Become a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking skilled, mission-driven attorneys to join its National Fraud Enforcement Division. If you are an experienced litigator with a passion for integrity and justice, this role in the Asset Recovery Section offers the opportunity to tackle complex financial crimes and protect the American economy.

Job Responsibilities

As a Trial Attorney, your primary objective is to take the profit out of fraud. Key duties include:

Conduct financial investigations to identify assets for restitution.
Litigate civil and criminal cases, including writs of garnishment and execution.
Collaborate with criminal case teams to restrain assets.
Represent the United States in contested enforcement proceedings.
Provide subject matter expertise on asset forfeiture to departmental colleagues.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be active members of a bar in good standing and possess a J.D. degree. Applicants must also meet specific experience thresholds:

Level	Required Experience	Specialized Experience Requirement
GS-14	2.5 Years	1 year at GS-13 level or equivalent
GS-15	4 Years	1 year at GS-14 level or equivalent

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $107,446 – $164,301 per year (dependent on location).
Benefits: Full federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave.

Application Tips

Stick to the 2-page resume limit.
Detail your litigation experience extensively.
Ensure your writing sample is concise (under 10 pages).

This role is ideal for attorneys looking to serve the public interest while tackling challenging legal issues. Apply today through the official DOJ Legal Careers portal to start your journey.

Why This Trial Attorney Job Matters

Take the profit out of fraud and serve the American public as a Trial Attorney with the DOJ's National Fraud Enforcement Division.

Trial Attorney Job Overview

The Department of Justice is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Asset Recovery Section of the Fraud Division. In this high-impact role, you will leverage both civil and criminal authorities to identify, seize, and forfeit assets derived from fraudulent activities. This role involves complex financial investigations, litigation in U.S. District Courts, and the development of enforcement strategies. This position offers a dynamic work environment with significant opportunities to influence the national integrity of federal financial programs.

Requirements for Trial Attorney

Possession of a J.D. or equivalent law degree.
Active, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Minimum 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience for GS-14 level.
Minimum 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience for GS-15 level.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney

Prior experience as a government attorney or in private practice.
Background in judicial law clerking.
Proven litigation history in U.S. District Court or state court.
Direct experience in criminal or civil asset forfeiture.
Experience investigating corporate entities or working with law enforcement agencies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Paid federal holidays and accrued annual/sick leave.

💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Trial Attorney Job

Visit the official DOJ Legal Careers website.
Prepare a cover letter highlighting specific experience relevant to asset recovery.
Format your resume to be no more than 2 pages, ensuring all employment dates and status are clear.
Draft a writing sample not exceeding 10 pages.
Gather necessary documentation for special hiring authorities or veteran preferences.
Submit your application through the official portal provided in the announcement.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the 2-page limit; submissions exceeding this will not be considered.
Clearly define your litigation experience, including specific case examples in federal or state court.
If claiming veteran preference, ensure your DD-214 or SF-15 is complete and signed.
Review your application for potential conflicts of interest before submission.
Monitor your status via the DOJ Legal Careers portal periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the salary determined for this position?

Salaries are based on the GS-14/15 pay scale, with final compensation determined by the specific duty location and locality pay adjustments.

Is relocation assistance available?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this recruitment.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though specifics depend on agency policy and operational requirements.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Fraud Division is a critical component of the DOJ, dedicated to investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the government and the public. By using advanced data-driven investigative techniques and partnering with multi-level law enforcement, the division ensures that perpetrators are held accountable and that public funds are protected.