Trial Attorney

Summary The Office of the Solicitor General is responsible for conducting and supervising the federal government's litigation in the Supreme Court of the United States. The Office determines the cases in which Supreme Court review will be sought by the government and the positions the government will take before the Court. The Office also reviews all cases decided adversely to the government in the lower courts to determine whether they should be appealed and, if so, what position should be taken. Learn more about this agency Duties The duties and responsibilities for a GS-Trial Attorney- 905-15 generally include, but are not limited to, the following: Work on merit briefs, petitions for writs of certiorari, jurisdictional statements, briefs in opposition, motions to affirm, papers relating to stays and other emergency relief, and other forms of motion practice before the Supreme Court. Make recommendations as to whether the government should seek Supreme Court review in cases it has lost, whether the United States should appeal to intermediate appellate courts cases it has lost in the trial courts, and whether the United States should pursue rehearing en banc when cases are lost at the appellate level. Prepare memoranda to the Solicitor General containing such recommendations and also memoranda discussing other legal problems as assigned. Argue cases before the Supreme Court. Requirements Conditions of employment You must be a United States Citizen or National. You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening. You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details. Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file. Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. Qualifications J.D. degree, active bar membership. Exceptional academic background. Federal appellate clerkship or Supreme Court clerkship strongly encouraged. Significant federal appellate litigation experience. Broad experience in areas of law germane to federal governmental practice;6. Exceptional writing skills Strong oral advocacy skills. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with less experienced attorneys, providing guidance and assistance. THIS POSITION IS SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AT THE TIME A HIRING DECISION IS MADE. Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information The Department remains steadfast in its commitment to equal employment opportunity (EEO) and treating employees with fairness, dignity and compassion. We must ensure that no applicant for employment or employee of our Department is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including pregnancy - or because of age, physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor and that all have the freedom to compete on a fair and level playing field. To learn more, please view the Department's full Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Expand Hide  additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits 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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.