Become a Senior Litigation Counsel with the DOJ Antitrust Division
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division is searching for highly skilled and motivated trial attorneys to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel. This is a rare opportunity to join a premier legal team in Washington, D.C., working on high-stakes matters that directly impact the competitive landscape of the American economy.
Job Responsibilities
As a Senior Litigation Counsel, you will manage, lead, and support critical litigation. Your duties will include:
- Litigation Strategy: Designing and implementing complex strategies for merger and non-merger civil matters.
- Trial Leadership: Acting as lead counsel in court hearings and trials.
- Legal Drafting: Writing indictments, complaints, and essential court filings.
- Discovery: Managing party, third-party, and expert discovery processes.
Role Comparison Table
| Feature | Junior/Mid-Level Attorney | Senior Litigation Counsel |
|---|---|---|
| Case Ownership | Support role | Lead or co-lead counsel |
| Trial Frequency | Low to moderate | High (Significant experience required) |
| Strategy Involvement | Contributor | Principal Architect |
| Team Role | Team member | Team leader |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be eligible, you must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school, be an active bar member, and possess at least four years of post-J.D. legal experience. We are specifically looking for candidates with deep expertise in trial work, including significant oral argument experience.
Salary and Benefits
This position is compensated at the GS-15 level, with a salary range between $169,279 and $197,200 per year. Employees also have access to federal benefits, including comprehensive health, retirement, and insurance options.
Application Tips
- Mind the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Upload PDF: Always save your documents as PDFs to maintain structure.
- Show Your Work: Ensure your writing sample is a reflection of your own intellectual work product.
If you have the drive and experience to handle the nation's most complex antitrust litigation, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to make a lasting difference in the public interest.
Why This Trial Attorney (Senior Litigation Counsel) Job Matters
Shape the future of American competition as a Senior Litigation Counsel with the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division.
Trial Attorney (Senior Litigation Counsel) Job Overview
The Department of Justice is seeking experienced trial attorneys to join the Antitrust Division in Washington, D.C. In this high-impact role, you will lead complex litigation, manage merger and non-merger civil matters, and conduct criminal prosecutions to protect economic freedom. This is a unique opportunity for senior-level legal professionals to drive national-scale cases and influence the competitive landscape of the U.S. economy.
Requirements for Trial Attorney (Senior Litigation Counsel)
- U.S. Citizenship
- J.D. or equivalent degree from an ABA-accredited law school
- Active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction
- Minimum of four years of post-J.D. legal experience
- Ability to successfully complete a background security investigation and drug screening
Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney (Senior Litigation Counsel)
- Over seven years of complex litigation experience
- Significant trial experience (15+ years preferred)
- Proven history as first-chair or second-chair in trial team leadership
- Extensive background in brief-writing and oral advocacy
- Prior experience in federal antitrust or white-collar criminal litigation
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal employee benefits package
- ✓Direct deposit salary payments
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Justice
- ✓Participation in federal retirement and insurance programs
💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney (Senior Litigation Counsel) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Trial Attorney (Senior Litigation Counsel) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two total pages.
- Draft a 15-page writing sample that reflects your original work.
- Collect your law school transcripts and, if applicable, your latest SF-50 and performance appraisal.
- Upload all documents in PDF format to ensure formatting is preserved.
- Submit your application package via the online portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use 14-point font for headings and 10-point font for body text.
- Ensure your resume explicitly lists the full name and address of past employers and hours worked per week.
- Proofread your writing sample; it should be your own work with minimal outside editing.
- If claiming veteran's preference, ensure you attach your DD-214 or other substantiating documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Is antitrust experience required?
While previous antitrust experience is highly valuable, it is not strictly required. General federal litigation or white-collar criminal experience is also applicable.
Can current federal employees apply?
Yes, current federal employees should include their latest SF-50 and a performance appraisal from the last 12 months with their application.
Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions
The Antitrust Division is the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing antitrust laws. Its mission is to protect competition and consumers. Employees at the DOJ are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, excellence, and independence.