Trial Attorney

Summary

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: U.S. Trustee Program | Attorneys | United States Department of Justice R03 - Trial Attorney­ - Pittsburgh, PA R13 - Trial Attorney - St. Louis, MO R15 - Trial Attorney - San Diego, CA R18 - Trial Attorney - Seattle, WA R18 - Trial Attorney - Spokane, WA R21 - Trial Attorney­ - Atlanta, GA

Duties

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 Program's 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

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 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.

Education

Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school.

How to apply

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-R18-09-2026. Clearly identify in your cover letter the specific Region 18 field office(s) for which you seek consideration (Seattle, WA or Spokane, WA). Important: Candidates who applied to the previous announcement (Job ID: Trial Attorney-R18-06-2026) that closed on July 22, 2026, will be automatically considered and do not need to reapply.

Required documents

Required Application Documents: Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining interest in the position and demonstrating how all qualifications are met. Resume: Your two-page resume showing relevant experience should include your name and contact information in addition to the following for proper determination to be made: where you worked, job title, series and grade, if applicable, duties and accomplishments for each position, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week and salary. Resumes exceeding two pages will be disqualified. Writing Sample: 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. Transcripts: If this position has a positive education requirement or you are using your education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts. The unofficial transcripts must include the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, quarter or semester hours earned, and date degree conferred. If selected for this position, you will be required to provide an official certified copy of your transcripts before a start date will be established. SF-50(s): Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent, non award SF 50. The SF 50 must include the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and the employee's service type and tenure. Performance Appraisal: Current Federal employees must submit a copy of their most recent completed annual performance appraisal. Veterans' Preference Documentation: If claiming preference, you must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active-duty service, type of discharge and the character of service.

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 applicant's qualifications, experience, and the applicable locality pay for the duty station. Number of Positions 1 Travel Periodic travel may be required based on work assignments and training needs. Relocation Expenses Relocation expenses will not be authorized.