Launch Your Career as a Trial Attorney with the EEOC
Are you a litigator dedicated to the principles of equality and justice? The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is currently seeking talented, motivated Trial Attorneys to join our Office of General Counsel. This is a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of civil rights in the American workplace.
About the EEOC
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the federal agency responsible for enforcing laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We maintain a diverse and highly motivated workforce committed to promoting equal opportunity for all.
Job Responsibilities
As a Trial Attorney, you will represent the EEOC in federal court. Your daily work will be both intellectually challenging and deeply rewarding. Core duties include:
- Case Management: Reviewing charge files to determine merit and recommending litigation.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Conducting all phases of federal litigation, including discovery, motions practice, and trials.
- Legal Research: Drafting complex briefs, pretrial materials, and formal legal memoranda.
- Compliance: Filing petitions for administrative subpoenas and seeking injunctive relief.
Requirements
To be considered for these GS-13 and GS-14 level roles, applicants must meet specific federal standards:
- Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. from an accredited law school.
- Licensure: Active Bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience:
- For GS-13: 2 years of professional legal experience.
- For GS-14: 3 years of professional legal experience.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-13 | GS-14 |
|---|---|---|
| Required Experience | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Typical Level | Full Performance | Senior/Expert |
| Promotion Potential | 14 | 14 |
Salary and Benefits
Successful candidates will enjoy a competitive compensation package ranging from $90,025 to $138,296 annually, depending on experience and location. Federal employees also receive comprehensive benefits, including robust health insurance, retirement planning (FERS/TSP), and generous paid leave.
Application Tips
This is an Open Continuous Announcement. Applications are reviewed periodically. To ensure success:
- Format Your Resume: Do not exceed 2 pages. HR will stop reading after page 2.
- Proofread Your Writing Sample: Keep it under 10 pages and ensure it demonstrates clear, persuasive legal analysis.
- Detail Your Work: Be specific about your schedule and the nature of your legal duties in every role listed.
If you are ready to use your legal skills to fight for the rights of employees across the nation, we invite you to apply. The EEOC offers a career where your work directly contributes to a fairer, more inclusive society.
Why This Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous Job Matters
Champion justice and equality: Join the EEOC as a Trial Attorney and make a lasting impact on civil rights across the nation.
Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous Job Overview
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is seeking dedicated legal professionals to serve as Trial Attorneys (Civil Rights) in the Office of General Counsel. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in enforcing federal employment discrimination laws, managing active litigation, and ensuring that equal opportunity is a reality in the workplace. With 53 field office locations available, this position offers the opportunity to practice law at the highest level of federal service, handling everything from case intake and discovery to courtroom advocacy and settlement negotiations.
Requirements for Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous
- Possession of a professional law degree (J.D. or LL.B.) from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active and in-good-standing membership in a U.S. jurisdiction Bar.
- Minimum of two years of professional legal experience for GS-13 (one year must be equivalent to GS-12).
- Minimum of three years of professional legal experience for GS-14 (one year must be equivalent to GS-13).
- Ability to provide a recent, 10-page maximum, legal writing sample.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous
- Experience in federal employment discrimination litigation.
- Background in handling discovery, pretrial motions, and trial advocacy.
- Advanced legal degrees (LL.M. or J.S.D.) which may substitute for one year of required experience.
- Demonstrated commitment to civil rights advocacy and public service.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style) with government matching.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous annual and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling.
- ✓Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Trial Attorney (Civil Rights) - Open Continuous Job
- Log into your USAJOBS profile or create a new account.
- Prepare your resume (maximum 2 pages) and gather official/unofficial law school transcripts.
- Secure proof of active Bar membership and a recent writing sample.
- Complete the online application through the USA Staffing portal.
- Submit your documents before the next referral cycle cut-off date.
- Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages; anything beyond will not be reviewed.
- Clearly outline your hours worked per week and specific dates of employment for each entry.
- Ensure your Bar membership proof includes your name, Bar number, and current status.
- Double-check your writing sample to ensure it does not exceed 10 pages.
- Apply early; applications are reviewed in cycles every two weeks until the positions are filled.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position requires the incumbent to report to one of the 53 designated EEOC field office duty stations.
What is the deadline for this application?
This is an open continuous announcement running through December 17, 2026, with referral lists generated every two weeks.
Can I substitute education for experience?
Yes, an LL.M. or J.S.D. may be substituted for up to one year of required legal experience.
Can I submit a portfolio instead of a writing sample?
*A: No, the vacancy requires a single legal writing sample not exceeding 10 pages.*
Do I need a security clearance?
*A: No, this position is designated as non-sensitive/low risk.*