Trial Attorney Job in Houston, TX

Vacancy No. USTP-25-12635721-DE Department U.S. Trustee Program
Salary $140,923.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 14 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/6/2024 Close Date 1/5/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Houston, TX


Summary

This is a public notice Flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USAJOBS. If you are interested in applying please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the link below.

Legal Careers | Trial Attorney | United States Department of Justice

https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-158

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is a public notice Flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USAJOBS. If you are interested in applying please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page.

Duties

About the Office

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP is a national program with 21 regions consisting of 89 field offices, and has broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authorities in bankruptcy cases, including chapter 7 and 13 consumer cases, family farmer chapter 12 cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate reorganizations. The USTP is the only participant in the bankruptcy process uniquely positioned to address multi-jurisdictional misconduct or other issues of national scope that give rise to systemic fraud and abuse, while also effectively combatting local matters affecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system.

We invite you to visit the USTP's website for more information about the USTP and the Region 07 website for information on the USTP Houston office. The City of Houston website provides information about Houston, TX.

The USTP offers a flexible telework policy, including four (4) routine telework days per bi-weekly pay period.

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.


Job Description

The USTP is seeking an attorney experienced in litigation practice and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts covered by the Region and/or field office. This oversight would include litigating enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, overseeing private trustees, handling appellate matters, and referring criminal conduct identified in connection with bankruptcy cases. The Program seeks to hire talented Trial Attorneys and provide them with frequent and meaningful court experience on a variety of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.

The typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include:

  • Oversee the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and the field office;
  • Litigate issues arising in chapter 11 proceedings, including those involving corporate governance, and issues arising in employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation matters;
  • Litigate civil enforcement matters arising in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors' ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct matters, and non-attorney document preparation servicer misconduct;
  • Assist with appellate matters arising in the Region and district;
  • Partner with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to enhance the Program's mission locally, and to help develop and implement policies and strategies designed to faithfully execute a uniform application of bankruptcy law;
  • Supervise private trustees in the Region who administer bankruptcy cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code;
  • Work with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegals Specialists, and support staff in the Region;
  • Work with the Program's federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight;
  • Provide outreach to interested constituents and those involved in the bankruptcy system, such as the bankruptcy court, the bar, and other federal and state agencies; and
  • Work on other national projects and priorities, as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing
  • Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable
  • May require completion of two year trial period
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic and professional credentials; superior oral and written communication; outstanding legal research, analytical and legal reasoning; outstanding judgment; and the ability to function with minimal guidance in a demanding legal environment. Further, an applicant must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and have at least four (4) years post-J.D. professional legal or other relevant experience advocating on behalf of clients, interpreting or applying provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations that arise in bankruptcy cases.

Applicants must be an active member of a state bar in good standing. Please note, in a select few jurisdictions, federal attorneys are required to be active members of the jurisdiction's state bar.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications listed above, the ideal candidate will have:

  • A record of analyzing complex legal problems, interpreting statutory, rule, and regulatory provisions, developing litigation strategies, and demonstrating superior trial practice skills;
  • A record of litigating complex matters including taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and propounding formal written discovery;
  • Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to address a broad array of issues arising in a large volume of cases;
  • The ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and projects;
  • The ability to set, manage, and balance diverse, evolving, and challenging projects and priorities;
  • Demonstrated initiative and creativity;
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills;
  • Strong information technology skills, including using data bases and IT systems to manage and track work;
  • Experience working with or for federal agencies;
  • Experience in bankruptcy, especially complex chapter 11 proceedings; and,
  • A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Additional information

Salary

This position is full-time and permanent. The possible salary range is on the General Schedule from GS-14 to GS-15. The annual salary will depend on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and the locality pay adjustment for the duty station.

Travel

Periodic travel is required depending on work assignments and for training.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses may be authorized to current USTP employees only, based on USTP policy.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The application materials are required to be submitted electronically as a pdf file by all applicants (including attorneys currently appointed to positions in the Department of Justice) and emailed to ustp.employment@usdoj.gov with the subject line Trial Attorney-Houston-12-2024.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume. If the specialized experience statement is repeated, in the applicant's resume, Human Resources will deem the applicant as ineligible.

Required Documents

Application Process

This vacancy announcement is open to ALL U.S. CITIZENS. To apply, interested candidates must submit ONE (1) PDF document containing the following:

  • A cover letter that highlights the applicant's interest in the position and details how all qualifications are met;
  • A current resume that details months and years of education, employment, and earliest bar admission;
  • A short writing sample, or an excerpt from a longer writing sample (under ten pages), that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis;
  • DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Member 4 copy (if applicable);
  • CTAP/ICTAP documentation (if applicable).

Email the pdf document to: ustp.employment@usdoj.gov with the subject line Trial Attorney-Houston-12-2024.

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. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

***** If you would like to be considered for the position of Trial Attorney (GS-0905-14/15), please submit your application to ustp.employment@usdoj.gov with the subject line Trial Attorney-Houston-12-2024. *****

Note: The application materials are required to be submitted electronically as a PDF file by all applicants (including attorneys currently appointed to positions in the Department of Justice) and e-mailed to ustp.employment@usdoj.gov

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please reference announcement Trial Attorney-Houston-12-2024 in the e-mail subject line and in your cover letter.

No telephone calls please.

For more information about OPR, please visit our Web page at U.S. Trustee Program | Department of Justice

Relocation expenses or extended TDY will not be authorized.

Agency contact information

E'Lon Chapman
Address
Executive Office for US Trustees
JMD Human Resources
2 Constitution Square
145 N Street NE
Washington, DC 20530
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships.

For more information about USTP, please visit our Web page at U.S. Trustee Program | U.S. Trustee Program

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:

Legal Careers | Trial Attorney | United States Department of Justice

https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-158


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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