Trial Attorney

This posting is for Trial Attorney positions within the Fraud Division's Asset Recovery Section. This announcement will be open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on or before June 22, 2026. Vacancy locations can be found within the link below. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below: Trial Attorney (Asset Recovery)

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.

Job Description

The National Fraud Enforcement Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Trial Attorney positions in the Division's Asset Recovery Section.

The Fraud Division's Asset Recovery Section takes the profit out of fraud by using all available civil and criminal authorities to affirmatively seize and forfeit domestic and international assets, by joining criminal investigations, and by collecting outstanding judgments on behalf of the United States. The experienced attorneys in the Asset Recovery Section are responsible for working with analysts and investigators to find and seize assets that rightfully belong to the American people, for litigating civil and criminal cases on behalf of the United States, and for providing subject matter expertise to other attorneys in the Division and the Department regarding forfeiture and asset recovery.

Generally, as a Trial Attorney, the incumbent:

• Conducts financial investigations to identify assets available to satisfy restitution orders; coordinating with criminal case teams and investigative agencies; researching and briefing legal issues related to enforcement of judgments; drafting and litigating writs of garnishment, writs of execution, liens, and other post-judgment remedies; negotiating payment agreements; conducting depositions and other civil discovery; appearing in Court for hearings on enforcement matters; and performing other litigation-related duties.
• Works closely with criminal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies to identify, restrain, and recover assets through financial investigations, civil discovery tools, garnishments, liens, and other enforcement mechanisms. They will also represent the United States in contested enforcement proceedings in federal court.
• In collaboration with section managers, carries out and fosters effective investigations and prosecutions, including advising on strategy and legal complexities, and developing litigation priorities.
• Recommends charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
• Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation before U.S. District Courts across the country.

Salary

• $107,446 - $164,301/year

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
• You must complete a background investigation to include pre-employment drug testing.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• You must maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.
• J.D. degree required, must be an active member of the bar, any jurisdiction.
• 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:

• Experience as a government attorney.
• Experience as an attorney in private practice.
• Experience as a judicial law clerk.
• Experience litigating in U.S. District Court or state court.
• Experience supporting, litigating, or supervising federal criminal or civil asset forfeiture cases.
• Experience conducting investigations of organizations and entities, including corporations.
• Experience working with law enforcement agencies.

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. 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. Other Information Salary This is a permanent position at the 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 Multiple 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. Required Documents

A complete application package must include:

1. Cover Letter (highlighting relevant experience).
2. Resume - 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. Your resume must be no more than 2 pages. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted. Please ensure all information you believe is qualifying for the position is contained within your resume, or you may be marked ineligible. Additionally, your resume must include your JD date and the following information for each job listed: month and year, start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008), and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week).
3. Writing Sample: Not to exceed 10 pages.
4. Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable) to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include: Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.
5. Current or Former Political Appointees (if applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.
6. Schedule A Documentation (if applicable) - The Fraud Division welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department.
7. Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable):

• If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character 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 at www.archives.gov/veterans.
• 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 http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf 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 at https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-started-with-va/ or call 1-800-827-1000.

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 conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

How to Apply

Salary
This is a permanent position at the 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
Multiple

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.