Become a Trial Attorney with the DOJ Special Matters Section

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is an agency synonymous with the pursuit of truth and the preservation of justice. For experienced legal professionals, few roles offer the unique combination of challenge, responsibility, and national impact found within the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Division is currently hiring Trial Attorneys for the Special Matters Section—a high-stakes environment where legal ethics and complex litigation converge.

Job Responsibilities

As a Trial Attorney in the Special Matters Section, your work will be central to the integrity of the DOJ’s investigations. Your core duties will include:

Privilege Litigation: Representing the Department in federal courts regarding privilege issues and filter review protocols.
Team Leadership: Managing attorneys and paralegals in high-volume, sensitive document reviews.
Strategic Advising: Providing counsel to federal prosecutors and law enforcement on navigating privilege at all investigative stages.
Policy Development: Collaborating with management to define litigation priorities and ethical guidance for the division.

Requirements

To be considered for this prestigious role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
Active bar membership in good standing.
For GS-14: 2.5+ years of post-J.D. experience, including one year at the GS-13 level.
For GS-15: 4+ years of post-J.D. experience, including one year at the GS-14 level.
Ability to obtain a high-risk/sensitive security clearance.

Grade Comparison Table

Feature	GS-14 Level	GS-15 Level
Required Experience	2.5+ Years	4+ Years
Specialized Experience	1 Year at GS-13 equivalent	1 Year at GS-14 equivalent
Scope of Responsibility	Substantial analysis/litigation	Expert, independent litigation & leadership

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive federal salary ranging from $107,446 to $197,200 annually, depending on the duty location and the candidate's qualifications. This reflects the high level of professional expertise and responsibility required for these roles.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, which includes:

Health and Life Insurance.
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
Accrued annual leave and sick leave.
Professional growth through comprehensive internal training.
Telework flexibility for eligible roles.

Application Tips

Since this position requires a direct application through the DOJ portal, ensure your application package is polished and comprehensive. Highlight your experience with federal rules of evidence and specific instances where you managed complex privilege claims. Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, submit your credentials as early as possible to maximize your chances.

Serving as a Trial Attorney in the Special Matters Section is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the highest standards of the American legal system. If you possess the experience and drive to navigate complex ethical and legal landscapes, we encourage you to apply to join the Department of Justice.

Why This Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section) Job Matters

Shape the future of white-collar justice. The DOJ Fraud Division is seeking experienced Trial Attorneys to lead high-stakes privilege litigation and protect the integrity of federal investigations.

Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section) Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking skilled attorneys to join the National Fraud Enforcement Division's Special Matters Section. This unit serves as the cornerstone for managing complex legal ethics and privilege issues arising from federal investigations. Selected candidates will play a critical role in litigating privilege disputes, overseeing large-scale document reviews, and guiding federal prosecutors through the intricacies of criminal and civil fraud enforcement. This is a high-impact role requiring superior legal judgment and a commitment to the mission of upholding the rule of law.

Requirements for Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section)

Possession of a J.D. degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
Current active membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
For GS-14: Minimum 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience, including at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-13 level.
For GS-15: Minimum 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience, including at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-14 level.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance.
Participation in a drug testing program as required by the sensitive nature of the position.

Preferred Qualifications for Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section)

Comprehensive knowledge of legal privilege law (Attorney-Client, Work Product Doctrine, Spousal Privilege).
Expertise in addressing privilege waivers and the crime-fraud exception.
Proven experience supervising attorneys and support staff in document-intensive investigations.
Technical proficiency with modern document review platforms used in large-scale litigation.
Experience litigating privilege matters within federal or state court systems.
Solid background in white-collar criminal litigation and federal prosecution strategies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and training
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility

💡 How to Apply Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section) Job

Review the full position details on the official DOJ Legal Careers portal.
Verify your eligibility against the GS-14/15 grade requirements.
Prepare your resume and supporting legal documents.
Submit your application materials directly through the provided Department of Justice link.
Monitor the DOJ website for status updates, as applications are not processed via USAJobs.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly highlights the duration and complexity of your litigation experience.
Clearly document your experience with privilege issues and filter review protocols.
Quantify your experience in managing teams and large-scale document reviews.
Apply early; the Division reviews applications on a rolling basis starting October 21, 2026.
Double-check your bar status to ensure you are in good standing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for this position through USAJobs?

No. This is a public notice flyer. Applications must be submitted directly through the Department of Justice's Legal Careers page as indicated in the vacancy announcement.

What is the primary focus of the Special Matters Section?

The Section focuses on privilege and legal ethics, managing filter reviews, litigating privilege assertions, and advising the Fraud Division on strategies for protecting investigative evidence.

Are there opportunities for remote work or telework?

The position is telework-eligible, though candidates should review specific agency policies upon selection regarding on-site requirements.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

How often is travel required?

The position involves occasional travel to support litigation and investigative activities.

Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions

The Department of Justice stands at the forefront of the American legal system. Its mission is to uphold the rule of law, protect civil rights, and ensure the safety of the American public. As part of the Fraud Division, you will join a team dedicated to safeguarding the nation’s financial integrity through rigorous investigation and prosecution. The Division values excellence, integrity, and independence, providing a workplace where top-tier legal talent can flourish.