Become a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is looking for a skilled and passionate Trial Attorney to join the Office of the Solicitor in Dallas, Texas. This is a unique opportunity for legal professionals to represent the Secretary of Labor in high-stakes litigation, protect the American workforce, and ensure compliance with critical labor statutes. If you are ready to apply your analytical skills to complex legal challenges in a fast-paced environment, this role offers the perfect platform for a meaningful federal career.
Job Responsibilities
As a Trial Attorney, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Civil Litigation: Representing the Department in U.S. District Courts and before administrative law judges.
- Statutory Enforcement: Applying laws such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Legal Analysis: Researching complex procedural and substantive issues to recommend litigation strategies.
- Advocacy: Presenting oral arguments in hearings and working with experts to build robust cases.
- Advisory Role: Providing legal counsel to regional agencies and interpreting enforcement policies.
Comparison of Grade Levels
| Grade | Required Post-Law School Legal Experience |
|---|---|
| GS-11 | Entry Level (Active Bar Membership) |
| GS-12 | 1 Year of Professional Legal Experience |
| GS-13 | 2 Years of Professional Legal Experience |
| GS-14 | 3 Years of Professional Legal Experience |
Requirements
To be considered, candidates must hold a J.D. or LL.B. degree and be a member in good standing of a state bar. You must provide a current bar certificate, your law school transcript, and a legal writing sample of 10 pages or less. Please note that the application process requires strict adherence to a two-page resume limit.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $81,186 to $177,762 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the standard federal benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and paid federal leave.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Ensure your writing sample clearly demonstrates your ability to articulate complex legal arguments.
- Proofread: Since the role is writing-intensive, errors in your application materials can significantly impact your candidacy.
- Follow Formatting: Ensure your resume uses the required date format (MM/DD/YY) and does not exceed the two-page constraint.
Serving as a Trial Attorney with the Department of Labor is a career-defining opportunity. You will work on cases that matter, protect the rights of those who need it most, and contribute to the integrity of the U.S. labor market. Apply today to start your journey with the Office of the Solicitor.
Why This Trial Attorney (Labor) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact legal career defending the rights of American workers at the U.S. Department of Labor's Dallas Regional Office.
Trial Attorney (Labor) Job Overview
The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking a dedicated Trial Attorney for the Office of the Solicitor in Dallas, Texas. This pivotal role involves representing the Secretary of Labor in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and enforcement actions across a wide range of labor and employment statutes. You will work on complex, high-stakes cases that impact national enforcement policies and industries, contributing directly to the safety, fairness, and welfare of the American workforce.
Requirements for Trial Attorney (Labor)
- Possession of a professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.)
- Active, good-standing membership in the bar of a U.S. court of general jurisdiction
- Submission of an unedited legal writing sample (max 10 pages)
- Successful completion of a background investigation
- Compliance with a 1-year trial period for new federal employees
- Two-page maximum limit for the submitted resume
Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney (Labor)
- Progressive, professional legal experience post-law school
- Experience in labor and employment law or administrative litigation
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex factual and procedural issues
- Strong oral advocacy and persuasive writing skills
- Ability to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams and high-level officials
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Generous paid leave and federal holidays
- ✓Telework eligibility based on agency needs
- ✓Professional development and career advancement opportunities
💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney (Labor) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Trial Attorney (Labor) Job
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly documents specialized experience by date and hours worked.
- Prepare your Bar Certificate and law school transcripts.
- Draft a concise, original legal writing sample of 10 pages or less.
- Create or update your profile on the official USAJOBS platform.
- Complete the application process on USAJOBS and follow the redirect to the Department of Labor application portal.
- Finalize all required documents and submit through the DOL Talent Acquisition System before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Use MM/DD/YY formatting for all dates to ensure your specialized experience is accurately credited.
- Do not rely on job titles alone; explicitly describe your duties and responsibilities in your resume.
- Ensure your writing sample is entirely your own work and has not been edited by third parties.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 PM ET deadline to account for potential system timeouts.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly confirms your bar membership status and degree completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is veterans' preference applied to this position?
As an excepted service position, there is no formal point-based veterans' preference; however, the Department of Labor considers veterans' status as a positive factor in the hiring process.
Can I submit an unofficial transcript?
Yes, unofficial transcripts are accepted during the initial application phase. However, you will be required to provide official transcripts before a formal offer of employment is extended.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the current merit hiring guidance, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be deemed ineligible for consideration.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, telework is available based on agency needs and policy.
How do I check my application status?
You can monitor your status by logging into your USAJOBS account and accessing the Talent Acquisition System (TAS).
Job from Office Of The Solicitor
The Department of Labor is dedicated to the mission of protecting the welfare of job seekers and workers. By enforcing labor laws and improving working conditions, the agency plays a fundamental role in the American economy. As a Trial Attorney within the Office of the Solicitor, you will be on the front lines of this mission, working to ensure that workplaces are safe, fair, and legally compliant.