Special Attorney (Detail Opportunity)
Offices, Boards and Divisions See More Job Openings by This EmployerThis is a non-reimbursable detail assignment for a period of one year with an option to extend. This announcement will be open until positions are filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on or before September 30, 2026. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below: Special Attorney (Detail Opportunity)
Duties
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 Special Attorney positions within the Fraud Division's National Enforcement Section. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on or before July 6, 2026.
The Fraud Division's National Enforcement Section is focused on high-tempo prosecutions across the Fraud Division portfolio, including criminals who compromise our health care system, defraud public benefit programs, bilk federal procurement, evade tariffs and customs laws, cheat our tax system, or threaten the financial integrity of the United States or its citizens. Through our rigorous training and development program, attorneys assigned to the National Enforcement Section gain experience in the full breadth of the Fraud Division's criminal enforcement portfolio.
Job DescriptionThe Fraud Division has vacancies for Special Attorney positions in the Division's National Enforcement Section. In addition to substantive case work, the detail assignment includes a blend of training and professional development appropriate to the experience of the attorney. The specialized legal experience and skills gained through this assignment will enhance the attorney's ability to provide strategic legal counsel and contribute to mission critical initiatives upon return to their home agency.
As a Special Attorney, the incumbent:
- 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.
- Partners with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and attorneys in other federal law enforcement agencies in the development, management and trial of fraud cases.
- Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, using the grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, using international evidence collection tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country.
- 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 managers reporting on the status of all cases and matters related to criminal remedies.
- Advances the mission of his or her home agency by prioritizing investigations and litigation of interest to that agency.
Special Attorneys may be detailed to a United States Attorney's Office for training or special assignments.
Salary- $85,447 - $197,200/year
- 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
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
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 non-reimbursable detail. Under a detail assignment, there is no change in salary. 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 are not offered. Required DocumentsTo apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes the following:
- Resumé (not to exceed two pages) demonstrating relevant experience and month/year the experience was obtained
- Cover letter with brief statement of interest.
- Writing sample
Interested applicants must obtain approval from their home agency prior to applying for this detail opportunity.
Applicants should?submit?a resume, cover letter, and?writing?sample (not to exceed 10 pages) in?PDF format?to?frauddivisionhiring@usdoj.gov?with the subject line in the following format: "Special Attorney Detail?- Last name, First name." In the cover letter, applicants must include the contact information (name, title, email address, and phone number) for an appropriate point of contact at his or her home agency and include a statement that the applicant's agency supports the employee's participation in the detail assignment.
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.