Summary
The New York Field Office (NYFO) represents the United States, its departments/agencies, and federal officials in both affirmative and defensive litigation in the United States Court of International Trade. The NYFO handles appeals of Court of International Trade decisions in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The majority of NYFO's cases are reviewed de novo, although some may be reviewed on an administrative record.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
United States Citizens
Duties
The Trial Attorney will be responsible for representing the United States in all aspects of "first chair" trial and appellate litigation. At the trial stage, attorneys personally manage their own cases, conduct fact investigation, work with expert witnesses, serve and respond to written discovery, take and defend depositions, write all substantive and procedural briefs, conduct all aspects of any trial, and present oral argument in the United States Court of International Trade. Attorneys also personally handle all aspects of appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In addition, attorneys engage in settlement negotiations, and recommend settlements of litigation when appropriate. In handling cases, attorneys work closely with counsel from Federal client agencies.
Matters within the NYFO's area of responsibility include, among others: importer challenges to U.S. Customs and Border Protection decisions concerning the classification and valuation of imported merchandise, and other issues under the tariff laws; lawsuits relating to the interpretation and application of trade-related presidential proclamations, executive orders, international treaties and free trade agreements; disputes over the government's refusal to grant or the revocation of various licenses under the customs laws; and actions for the collection of duties and penalties under the customs laws.
The NYFO offers an energetic, collegial work environment that requires attorneys to exercise sound judgment at all times. Attorneys must have excellent time-management skills and be willing to assume substantial responsibility. Because NYFO attorneys appear in a court with nationwide jurisdiction, travel may be required. This is a non-supervisory position.
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 a fourteen month trial period
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.
- Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
Qualifications
Applicants must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Applicants must possess a J.D. or equivalent degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least 1.5 years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; have at least 2.5 years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-14 level; and 4 years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-15 level. You must also be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants must have excellent writing and advocacy skills, as well as superior negotiation and interpersonal skills. Successful candidates will be highly motivated, exhibit sound judgment and creativity, and have several years of active litigation experience
Education
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.
OR
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications. Your application will be evaluated by a reviewing panel.
Please Note: The Selecting Official may select additional candidates if more positions become available within 120 days after the closing date of the vacancy.
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume showing relevant experience.
- Transcript
- Writing Sample (not more than 15 pages in length,
- DD-214 and/or veteran documentation, (if applicable).
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 submit a cover letter, resume, transcript, and writing sample (not more than 15 pages in length). If you are claiming veterans preference, you must also submit your DD-214, and/or other documentation that you may have.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their materials by email to: nyitfo.resumes-attorney@usdoj.gov. On the subject line, please include the phrase "CIV-NYFO Trial Attorney".
No telephone calls, please.
Next steps
Once the application package is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. All qualified applications will be sent to the hiring official for review. You will be contacted directly if an interview is desired.
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