Trial Attorney

The Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys to serve as Trial Attorneys in the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP).

HRSP primarily investigates and prosecutes cases against human rights violators, human smugglers and other international criminals. Within the Human Rights portfolio, HRSP investigates and prosecutes human rights violators for genocide, torture, war crimes, and recruitment or use of child soldiers, and for immigration and naturalization fraud arising out of efforts to hide their involvement in such crimes. Within the International Violent Crime portfolio, HRSP prosecutes crimes of violence committed abroad, particularly involving victims or perpetrators who are U.S. government employees, contractors and dependents (usually using MEJA, 18 USC 3261, or SMTJ jurisdiction, 18 USC 7). Within the Immigration Crimes portfolio, HRSP prosecutes members of international human smuggling networks who present national security concerns and/or who endanger the lives of migrants, and multi-jurisdictional immigration fraud-related offenses.

The Section’s prosecutions are usually pursued jointly with a United States Attorney’s Office and involve complex international investigations. HRSP also is actively engaged in policy and legislative work regarding its diverse portfolios that involves close coordination with other U.S. government agencies and international organizations.

As a Trial Attorney, the incumbent:

• Independently directs, conducts, and monitors investigations, prepares and conducts trials, and advises on strategies and tactics relating to the prosecution of human rights violations, international violent crime and criminal immigration offenses.
• Investigates and prosecutes cases in federal court, usually in partnership with United States Attorneys’ Offices. This includes: developing and managing criminal investigations and prosecution in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, the use of grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, preparing pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country; and handling significant, complex cases and possessing excellent judgment to make decisions regarding a wide variety of strategic litigation-related matters.
• Handles complex, challenging, and potentially novel legal issues. This includes:serving as a subject matter expert, participating in, and/or providing advice on, activities related to the investigation and litigation of human rights, international violent crime and criminal immigration cases; and participating in outreach and training as necessary throughout the United States and abroad to a wide-variety of audiences.
• Develops and maintains positive and effective relationships with our numerous law enforcement partners,     such as federal, military and international investigative agencies. This includes: providing advice and instructions to AUSAs and law enforcement personnel on complicated questions of law and Departmental policy.
• Develops and maintains positive and effective relationships within the Office. This includes: mentoring and advising more junior attorneys; and overseeing and helping to coordinate litigation assignments with paralegals and clerical personnel.
• Advises and consults with the Deputy Chiefs, the Section Chief, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General, the Assistant Attorney General, and others on the status of all cases, matters and policy initiatives. This includes:collaborating with HRSP managers regarding the Section’s programs, including giving advice on strategy and legal complexities, and identifying and developing litigation priorities, policy, and legislative recommendations.

Required Qualifications

Interested applicants must possess a J.D. 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.  Applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, at least two of which involve criminal litigation.  All applicants must have, or be eligible for, a top secret or higher security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies and experiences:

• Prior experience as a criminal prosecutor (federal, state, or military);
• Prior trial experience;
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex investigations, particularly those involving violations of federal statutes;
• Superior oral advocacy and writing abilities; Superior analytical skills and judgment;
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others, both as a leader and as a team member; and
• Foreign Language Skills (Spanish preferred).

The salary range for this position is $144,128 – $172,500 per annum, which includes locality pay. See OPM’s Web page at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2021/general-schedule/.

Occasional travel is required.

The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement.

Please submit your application through USAJOBS. The list of required documents can be found in the USAJobs announcement.

1. If you do not already have an account, please create a USAjobs account before applying Create an Account. You will be able to upload your resume and supporting documents and complete your profile prior to applying.
2. Once you have an account, apply to the USAjobs vacancy: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/604075800

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 conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

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