Trial Attorney

The Environment and Natural Resources Division is seeking an experienced litigator for its Wildlife and Marine Resources Section (WMRS). The Wildlife and Marine Resources Section litigates complex civil cases under federal wildlife laws and laws concerning the protection of marine fish and mammals, including the Endangered Species Act, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

The Wildlife and Marine Resources Section represents a broad range of federal regulatory and resource management agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. WMRS primarily handles civil defensive litigation involving challenges to agency rulemaking and decisions by agencies charged with implementing the various wildlife statutes, and decisions or actions of federal agencies taken to comply with such statutes.

Attorneys in WMRS are assigned a docket of multiple cases and appear regularly in federal district courts throughout the country. Experienced litigators in the Section are given first-chair responsibility for all aspects of their cases including drafting procedural and dispositive motions, handling written and oral discovery when needed, conducting settlement negotiations, defending emergency motions (including examination of witnesses when necessary), and presenting oral argument. Attorneys in the Section counsel client agencies on their compliance with statutes under the Section's jurisdiction.

The work of the Section is varied and often affords attorneys the opportunity to be involved in some of the most complex and important cases currently arising in this area of the law. Applicants should possess strong legal writing and reasoning abilities and be comfortable with general principles of federal jurisdiction and federal civil procedures.

• $133,004 - $191,900/year

• You must be a U.S. citizen or National.
• You must complete a background investigation including pre-employment drug testing.
• Selective Service Registration is required, if applicable.
• You must maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.
• J.D. degree and active bar membership required.

Successful applicants must have the following:

• At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level.
• At least 5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level.

In addition to the above qualifications, applicants must possess a J.D. degree; be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction); and be a U.S. citizen. Experience in litigation, administrative law, and/or environmental law is highly desirable. Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level.

• Resumé demonstrating relevant experience and month/year dates the experience was obtained
• Brief statement of interest
• Writing sample
• Copy of J.D. degree transcripts
• DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation, if applicable

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications.

You must apply online through USAJOBS . Follow the prompts to answer a few questions and submit all required documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date to receive consideration.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.