Advance Your Legal Career: Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters at the DOJ

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a sophisticated legal mind to join the Environmental Defense Section (EDS) as a Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters. This high-level position offers a unique platform to influence national environmental policy and represent the United States in precedent-setting litigation. If you possess a deep background in appellate practice and administrative law, this role provides an unparalleled opportunity to lead within one of the nation's most prestigious legal organizations.

Job Responsibilities

As Senior Counsel, your daily work will be both intellectually rigorous and professionally rewarding. You will:

Coordinate and manage the Section's petition for review practice.
Directly lead and mentor attorneys through complex federal appeals.
Review high-stakes legal briefs and prepare team members for oral arguments.
Act as a lead litigator on significant petitions related to Clean Air, Clean Water, and Toxic Substances acts.
Consult with the Office of the Solicitor General on certiorari and en banc matters.

Requirements

Candidates must be licensed attorneys in good standing with a J.D. degree. You must demonstrate at least five years of substantial post-J.D. litigation experience, ideally within federal or appellate contexts. Proficiency in the Administrative Procedure Act is non-negotiable, as is the ability to communicate complex legal theories clearly in writing.

Comparison Table: Job Locations

Feature	Washington, D.C.	Denver, CO
Office Environment	Modern, 2019 Construction	Denver Place Building
Transit Access	NoMA-Gallaudet Metro	Union Station & Transit Hub
Amenities	Extensive retail/dining	On-site gym, restaurants

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-15 level.

Washington, D.C.: $169,279 – $197,200 annually.
Denver, CO: $164,956 – $197,200 annually.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice are entitled to a robust federal benefits package, including comprehensive health insurance, federal retirement programs, and the potential for flexible working arrangements as agency policy permits.

Application Tips

Your resume must be meticulous; clearly define your litigation experience, including case types and court levels.
Highlight any leadership experience regarding the management of other attorneys.
Ensure all required documentation is submitted as PDF or standard digital formats to avoid technical issues.

Serving as Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters is a career-defining role. It demands excellence, strategic thinking, and a dedication to public service. If you are prepared to lead the defense of our nation's environmental regulations, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Senior Counsel For Appellate Matters Job Matters

Lead critical environmental litigation at the highest level of the Department of Justice as a Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters.

Senior Counsel For Appellate Matters Job Overview

The Environmental Defense Section (EDS) within the Department of Justice is seeking a high-caliber attorney to serve as Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters. This leadership role involves shaping federal environmental law by litigating complex cases in federal courts of appeals, particularly those involving challenges to EPA regulations under statutes like the Clean Air Act. The successful candidate will not only manage a significant personal docket but also provide strategic oversight, mentor junior staff, and consult with the Office of the Solicitor General on pivotal appellate issues.

Requirements for Senior Counsel For Appellate Matters

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
U.S. citizenship or national status.
Minimum of five years of post-J.D. litigation experience.
Substantive experience with the Administrative Procedure Act and major pollution control statutes.
Submission of a resume (max 2 pages), cover letter, writing sample, and law school transcript.

Preferred Qualifications for Senior Counsel For Appellate Matters

Significant federal appellate litigation experience.
Experience with D.C. Circuit litigation.
Demonstrated history of leading or mentoring attorneys in appellate matters.
Advanced knowledge of the Clean Air Act and Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
Strong ability to manage high-profile caseloads under strict deadlines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Work-life balance in prime urban office locations
✓Access to transit-friendly, amenity-rich work environments

💡 How to Apply Senior Counsel For Appellate Matters Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Senior Counsel For Appellate Matters Job

Prepare your resume, cover letter, writing sample, and transcript.
Visit the official USAJOBS application portal.
Complete the online questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring your resume clearly reflects dates of employment and specific duties.
Submit your application package before the deadline of September 16, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes the month and year for every position held to receive proper credit.
Be specific about your experience regarding the Administrative Procedure Act and federal court filings.
Proofread your writing sample; it is a critical component of the evaluation for appellate roles.
Mention any relevant veteran preference and include your DD-214 if applicable.
Track your application status via your personal dashboard on the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The Senior Counsel for Appellate Matters focuses on managing the section's petition for review practice, litigating in federal courts of appeals, and providing legal strategy for challenges to EPA rules.

Are there opportunities for remote work?

This position is currently listed as not remote and requires work from either the Washington, D.C. or Denver, CO offices.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) serves as the primary legal representative for the United States in matters concerning the environment and natural resources. The Environmental Defense Section is at the forefront of this mission, handling critical litigation that ensures federal environmental agencies can effectively carry out their statutory mandates. Whether based in the bustling metropolitan center of Washington, D.C., or the dynamic Denver field office, team members enjoy collaborative, modern workspaces with excellent access to transit and city amenities.