Advance Justice for the Environment: Trial Attorney Opportunity at the DOJ

Are you a seasoned criminal litigator looking for a mission-driven career? The Department of Justice (DOJ) Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) is currently seeking a highly skilled Trial Attorney for its Environmental Crimes Section. This position offers the rare opportunity to utilize your legal expertise to protect the nation's critical natural resources, public health, and American workers.

Job Responsibilities

As a Trial Attorney, you will manage complex criminal cases involving environmental violations. Key responsibilities include:

Leading investigations and prosecutions into fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering related to environmental offenses.
Partnering with agencies like the EPA, FBI, and U.S. Coast Guard to enforce the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.
Handling all stages of the litigation process, from long-term undercover investigation advice to grand jury presentations and courtroom trials.
Engaging in international capacity building to fight environmental crime on a global scale.

Comparison: Standard Legal Practice vs. ENRD Prosecution

Feature	Standard Criminal Defense	Environmental Crimes Prosecution
Core Mission	Client Representation	Public Interest & Resource Protection
Statutory Focus	Penal Code	EPA/Natural Resource Statutes
Investigative Scope	Localized	National/International Federal Agencies

Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and members in good standing of the bar. You must possess at least 4 years of post-J.D. criminal litigation experience and have participated in at least three criminal trials.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 annually. Employees benefit from the federal comprehensive health and retirement packages, alongside a work environment designed for professional growth in the heart of D.C.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out:

Be Precise: Your resume must show month and year for all past roles. Gaps or lack of detail will lead to disqualification.
Highlight Trials: Use the online questionnaire to provide specific, compelling details about the criminal trials you have litigated.
Include Documents: Ensure your J.D. transcripts, writing sample, and cover letter are attached correctly before the November 16, 2026 deadline.

The work performed by the Environmental Crimes Section is essential to the health and safety of our nation. If you have the litigation background and the passion to enforce our environmental laws, we encourage you to submit your application today.

Why This Trial Attorney - Environmental Crimes Section Job Matters

Protect our planet through the power of law. Join the Department of Justice’s Environmental Crimes Section to tackle high-stakes criminal investigations and enforce justice for our natural world.

Trial Attorney - Environmental Crimes Section Job Overview

The Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice is looking for a seasoned criminal litigator to join the Environmental Crimes Section. In this vital role, you will lead complex prosecutions against entities that threaten our environment, natural resources, and public safety. You will collaborate with federal law enforcement and international partners to uphold essential statutes such as the Clean Air Act and the Endangered Species Act, performing the full range of investigative and trial responsibilities in a dynamic, D.C.-based office.

Requirements for Trial Attorney - Environmental Crimes Section

U.S. Citizenship
J.D. degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
Active, good standing bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction
Minimum of 4 years of post-J.D. criminal litigation experience
Successful completion of at least 3 criminal trials
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening
Must satisfy background investigation requirements

Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney - Environmental Crimes Section

Extensive experience as a federal, state, or local prosecutor or defense attorney
Demonstrated passion for environmental protection and regulatory enforcement
Superior legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills
Experience in complex criminal investigations including fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal government health and life insurance options
✓Competitive federal retirement system
✓Access to a modern, well-equipped office space in the NoMA neighborhood
✓Proximity to public transit (Red Line Metro)
✓Professional development and international capacity-building opportunities

💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney - Environmental Crimes Section Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Trial Attorney - Environmental Crimes Section Job

Prepare a resume (max 2 pages) detailing all employment dates and specific duties
Draft a cover letter with a statement of interest
Compile a professional writing sample and law school transcripts
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire on USAJOBS
Submit your full application package before the closing date of November 16, 2026

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume lists exact month/year for all positions; otherwise, your experience may not be counted.
Be specific when describing your criminal trial experience; provide jurisdiction, offenses, and outcomes.
Clearly highlight your veteran preference status and attach your DD-214 if applicable.
Review your application package for completeness—missing documents can result in an ineligible rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level of experience is required for this GS-15 position?

You must have at least 4 years of post-J.D. criminal litigation experience and must have served as counsel in at least three criminal trials.

Where is the office located?

The office is located in the NoMA neighborhood of Washington, D.C., adjacent to the NoMA-Gallaudet University Metro station.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position is designated as High Risk and is subject to a background investigation and adjudication for suitability.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Energy and Natural Resources Division serves as the environmental litigator for the federal government. The Environmental Crimes Section is at the forefront of the fight to hold individuals and corporations accountable for violating federal laws. Working from a modern, amenity-rich facility in Washington, D.C., you will join a team dedicated to legal excellence and environmental stewardship.