Trial Attorney

The Appellate Section plays a crucial role in defending the integrity and constitutionality of DOJ's investigations and prosecutions. Appellate Section attorneys write briefs and argue cases in the courts of appeals; prepare draft briefs and certiorari petitions for the Solicitor General (SG); make recommendations to the SG regarding whether further review is warranted when adverse decisions have been rendered; and advise Department leadership and federal prosecutors on criminal-law issues.

As a Trial Attorney in the Appellate Section, the incumbent will: Handle criminal cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including briefing and oral arguments. Cases include those prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and other litigating sections in the Criminal Division. Draft briefs in merits cases before the Supreme Court, either as a party or an amicus, for the Solicitor General.

This includes attending moot courts and oral arguments with attorneys from the Solicitor General's Office. Write memoranda recommending whether to seek further review of adverse decisions in criminal cases. Draft briefs for the Solicitor General in opposition to certiorari petitions in the Supreme Court. Provide advice to Department leadership and U.

S. Attorneys' Offices on a variety of complex substantive issues.

Required Qualifications : Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing. Grade Specific Qualifications : To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one and a half (1.

1. years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing basic legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing legal memoranda, reports, and position papers on legislative history, laws, regulations, and court opinions in support of civil or criminal litigation.

To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.

To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to communicate clearly through well-organized and accurately written documents. Ability to perform cogent and correct legal analysis on a variety of complex substantive issues. Ability to provide legal advice to others. Ability to manage a heavy legal case load. Ability to argue persuasively in court.

A J.D., or equivalent, degree. Applicants who possess an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may be subject to additional review by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.