theories to issues; to make decisions or recommendations that significantly change, interpret, or develop important public policies or programs; and to serve as a recognized expert in the specialty area. Job Description Litigates the most complex cases, as an expert in a specialized area of law. Responds to matters arising during trial, recognizing opposition tactics designed to obscure the focus of the case. May provide agency representation in direct negotiations and discussions with senior officials of states, counties, and cities throughout the country, and/or lawyers and high-level officials of some of the largest corporations in the United States. Serves as an expert, providing advice and policy determinations in matters involving the planning, discussion, and coordination of activities related to the litigation of cases. Responds to telephonic or written inquiries from U.S. Attorneys on matters of law, procedure, or policy in pending potential litigation. Provides expert advice to others in preparing the most complex cases for litigation. Serves as an expert in a specialized area of law preparing the most complex cases for litigation. Reviews and analyzes facts; conducts legal research; and oversees the preparation of drafts of pleadings, motions, briefs stipulations, affidavits, and/or other legal documents.

Education

Requirements

Evaluations

Optional Narrative Statements: The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment to public service to hiring managers and agency leadership. Although responses are optional and will not be scored, applicants are encouraged to address each question thoughtfully. Please limit each response to 200 words or fewer. At the beginning of your submission, please certify that the responses are your own work and that you did not use a consultant or any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Copilot. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position. Evaluation Process: A panel of subject matter experts will review applications to assess how well each candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scored by a selecting committee, and candidates in the best qualified category will receive further consideration.

HowToApply

Application Process Please submit a resume (not to exceed two pages), a writing sample that exhibits your own written advocacy skills (no longer than 10 pages), and a copy of your most recent performance appraisal via email to CESattorneyvacancy@usdoj.gov The subject line should read: [LAST NAME] - Trial Attorney 2026. No telephone calls, please. Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

WhatToExpectNext

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below: Legal Careers | Trial Attorney, GS-0905-14/15 | United States Department of Justice https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-gs-0905-1415 You will receive e-mail notifications as your application status is updated by DOJ. However, you can also see your application status any time by logging in to your USAJOBS account and looking on the "Applications" page. Click the position title to expand the display for each application in the list. This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships.

RequiredDocuments

Required Application Documents: A cover letter explaining interest in the position and demonstrating how all qualifications are met. A current résumé not to exceed two pages, including months and years of education, employment, and earliest bar admission. Résumés longer than two pages will result in removal from consideration. A short writing sample, or an excerpt from a longer sample (under ten pages), that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's own work and includes legal analysis. DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy), if applicable. CTAP/ICTAP documentation, if applicable.

Benefits

BenefitsUrl

https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

OtherInformation

Salary GS-14: $143,913 - $187,093 (per annum) GS-15: $169,279 - $197,200 (per annum) Number of Positions Multiple Travel Periodic travel will be required. Relocation Expenses Relocation expenses may not be authorized for this position.

KeyRequirements

WithinArea

False

CommuteDistance

ServiceType

AnnouncementClosingType

AgencyContactEmail

viketa.edwards@usdoj.gov

SecurityClearance

Sensitive Compartmented Information

DrugTestRequired

True