TRIAL ATTORNEY

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, DC

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$169,279–$197,200 Per Year
SKILLS
Analysis Skills, Attorney, Background Investigation, Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Procedures, Communication Skills, Conferences, Cost Control, Editing, Federal Assistance, Federal Government, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Disclosure, Fitness, Government, Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Interpersonal Skills, Interpret Regulations, Leadership, Legal, Legal Support Skills, Litigation, Organizational Skills, People Management, Persuasion Skills, Policy Development, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Process Improvement, Project/Program Management, Publications, Regulations, Reimbursement, Small Business, Strategic Planning, Technical Support, United States Citizen, United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Washington, DC
POSTED
3 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

Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/23/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 23, 2026

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Washington, DC

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $169,279 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade

GS 15

Promotion potential 15

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

  • 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number USTP-26-13019871-DE Control number 877755700

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 21 regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings, small business reorganizations, chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, and chapter 12 family farmer cases.

The Office of the General Counsel (OGC), within the Executive Office for United States Trustees (EOUST), oversees the Programs legal activities. OGC formulates and oversees the Programs national legal policies and litigation strategies before the bankruptcy courts and through the appellate process, implements the Programs legal priorities, resolves signifiant legal issues, and provides advice to staff on constitutional and administrative law issues.

Job Description

OGC is seeking an attorney experienced in complex civil appellate litigation or complex civil litigation to provide expert legal advice and litigate complex civil appeals before federal appellate courts across the nation. The incumbent will serve as a civil appellate expert and will use his or her expertise to help OGC litigate roughly 100 appellate matters annually. Periodically, the incumbent will brief constitutional issues before federal trial courts. The incumbent will also craft administrative decisions.

As a Trial Attorney (Appellate Law), GS-0905-15, duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Serving as a member of a cohesive and collegial team of experienced civil appellate attorneys based in OGC and reporting to the Associate General Counsel for Appellate Practice.
  • Litigating complex and important civil bankruptcy appeals across the nation. Litigating constitutional matters before trial and appellate courts. The publics interest in these matters may be substantial. Writing appellate briefs, making oral arguments, and participating in moot courts in USTP appeals.
  • Overseeing appeals that attorneys in USTP field offices litigate by acting as a resource, editing draft briefs, and providing guidance.
  • Researching and drafting memoranda, which recommend whether to participate in appeals, including matters before the Supreme Court, based upon cases importance, potential impact upon federal law, and other relevant considerations.
  • Providing recommendations to other governmental components, including the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), about significant or novel appeals that the USTP is not litigating directly.
  • Acting as a resource, including editing draft briefs, providing guidance, and participating in moot courts in appeals being argued by other Departmental components, including OSG.
  • Implementing legal strategies in complex civil appellate matters to advance the policies and goals of USTP and the Department.
  • Devising solutions to complex and challenging legal questions involved in USTP civil litigation and presenting them to OGC supervisors and EOUST Senior Leadership.
  • Leading, organizing, and preparing material for training and conferences. Developing guidance, programs and procedures to govern USTP activities.
  • Presenting USTP and Departmental positions to agencies, private sector organizations, congressional staff, and Departmental components. Addressing and resolving sensitive problems and helping develop guidance.
  • Drafting administrative decisions to be issued by Senior Leadership.
  • Providing technical advice and assistance, which may include active participation in novel cases.
  • Drafting EOUST comments and recommendations on proposed changes to the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure and the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. Preparing congressional testimony. Tracking proposed rulemaking. Recommending action plans, guidance, and procedures. Drafting responses to congressional inquiries.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
  • You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See "Additional Information" section for further details.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Required

To qualify at the GS-15 level, you must have at least five (5) years post Juris Doctorate professional legal experience in complex civil appellate law and/or complex civil litigation. The successful applicant should have substantial expertise handling such matters. Strong writing skills are required. Bankruptcy experience is not required. At least two years of the required professional legal experience must be at or equivalent to the GS-14 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

Applicants must be an active member of a state bar in good standing. Please note, in a select few jurisdictions, federal attorneys are required to be active members of the jurisdictions state bar.

Preferred

  • Significant experience providing a full spectrum of legal services concerning complex civil appellate litigation;
  • Ability to utilize their extensive knowledge of complex civil or appellate litigation to provide thoughtful, nuanced, comprehensive and sophisticated legal advice to Senior Leadership;
  • Ability and expertise to assume front-line responsibility for handling and overseeing complex civil appeals;
  • A record of analyzing complex legal problems, interpreting statutory, rule, and regulatory provisions, developing litigation strategies, and demonstrating superior trial practice skills;
  • A record of litigating complex matters including persuasive briefs and oral advocacy;
  • Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to address a broad array of issues arising in a large volume of cases;
  • The ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and projects;
  • The ability to set, manage, and balance diverse, evolving, and challenging projects and priorities;
  • Demonstrated initiative and creativity;
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills;
  • Experience working with or for federal agencies; and,
  • A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Salary

Position is on the GS pay scale, full-time and permanent, and possible current annual salary range is: GS-15 ($169,279- $197,200). Years and type of experience will determine the appropriate salary.

Number of Positions

1

Travel

Periodic travel is required depending on work assignments and training.

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.

A panel of subject matter experts will review applications to determine how well a candidate meets the minimum position qualifications outlined above. If a candidate is deemed qualified, they will be contacted via email or telephone to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scored by a selecting committee and those who fall into the best-qualified category will be considered for the position.

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

Listed under the How To Apply section.

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 (APPELLATE LAW)-07-2026.

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 writing sample of ten pages or less, which can be an excerpt from a longer sample, 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.

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 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.

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team

Email ustp.employment@usdoj.gov Address Office of US Trustees

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 Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships.

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

Listed under the How To Apply section.

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 (APPELLATE LAW)-07-2026.

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 writing sample of ten pages or less, which can be an excerpt from a longer sample, 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.

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 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.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team

Email ustp.employment@usdoj.gov Address Office of US Trustees

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 Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships.

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

U.S. Trustee Program

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 ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. As a Justice employee youll be a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. Read more about the exciting opportunities available.

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 publics trust by following the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence.
  • Honesty and Integrity. DOJs 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. DOJs 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.

Agency contact information

Recruitment Team

Email ustp.employment@usdoj.gov Address Office of US Trustees

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.

https://www.justice.gov/careers

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

Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/23/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 23, 2026

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Washington, DC

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $169,279 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade

GS 15

Promotion potential 15

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

  • 0905 Attorney

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Excepted Service Represented by a union No

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

  • Credentialing
  • Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number USTP-26-13019871-DE Control number 877755700

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