Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section)

Clarification from the agency

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.

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. This posting is for Trial Attorney positions within the Fraud Division's Special Matters Section. This announcement will be open until positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on or before October 21, 2026.

The Special Matters Section handles issues related to privilege and legal ethics that arise in Division investigations and cases. Section attorneys assist in the collection and processing of evidence, as well as conduct filter reviews and litigation involving assertions of privilege. They also collaborate frequently with other Department personnel to ensure consistent approaches in developing areas of law, and they provide regular training and guidance to the Division.

The Fraud Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified and experienced attorneys for permanent Trial Attorney positions in the Division's Special Matters Section.

Generally, as a Trial Attorney in the Special Matters Section, the incumbent:

• Litigates issues of privilege and filter review protocols before federal courts by using the grand jury, writing appropriate pleadings, and arguing motions regarding privilege matters.
• Supervises and manages teams of attorneys and paralegals engaged in the review of potentially privileged materials.
• Advises Fraud Division prosecutors and their supervisors and federal law enforcement agents on strategic approaches to identifying and handling issues related to privilege at all stages of investigation and litigation.
• In collaboration with section managers, develops and maintains the Fraud Division's program to ensure that all prosecutors comply with their ethical obligations related to privilege, including developing litigation priorities, policy, and legislative recommendations.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See “Additional Information” section for further details.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

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 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:

• Expertise in the law of legal privilege, including Attorney-Client, Work Product Doctrine, Spousal Privilege, and all exceptions to such privileges, including waiver and crime-fraud exception
• Experience supervising attorneys and support staff engaged in the review of potentially privileged materials
• Experience overseeing large-scale document reviews, including familiarity with document review platforms.
• Experience litigating privilege matters in federal or state court.
• Knowledge of white-collar litigation.
• Experience in supporting, litigating, and supervising federal or state criminal cases.
• Experience with the federal judiciary.

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 above.

Please refer to the link below for required documents.

• Legal Careers | Trial Attorney (Special Matters Section) | United States Department of Justice

Next steps