Trial Attorney

⁠​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌⁠This posting is for Trial Attorney positions within the Fraud Division's Appellate Section. This announcement will be open until positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on or before June 22, 2026.

Vacancy locations can be found within the link below.

If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:

• Trial Attorney (Appellate Counsel)

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

About the Office

The Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division") investigates and prosecutes those who commit fraud against the American people. We fulfill our mission by using advanced data-driven investigative techniques; coordinating with agencies responsible for administering taxpayer-funded programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification and investigation of fraud; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice. The Fraud Division works every day to protect the financial integrity of the United States of America, ensure the vibrancy of the American economy, and seek justice for victims of fraud.

Job Description

The National Fraud Enforcement Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Appellate Counsel positions in the Division's Appellate Section.

The Fraud Division's Appellate Section represents the United States in the federal courts of appeals on all Fraud Division matters. The experienced attorneys assigned to the Appellate Section participate in every aspect of the appellate litigation process, including preparing briefs and arguing cases in the courts of appeals. In addition, attorneys in the Appellate Section prepare recommendations to the Solicitor General regarding whether to seek further review of decisions adverse to the government and work closely with the Office of the Solicitor General to draft certiorari petitions, briefs in opposition, merits briefs, and other papers for filing in the Supreme Court on the United States' behalf. Finally, the Appellate Section supports the Fraud Division's broader enforcement portfolio by preparing and arguing motions in significant district court cases and by providing expert advice to trial attorneys and management regarding legal issues.

Generally, as an Appellate Counsel, the incumbent:

• Assists attorneys in reviewing adverse decisions and recommending future action to Fraud Division senior management;
• Provides advice to attorneys in the Fraud Division's litigating sections on legal and policy issues, including by conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, or editing other attorneys' work product;
• Works with Fraud Division management to develop training relevant to litigation concerning recent appellate court decisions, new legislation, and other developing areas of the law;
• Assists in handling internal government requests for the Fraud Division, including from the Department of Justice and Congress;
• In collaboration with section managers, carries out and fosters effective investigations and prosecutions, including advising on strategy and legal complexities, and developing litigation priorities.
• Recommends charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
• Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, using the grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, utilizing international evidence collection tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country.

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-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 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.
• To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.

Preferred Qualifications: Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies:

• Federal appellate court clerkship.
• Experience drafting federal appellate briefs and presenting oral argument before federal courts of appeal.
• Knowledge of white collar criminal enforcement practice.
• Experience in supporting and litigating federal or state criminal cases.