Become a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Are you a legal professional looking to use your skills to make a tangible difference in consumer safety? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is currently seeking a highly skilled Trial Attorney to join its Division of Enforcement and Litigation. This is a unique opportunity to engage in critical federal work, protecting the public from hazardous products through investigation, negotiation, and aggressive litigation.

Job Responsibilities

As a Trial Attorney, your work will be diverse and intellectually challenging. Key responsibilities include:

Investigations: Leading inquiries into potential product hazards using new technologies and internal data.
Litigation: Drafting pleadings and motions, and representing the agency in administrative hearings, trials, and appeals.
Negotiation: Working directly with manufacturers and retailers to secure corrective actions and voluntary recalls.
Advisory: Providing expert legal advice on complex regulatory matters and enforcement strategies.
Collaboration: Partnering with the Department of Justice on civil cases involving the Commission.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Hold a J.D. or LL.B. degree.
Maintain an active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Meet the specialized experience requirements for the specific grade level (GS-11 through GS-14).
Successful completion of a two-year trial period.

Salary and Comparison Table

Grade Level	Qualifications Required	Salary Range
GS-11	Law degree + 1 yr experience	$85,447+
GS-12	Law degree + 2 yrs experience	Mid-range
GS-13	Law degree + 3 yrs experience	Mid-range
GS-14	Law degree + 4 yrs experience	Up to $187,093

Benefits

Employees of the CPSC enjoy a competitive federal benefits package, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Flexible work schedules and transit subsidies.
A supportive work-life balance culture.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Your resume must be two pages or less. Ensure it clearly lists duties, dates of employment, and your role level.
Transparency: Be clear about your experience. Do not overstate qualifications, as this can lead to removal from the applicant pool.
Timeliness: Complete all required USA Hire assessments as soon as you receive your link to avoid delays.

Serving as a Trial Attorney at the CPSC is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service. If you possess the legal acumen and the drive to hold manufacturers accountable, we encourage you to apply. Help us shape the future of consumer safety in the United States.

Why This Trial Attorney Job Matters

Protect the public by holding manufacturers accountable. Join the Consumer Product Safety Commission as a Trial Attorney and influence federal enforcement policy.

Trial Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is seeking a dedicated Trial Attorney to join the Division of Enforcement and Litigation in Bethesda, Maryland. You will play a pivotal role in identifying hazardous products, negotiating recalls, litigating administrative actions, and providing high-level legal counsel to safeguard American consumers. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape regulatory enforcement and engage in significant trial and investigative work at the federal level.

Requirements for Trial Attorney

U.S. Citizenship
J.D. or LL.B. degree from an accredited law school
Active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico
Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance
Registration with the Selective Service System (for males born after Dec 31, 1959)
Commitment to a two-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney

Experience conducting independent investigations and legal strategy development
Background in drafting and negotiating complex agreements or consent decrees
Proficiency in drafting legal pleadings, motions, and memoranda
Demonstrated courtroom experience in hearings, trials, or appeals
Expertise in statutory and regulatory enforcement authorities
Superior academic standing, including law review participation or high-level honors

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style retirement)
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓11 paid federal holidays per year
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities
✓Access to fitness centers and wellness programs
✓Public transit subsidies

💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Trial Attorney Job

Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages
Gather proof of active bar membership and law school transcripts
Create or update your USAJOBS profile
Complete the online application and required assessments through the USA Hire system
Upload all supplemental documents, including SF-50 if currently a federal employee
Submit your complete application package before the closing date

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to two pages or less; additional pages will not be reviewed.
Be specific about your duties, including hours worked per week and exact dates of employment.
Address each requirement directly; the agency will not make assumptions based on job titles alone.
Complete the required assessments promptly; you will receive a unique link after submitting your application.
Double-check that all required documents are attached before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be moving offices?

Yes. While the position is currently in Bethesda, Maryland, the CPSC headquarters is relocating to Washington, D.C. by the end of 2026.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is telework-eligible, though it is not a fully remote role and requires residency in the local commuting area.

Are veterans' preferences applicable?

While there is no formal point-based rating system for this excepted service attorney position, the CPSC considers veteran status a positive factor.

Job from Consumer Product Safety Commission

The CPSC is an independent federal regulatory agency tasked with reducing the risk of injuries and deaths associated with consumer products. From child safety to fire hazards, CPSC employees work tirelessly to ensure that the products families use every day meet rigorous safety standards. As an attorney here, you will be at the forefront of enforcing the laws that keep American households safe.