Duties
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 Tax 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 Fraud Division's Tax Section is focused on enforcing the nation's criminal tax laws. This effort aims to protect taxpayers from fraudulent tax preparers, identity theft-related tax crimes, and other sophisticated fraudsters targeting Americans and the United States economy. In addition, the Tax Section investigates and prosecutes individuals and corporations that attempt to evade taxes, willfully fail to file returns, submit false tax forms, and otherwise attempt to defraud the internal revenue system. Some of the Tax Section's cases involve fraudulent claims against the public fisc for refunds, tax defiers, identity theft, financial institution fraud, securities fraud, health care fraud, organized crime activities, and narcotics trafficking. The Tax Section also supervises all criminal tax enforcement conducted across the Department. The attorneys assigned to the Tax Section are responsible for developing and advancing investigations of these offenses and prosecuting offenders in district court on behalf of the United States. Trial attorneys in the Tax Section work in a collegial environment in which they can further develop their legal writing, oral advocacy, and investigative and courtroom skills. Trial attorneys engage in all facets of criminal litigation, including grand jury investigative practice, indictment, motions practice, jury trial, and sentencing.
Job Description
The National Fraud Enforcement Division, U.S. Department of Justice is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Trial Attorney positions in the Tax Section.
Generally, as a Trial Attorney in Tax, the incumbent:
- In collaboration with unit managers, carries out and fosters effective investigations and prosecutions, including advising on strategy and legal complexities, and developing litigation priorities.
- Partners with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and attorneys in other federal law enforcement agencies in the development, management and trial of tax and related financial fraud cases.
- Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, using the grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, utilizing international evidence collection tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country.
- Recommends charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
- Advises and instructs Assistant U.S. Attorneys on complicated questions of law and Departmental policy with respect to matters arising under the internal revenue laws.
- Advises and consults with the Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Section Chief, and other Section Managers reporting on the status of all cases and matters related to criminal remedies.
- Upon accepting an offer of employment, applicants must make a three-year commitment to the Fraud Division.
Requirements
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 for the GS-13 grade level, applicants must have at least one and a half (1.5) years of post JD legal experience.
- To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years of 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 and/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:
- Experience as a federal criminal prosecutor.
- Experience in supporting, litigating, and supervising federal or state criminal cases.
- Experience in U.S. District Court or state court.
- Experience with the federal judiciary.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree.
Additional information
Salary
This is a permanent position at the GS-13, GS-14, or GS-15 grade level. The salary range for this position will be based on the duty location. See OPM's Web page at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/
Number of Positions
Many
Travel
The amount of travel can be significant. Travel frequency and location vary and are based on the attorney's litigation schedule.
Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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 above.