TRIAL ATTORNEY

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: https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-appellate-law Legal Careers | Trial Attorney (Appellate Law) | United States Department of Justice

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 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 Program's legal activities. OGC formulates and oversees the Program's national legal policies and litigation strategies before the bankruptcy courts and through the appellate process, implements the Program's 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 public's 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.

Qualifications and evaluation

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.

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 (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 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. 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.

Required documents

Listed under the 'How To Apply' section.

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.