Trial Attorney (Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation)

About the role

The Torts Branch's Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section defends the United States in aviation, space and maritime cases and claims. It handles wrongful death, serious personal injury and property damage actions arising from aircraft accidents, as well as litigation from space launch or space vehicle incidents, and represents the government as ship-owner, regulator and protector of waterways and maritime resources.

Key responsibilities

• Defend the United States in aviation cases such as wrongful death, serious personal injury and property damage arising from aircraft accidents, covering air traffic control, military aviation, weather dissemination, navigational aids, and certification of aircraft, airports and air personnel.
• Litigate commercial airline accident cases involving the United States, including the current litigation arising from the D.C. midair tragedy.
• Handle litigation and claims from space launch or space vehicle incidents, such as those from the Space Shuttle Columbia and Challenger disasters.
• Represent the United States in admiralty matters: collisions involving U.S. vessels and warships, vessel grounding, challenges to boarding of vessels during national security and drug interdiction, and maritime pollution incidents including oil spills.
• Defend against affirmative admiralty actions seeking compensation for damage to maritime infrastructure, natural resources and cleanup costs.

Required profile

• U.S. citizen or national, with a background investigation including drug testing and Selective Service registration as applicable.
• J.D. degree (or equivalent) from an accredited U.S. institution, or comparable foreign education; active membership in good standing of a U.S. bar.
• Minimum post-J.D. legal experience depending on grade: 1 year (GS-12), 1.5 years (GS-13), 2.5 years (GS-14) or 4 years (GS-15).
• Able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility depending on assignment.
• Must complete a 2-year trial period; employment ends unless the agency certifies that continued employment advances the public interest.

Required skills

• Excellent writing, negotiation and interpersonal skills, good judgment, and interest in trial and appellate work.
• Aviation, space and/or admiralty litigation experience strongly preferred, as well as complex litigation, expert witnesses and e-discovery.