kandidatu USA

Trial Attorney

Offices, Boards and Divisions · Department of Justice

This job in plain English

This is a Trial Attorney job in the Appellate Section of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, located in Washington, DC. The attorney writes briefs and argues criminal cases in federal appeals courts and helps prepare Supreme Court briefs for the Solicitor General. The announcement has 1 vacancy, full-time hours, occasional travel, and pay from GS-13 to GS-15.

Telework eligible1 vacancy

Can you apply?

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.

  • People with disabilitiesPeople with a documented disability, hired through the Schedule A authority.
  • VeteransPeople who served on active duty and left under honorable conditions, through the veterans' hiring authorities (VEOA, VRA, 30% disabled veterans).
  • Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.

Other groups listed above may get extra consideration, for example veterans' preference.

Open to U.S. citizens, including veterans and people with disabilities who qualify under Schedule A. You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify.

What you would do

  • Handle criminal cases in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including briefs and oral arguments.
  • Draft Supreme Court briefs for the Solicitor General, as a party or amicus.
  • Write memos recommending whether to seek further review of adverse criminal decisions.
  • Draft briefs opposing certiorari petitions in the Supreme Court.
  • Advise Department leadership and U.S. Attorneys' Offices on complex legal issues.

Do you qualify for GS-13 to GS-15?

With experience: To qualify at GS-13, you need at least 1.5 years of legal experience after your J.D., one year of it at GS-12 level. To qualify at GS-14, you need 2.5 years after your J.D., one year at GS-13 level. To qualify at GS-15, you need 4 years after your J.D., one year at GS-14 level.

With education: A J.D., or equivalent, degree is required. Applicants with an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may get additional review. Education must come from a school accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting body.

Licenses and certifications you need:

  • Active membership in good standing in the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia

How to apply well

What to send:

  • Cover letter highlighting relevant experience
  • Resume of no more than 2 pages, with your J.D. date, month and year for each job, start and end dates, and hours per week
  • Legal writing sample of no more than 10 pages that is your own work
  • Assessment questionnaire completed online
  • Schedule A disability documentation, if applicable
  • SF-50 if you are or were a political appointee
  • DD-214 and other proof, plus SF-15 for 10-point veterans preference, if applicable

How you will be rated: Your application is rated against the qualifications, and your answers on the online assessment questionnaire are also compared. Errors or missing information may lower your rating or make you ineligible.

Tips for this job:

  • Your resume must show your J.D. date and hours per week for each job, or you may be marked ineligible.
  • Submit a legal writing sample of 10 pages or less, or you will be marked ineligible.
  • Application closes at 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 10/30/2026, and you must click Submit My Answers at the end.

Good to know before you apply

Schedule: Full-time with occasional domestic travel required.

Conditions of employment:

  • U.S. citizenship required
  • Pre-employment security investigation
  • Selective Service registration for men born after 12/31/1959
  • Direct deposit for federal pay
  • Must meet all qualifications by the closing date
  • Two-year trial period may be required
  • Drug test
  • Background investigation
  • E-Verify employment eligibility check

We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.

Job details

Salary
$121,785 – $197,200 per year
Pay scale and grade
GS-13 to GS-15 · General Schedule
Location
Washington, District of Columbia
Appointment
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Openings
1
Security clearance
Other
Travel
Occasional travel
Drug test
Not required
Supervisory
No
Occupation
Attorney (0905)
Announcement
27-CRM-APP-001

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