Trial Attorney

U.S. Department of Justice

South Bend, IN

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$90,925–$197,200 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Attorney, Background Investigation, Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Procedures, Blackjack, Business Case, Communication Skills, Cost Control, Federal Assistance, Federal Government, Federal Laws and Regulations, Field Trials, Fitness, Government, Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Information Technology & Information Systems, Interpersonal Skills, Interpret Regulations, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Legal, Legal Research, Litigation, Organizational Skills, Paralegal, Policy Development, Policy Implementation, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Project Tracking, Publications, Regulations, Reimbursement, Small Business, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, Systems Administration/Management, United States Citizen, Willing to Travel, Work From Home, Writing Skills
LOCATION
South Bend, IN
POSTED
18 days ago

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Trial Attorney

Department of Justice

U.S. Trustee Program

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  • Summary
  • This job is open to
  • Duties
  • Requirements
  • How you will be evaluated
  • Required documents
  • How to apply

Summary

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:

Learn more about this agency

Summary

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:

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/20/2026 to 06/21/2026

Salary $90,925 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade GS 13 - 15

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Los Angeles, CA

Riverside, CA

Santa Ana, CA

Miami, FL

Show morefewer locations (13)

Tampa, FL

Chicago, IL

Peoria, IL

Indianapolis, IN

South Bend, IN

New Orleans, LA

Boston, MA

Baltimore, MD

Greenbelt, MD

Kings, NY

New York, NY

Cleveland, OH

Austin, TX

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Excepted

Promotion potential

15

Job family (Series)

  • 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure Yes Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number USTP-26-12967932-DE Control number 870113900

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

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.

Duties

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About the Office

The United States Trustee Program (USTP or Program) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. The Program operates nationwide through twenty-one (21) regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, chapter 12 family farmer cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings.

As the only participant in the bankruptcy process with a national footprint and independent oversight mandate, the USTP is uniquely positioned to identify and address multijurisdictional misconduct and other issues of national significance that threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy system. At the same time, the Program remains equipped to respond effectively to local matters involving fraud, abuse, or other practices undermining the fair and efficient administration of bankruptcy cases.

Job Description

The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) is seeking an attorney with experience in litigation and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts served by the Region and/or field office. Responsibilities include litigating enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, supervising private trustees, handling appellate matters, and referring potential criminal conduct identified through bankruptcy oversight. The Program aims to hire skilled Trial Attorneys and provide them with frequent, meaningful courtroom experience across a wide range of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.

Typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include:

  • Overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and field office.
  • Litigating issues arising in chapter 11 cases, including matters related to corporate governance, employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation.
  • Litigating civil enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct, and misconduct by non-attorney document preparation services.
  • Assisting with appellate matters arising in the Region and District.
  • Partnering with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to support the Programs mission locally and to help develop and implement policies that ensure uniform application of bankruptcy law.
  • Supervising private trustees who administer cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code.
  • Collaborating with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegal Specialists, and other support staff in the Region.
  • Working with federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight.
  • Conducting outreach to stakeholders in the bankruptcy system, including the bankruptcy court, bar, and other federal and state agencies.
  • Participating in national projects and priorities, as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • You must complete a background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
  • Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
  • A two-year trial period may be required.
  • Salary payments must be by direct deposit to a financial institution.
  • Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials; excellent oral and written communication skills; superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities; sound judgment; and the ability to work independently in a demanding legal environment. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and possess the minimum post-law degree experience listed below, or relevant experience involving client advocacy and the interpretation or application of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations.

Meeting the minimum post-law degree legal experience requirements does not guarantee selection at that grade level.

  • GS-13: Minimum 1.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
  • GS-14: Minimum 2.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
  • GS-15: Minimum 4 years of post J.D. legal experience.

Applicants must be active members in good standing of a state bar. Please note that in certain jurisdictions, federal attorneys must maintain active membership in that jurisdictions state bar.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

  • A strong record of analyzing complex legal issues; interpreting statutes, rules, and regulations; developing litigation strategies; and exhibiting superior trial practice skills.
  • Experience litigating complex matters, including taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and conducting formal written discovery.
  • Exceptional organizational abilities and the capacity to manage a high volume of cases involving diverse issues.
  • The ability to clearly and accurately articulate critical issues across a broad range of matters and projects.
  • Skil in setting, managing, and balancing multiple, evolving, and challenging priorities.
  • Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and sound professional judgment.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with information technology, including the use of databases and IT systems to manage and track work.
  • Experience working with or within federal agencies.
  • Experience in bankruptcy practice, particularly complex chapter 11 proceedings.
  • A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Education

Applicants must possess an LL.B. or a J.D. degree. (Provide the month and year in which you obtained your degree and the name of the College or University from which it was conferred/awarded.)

Additional information

Salary

This is a full-time, permanent position. The salary range corresponds to the General Schedule grades GS-13 to GS-15. The annual salary will depend on the selected applicants qualifications, experience, and the applicable locality pay for the duty station.

Number of Positions

Many

Travel

Periodic travel may be required based on work assignments and training needs.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

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 aconsultant 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 Presidents 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.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

Required Application Documents:

  • 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 applicants 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

Application Process

This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. citizens. Applicants must submit a complete application package as described below.

Submit your full application package as a single PDF to ustp.employment@usdoj.gov using the following subject line: Trial Attorney-(Insert location) 05-2026.

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team

Email ustp.employment@usdoj.gov Address Executive Office for US Trustees

JMD Human Resources

2 Constitution Square

145 N Street NE

Washington, DC 20530

US

Next steps

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:

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Legal Careers| Department of Justice (www.justice.gov/legal-careers)

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

Required Application Documents:

  • 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 applicants 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

Application Process

This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. citizens. Applicants must submit a complete application package as described below.

Submit your full application package as a single PDF to ustp.employment@usdoj.gov using the following subject line: Trial Attorney-(Insert location) 05-2026.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team

Email ustp.employment@usdoj.gov Address Executive Office for US Trustees

JMD Human Resources

2 Constitution Square

145 N Street NE

Washington, DC 20530

US

Next steps

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:

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Legal Careers| Department of Justice (www.justice.gov/legal-careers)

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Additional locations

Tampa, FL

Chicago, IL

Peoria, IL

Indianapolis, IN

South Bend, IN

New Orleans, LA

Boston, MA

Baltimore, MD

Greenbelt, MD

Kings, NY

New York, NY

Cleveland, OH

Austin, TX

U.S. Trustee Program

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team

Email ustp.employment@usdoj.gov Address Executive Office for US Trustees

JMD Human Resources

2 Constitution Square

145 N Street NE

Washington, DC 20530

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at U.S. Trustee Program, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.justice.gov/eoir

Summary

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:

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/20/2026 to 06/21/2026

Salary $90,925 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade GS 13 - 15

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Los Angeles, CA

Riverside, CA

Santa Ana, CA

Miami, FL

Show morefewer locations (13)

Tampa, FL

Chicago, IL

Peoria, IL

Indianapolis, IN

South Bend, IN

New Orleans, LA

Boston, MA

Baltimore, MD

Greenbelt, MD

Kings, NY

New York, NY

Cleveland, OH

Austin, TX

Remote job No Telework eligible No Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position. Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Excepted

Promotion potential

15

Job family (Series)

  • 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure Yes Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number USTP-26-12967932-DE Control number 870113900

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