Trial Attorney (Asset Forfeiture Fellow)

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who conceal profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees who violate money laundering, Bank Secrecy Act, and sanctions laws; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. A J.D., or equivalent, degree.

Applicants who possess an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may be subject to additional review by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management. As an Asset Forfeiture Fellow in the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit of MNF, the incumbent conducts and monitors investigations, prepares and conducts trials and related litigation, and advises on pleadings and other court filings, in close consultation with Unit management and more experienced attorneys. As a Trial Attorney, the incumbent:

• Gains expertise in money laundering and forfeiture laws, supporting and leading financial investigations to dismantle money laundering organizations.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of the Section's program to target financial facilitators; and fosters effective national investigation and prosecution of money laundering. This includes advising on strategy and legal complexities and participating in efforts to develop litigation priorities, policy, and legislative recommendations.
• Under the guidance of unit management and more senior prosecutors leads, supports and undertakes the most complex investigations and prosecutions within the federal courts throughout the United States; makes charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases, issues lacking precedent, and other challenges in compliance with Department, Division, and Section policies and practices.
• Coordinates, deconflicts and partners with U.S. Attorneys and attorneys in other federal law enforcement agencies in the development and management of investigations and prosecutions money laundering organizations. Advises and instructs federal agents and U.S. Attorneys on complicated questions of law and Departmental policy.
• Consults with, and briefs unit management, as well as the Section Chief and Principal Deputy Chief, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and the Assistant Attorney General as necessary, on the status of all cases and matters related to enforcement against complex money laundering organizations.
• Helps to coordinate the preparation and litigation assignments of paralegals and clerical personnel.
• Participates in outreach and training conducted by MNF trial attorneys throughout the United States and abroad.

Required Qualifications:
Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.

Grade Specific Qualifications:

• To qualify at the GS-11 grade level, applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent degree.
• To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have at least one (1) year of post J.D. legal experience. Examples of specialized experience include: conducting legal research, drafting opinions and memoranda on criminal and civil matters, and assisting in preparation of dispositions. Applicants who do not currently have one year of post J.D. legal experience may apply for consideration at the GS-12 level if they indicate they expect to have one year of post J.D. legal experience by Fall 2026.
• To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one and a half (1.5) years of post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-12 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.