Become a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Trustee Program in Dallas
The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), a division of the Department of Justice, is currently seeking two motivated and experienced Trial Attorneys to join their office in Dallas, Texas. If you are an attorney with a passion for integrity, regulatory oversight, and complex litigation, this is a unique opportunity to serve the public interest while advancing your career within a prestigious federal agency.
Job Responsibilities
As a Trial Attorney, your daily tasks will be diverse and challenging. You will be expected to:
- Oversee administration of bankruptcy cases.
- Litigate issues in chapter 11 corporate restructurings.
- Enforce bankruptcy law through dismissal proceedings and objections.
- Supervise private trustees handling various chapters of the Bankruptcy Code.
- Collaborate with law enforcement to identify and report potential criminal conduct.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Grade Level | Minimum Post-J.D. Experience |
|---|---|
| GS-13 | 1.5 Years |
| GS-14 | 2.5 Years |
| GS-15 | 4 Years |
Requirements
Candidates must hold a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and be active members of a state bar. Excellence in legal research and writing, combined with the ability to work independently in a high-stakes environment, is mandatory.
Salary Overview
The compensation for this position ranges from $115,711 to $197,200 per year, depending on the grade level and specific locality pay associated with the Dallas duty station.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and the professional growth associated with working for a premier litigation component of the federal government.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success:
- Consolidate all documents into one clean PDF.
- Keep your resume exactly at or below two pages.
- Ensure your writing sample is analytical and clearly demonstrates your own work.
This role is ideal for an attorney who wants to move beyond private practice and into a role where their work has national significance. Review the official Department of Justice Legal Careers page to ensure your application meets all current requirements before the deadline.
Why This Trial Attorney Job Matters
Protect the integrity of the nation's bankruptcy system. Join the U.S. Trustee Program as a Trial Attorney in Dallas and make a meaningful impact on federal legal administration.
Trial Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking two highly skilled Trial Attorneys for the U.S. Trustee Program in Dallas, Texas. This role offers the chance to engage in high-level litigation, supervise private trustees, and address complex issues within the bankruptcy landscape, including chapter 11 reorganizations and consumer bankruptcy enforcement.
Requirements for Trial Attorney
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with a state bar.
- Minimum 1.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience for GS-13.
- Minimum 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience for GS-14.
- Minimum 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience for GS-15.
- Superior legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney
- Proven track record in managing complex bankruptcy litigation.
- Extensive experience with chapter 11 corporate restructurings.
- Strong litigation skills, including depositions and trial practice.
- Proficiency with modern legal databases and case management software.
- Demonstrated ability to balance high-volume, diverse case portfolios.
- Experience working with federal agencies or complex regulatory frameworks.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure (GS-13 to GS-15).
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and meaningful courtroom experience.
- ✓Supportive work-life balance through telework eligibility.
- ✓Public service loan forgiveness eligibility (subject to individual status).
💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Trial Attorney Job
- Prepare a complete application package as a single PDF.
- Include a detailed cover letter addressing your qualifications.
- Provide a resume (maximum of two pages) clearly stating education and bar admission dates.
- Attach a legal writing sample of under ten pages.
- Submit your package via email to the address provided in the official vacancy notice.
- Use the specific subject line: TRIAL ATTORNEY-DALLAS-08-2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; extra pages will lead to disqualification.
- Draft your writing sample to showcase your strongest legal analysis and research capabilities.
- Review the DOJ Legal Careers page for the most current and authoritative job information.
- Carefully address the narrative questions if you choose to include them; maintain personal authorship.
- Double-check that all professional experience is clearly dated by month and year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for this position through USAJobs?
No. This is a public notice flyer; applications must be submitted directly to the email address provided by the U.S. Trustee Program.
What is the primary focus of a Trial Attorney in this program?
Attorneys oversee bankruptcy cases, litigate enforcement matters, supervise private trustees, and handle potential criminal conduct referrals.
Is travel expected in this role?
Yes, periodic travel may be required to support training needs or specific work assignments.
Job from U.S. Trustee Program
The U.S. Trustee Program acts as the watchdog of the bankruptcy system. Its mission is to promote integrity and efficiency for all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. With a national footprint covering over 80 field locations, the USTP is the only entity with the authority to oversee multi-jurisdictional bankruptcy misconduct.