Trial Attorney - Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement

About the role

The National Fraud Enforcement Division of the U.S. Department of Justice investigates and prosecutes fraud against the American people. Its Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section investigates and prosecutes criminal import, trade and other fraud offenses that harm American industries, evade revenue collection, threaten consumer safety, finance foreign adversaries, promote forced labor through illegal trade and violate U.S. trade and commerce laws. Prosecutors in the Section lead trial litigation in district court and advise internal and external partners.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out investigations and prosecutions, advise on strategy and legal complexity, and set litigation priorities with section managers.
• Make charging and disposition decisions or recommendations on assigned cases.
• Partner with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other federal law enforcement agencies on complex trade, tariff, customs and trade fraud cases, including illegal imports involving forced labor.
• Engage in all phases of investigation and litigation, including grand jury practice, advising federal law enforcement, using international evidence collection tools, preparing pleadings and litigating motions and trials in U.S. District Courts.
• Advise Assistant U.S. Attorneys and agency partners on questions of law and departmental policy under federal trade, customs, external revenue, commerce laws and forced labor import bans.

Required profile

• United States citizen or national; pre-employment security investigation, background check and drug screening required; possible one-year probation.
• J.D. or equivalent degree; licensed to practice as an attorney in a U.S. state, territory or the District of Columbia and in good standing on the bar.
• GS-14: at least 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience, one at GS-13 level (e.g., legal analysis, drafting pleadings and briefs, civil or criminal litigation).
• GS-15: at least 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience, one at GS-14 level (e.g., independent legal analysis, complex litigation, leading paralegals and support staff).
• Preferred: criminal prosecution experience, private practice, judicial clerkship, district court litigation, investigations of organizations, and experience with forced labor import bans, supply chain transparency, human trafficking or coordination with CBP, HSI or international partners.

What we offer

• Permanent position at GS-14 or GS-15, with salary based on duty location.
• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package.
• Significant travel possible, depending on the litigation schedule; relocation expenses are not authorized.