Summary
The mission of the Antitrust Division is to promote competition by enforcing the antitrust laws to protect economic freedom and opportunity on behalf of the American people.
The Antitrust Division has opening for Trial Attorneys (Civil) to join its dedicated team and gain invaluable experience working in the public interest to protect the competitive process.
Are you ready to contribute to matters of national importance that promote a competitive and productive American economy?
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
U.S. Citizens
Duties
The Antitrust Division's (Division) Civil Enforcement Program is seeking highly qualified trial attorneys committed to vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws across the American economy. The Division is particularly interested in attorneys experienced with competition issues related to, agriculture, technology, healthcare, and finance.
Many positions across the Civil Enforcement Program may be filled in response to this ad. In particular:
- Chicago Office: The Division has now established a formal presence for the Civil Enforcement Program in Chicago. The Division seeks multiple attorneys interested in civil enforcement of the antitrust laws and related statutes to protect competition in the agricultural supply chain, including prosecuting civil antitrust enforcement actions against anticompetitive mergers and conduct, and enforcing related statutes such as the Packers and Stockyards Act. Attorneys hired through this ad assigned to the Civil Enforcement Program's Chicago team may initially work primarily virtually and may work on civil antitrust enforcement in other industries, as needed.
- San Francisco Office: The Division continues to expand the Civil Enforcement Program's presence in San Francisco and seeks multiple attorneys who are interested in civil antitrust investigations and enforcement actions across different industries, particularly focusing on developing technology. While the San Francisco Office has both a civil and a criminal enforcement portfolio, this hiring announcement seeks candidates who will work on the office's civil enforcement efforts.
- Healthcare: Protecting competition in healthcare is one of the Division's top priorities.As part of its commitment to enforcement in this crucial industry, the Division seeks multiple attorneys with an interest and background in healthcare issues to work with the Healthcare and Consumer Products Section. Attorneys with expertise in healthcare hired through this announcement will also have the chance to work with the Division's Task Force on Health Care Monopolies and Collusion.
- Financial Services, Financial Technology, and Banking: Traditional financial institutions-credit and debit cards, and banks-and new financial technology firms play significant roles in the American economy and the lives of individual consumers. Robust competition in these areas is crucial to ensuring the best environment possible for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and consumers. The Division continues to work to protect competition across these industries, and in products and services such as real estate, book and e-book publishing, concert ticketing and venues, and advertising. The Division seeks multiple attorneys with interests and backgrounds in these areas to work with the Financial Services, Fintech, and Banking Section.
- Civil Conduct Task Force: The Division's Civil Conduct Task Force has been at the forefront of investigating and prosecuting civil nonmerger matters across a broad range of industries, with particular focus on technology, agriculture, and labor. For example, in recent years the Civil Conduct Task Force has challenged salary caps, monopolies in digital markets, and agreements to share competitively sensitive information. The Division seeks multiple attorneys with interests and background in investigating and litigating civil conduct cases to work with the Civil Conduct Task Force.
While hiring through this ad will focus on the areas described above, the Division welcomes applications from attorneys interested in civil antitrust enforcement related to any area of the economy. Other units that may make selections from this advertisement include the Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section, which enforces the civil antitrust laws in the defense, avionics and aeronautics, industrial equipment, metals and mining, and waste industries; the Media, Entertainment, and Communications Section, which enforces the civil antitrust laws in the broadcast media, television and film production, streaming services, professional and amateur sports, and telecommunications industries; the Technology and Digital Platforms Section, which enforces the civil antitrust laws in internet-related businesses and computer hardware and software industries; and the Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture Section, which enforces the antitrust laws in the aviation, shipping, hotel, restaurant, travel services, electricity, oil field services, and agricultural industries. Also, in addition to enforcing the antitrust laws in healthcare, the Healthcare and Consumer Products Section enforces antitrust laws in consumer products, including apparel, appliances, beer, cosmetics, dairy, and paper among others, and welcomes applicants with an interest and background in these industries .
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
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.
- You must be a US citizen to be considered for this position.
- You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
- You may be required to take and successfully clear a drug test.
- You must submit a complete application package by the closing date of this announcement.
- SELECTIVE SERIVCE: All male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service (see http://www.sss.gov/). If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
- DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing
- This is a full time, permanent appointment, not eligible for inclusion in the bargaining unit.
- This is a non-supervisory appointment, subject to a two-year trial period. Time served in a temporary, term or other not-to-exceed appointment is not counted toward completion of the required trial period.
- The Antitrust Division participates in the E-Verify program.
Please note: Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above. Also, a writing sample and a combination of three to five business and academic references may be requested of individuals identified as best qualified, to be forwarded to the selecting official along with your application package, upon referral.
Qualifications
Trial attorneys in the Division's Civil Enforcement Program are responsible for a wide range of investigative, litigation, and trial work. They may review mergers, conduct pre-complaint investigations, engage in post-complaint litigation, and participate in trials. Trial attorneys are also frequently responsible for building relationships with other federal, state, and international enforcers and for advocacy for policies that ensure innovative and competitive marketplaces. Trial attorneys in the Civil Enforcement Program frequently grapple with challenging cases involving complex technologies, rapidly changing industries, rising barriers to entry, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the position qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. To qualify, an applicant must:
- Be a citizen of the United States;
- Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one and a half years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify for the GS-13 level, two and a half years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify for the GS-14 level, and at least four years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-15 level;
- Have experience in the investigation of potential civil antitrust violations, or general federal litigation experience, including civil cases; and
- Demonstrate excellent writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
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.
Please note: Additional selections may be made beyond the total number of vacancies specified using this vacancy announcement. Further selections may also be made for additional organizational divisions and/or units within the duty location(s) listed above. Also, a writing sample and a combination of three to five business and academic references may be requested of individuals identified as best qualified, to be forwarded to the selecting official along with your application package, upon referral.
Education
You must possess a J.D. or equivalent degree to qualify for consideration as a Trial Attorney (Civil) for the Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.
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.
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.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the position qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference are encouraged to include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214 or other substantiating documents) to their submissions.
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.
This and selected other legal position announcements can be found at https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete application package which includes:
1. Cover Letter (highlighting relevant experience and a description of significant cases litigated, to include your role in them, and explaining your interest in the position).
2. Your Resume - should include a description of relevant related experiences (including your role in them). Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position.
RESUME REQUIREMENTS: ALL APPLICANTS: you must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience. The federal government has very specific resume requirements. If you have not written a federal resume before, you may want to watch this Resume Writing Tutorialvideo on the USAJOBS YouTube channel, or read through a helpful Resume Writing FAQon the USAJOBS Help Site to learn what details you should, and should not, include in your resume. A CV (curriculum vitae) may not contain enough information to meet these resume requirements.
- Your resume should list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of each employer.
- For all types of work experience, you should indicate the start and end date (include month and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
- Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
3. Writing Sample/Brief (not to exceed 15 pages and reflecting your own work product with minimal editing by others).
4. Performance Appraisal (if a current federal employee) - issued within the last 12 months, or if none exists, a statement to that effect.
5. A copy of your latest SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if a current federal employee).
6. Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable):
- If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character of discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives.
- If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
- If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it online or by calling 1-800-827-1000.
7. Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include: Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.
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
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EDT) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
- To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
- Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
- After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
- You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account ( https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/
Please note: Applications mailed using government postage and/or internal federal government mailing systems are in violation of agency and postal regulations and will not be accepted.
These instructions outline our application process. You must complete the online application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on the closing date of this announcement. We are available to assist you during business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday - Friday). If applying online poses a hardship, you must contact us by noon Eastern Daylight Time on the announcement's closing date. If you are unable to apply online, you must request an alternative application which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact the Human Resources Sectionby email at ATR.personnel@usdoj.gov or by phone at 202-514-2469 to obtain an alternative application..
If you require a reasonable accommodation for disability during any part of the application and hiring process, please contact Karen Jung by phone at 202-514-8885 or by email at Karen.Jung@usdoj.gov. The Antitrust Division provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. You must contact us by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the announcement's closing date to request accommodation. Callers with hearing or speech impairment can access their state's telecommunications relay service (TRS) to make TTY calls by dialing 7-1-1. Ms. Jung is not the point of contact for questions about the vacancy announcement.
In addition to the availability of telework, applicants may also be considered for remote work based on mission needs and at the discretion of the Division. Trial attorneys hired through this announcement will be assigned to a section that is based in Chicago, San Francisco, or Washington DC, but may be authorized for fulltime remote work (or work from an alternative Antitrust Division office) in appropriate circumstances.
Next steps
Once your completed application has been received, the Antitrust Division will conduct an evaluation of qualifications and rank the applications in comparison to those received. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview.
After extending a tentative job offer and receiving acceptance by the selectee, we will conduct an employment suitability/security background investigation to confirm that the selectee meets all requirements to fill the position. We expect to make a final job offer once all such reviews have been completed.
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