🟢 Status: OPEN | Closes: July 10, 2026 | Source: USAJOBS.gov
DOJ Trial Attorney Jobs 2026 — International Trade Field Office, New York | Apply Now
The US Department of Justice (DOJ), Civil Division, International Trade Field Office (ITFO), is hiring Trial Attorneys for 2026 in New York, New York. Positions are available at GS-13, GS-14, and GS-15 grade levels with salaries ranging from $125,431 to $197,200 per year — plus a potential signing bonus of up to $25,000 for well-qualified candidates.
This is a prestigious federal attorney position where you will represent the United States Government in all aspects of first-chair trial and appellate litigation in the US Court of International Trade and the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit — handling complex matters involving customs law, tariffs, international treaties, trade agreements, and presidential proclamations. Applications close July 10, 2026.
Job Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Trial Attorney (International Trade Field Office – NY) |
| Agency | US Department of Justice, Civil Division |
| Office | International Trade Field Office (ITFO), New York |
| Job Control Number | 868358300 |
| Job ID | DE-12866650-26-BLC |
| Location | New York, New York (In-Person — 5 days/week required) |
| Work Schedule | Full-Time |
| Appointment Type | Permanent — Attorney Appointment (Excepted Service) |
| Pay Scale & Grade | GS-13 / GS-14 / GS-15 |
| Salary Range | $125,431 – $197,200 per year |
| Signing Bonus | Up to $25,000 for well-qualified candidates |
| Closing Date | July 10, 2026 |
| Who May Apply | US Citizens (primary); select non-citizens may apply |
| Degree Required | Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent — mandatory |
| Bar Admission | Active bar membership in any US jurisdiction required |
| Security Clearance | Background Investigation Required |
| Drug Test | Required |
| Travel Required | Up to 50% — nationwide court appearances |
| Remote Work | Not available — in-person required |
| Supervisory Status | No |
| USAJOBS Link | Click Here to Apply |
About the Role
As a Trial Attorney at the DOJ International Trade Field Office, you will represent the United States Government in complex first-chair litigation at the US Court of International Trade (USCIT) — a specialized federal court with nationwide jurisdiction over trade and customs disputes — and handle appeals before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
The ITFO offers an energetic, collegial work environment where attorneys are given substantial responsibility from day one. You will personally manage your own case docket — conducting investigations, taking depositions, writing all briefs, handling full trials, and presenting oral arguments — with direct support from federal client agencies including US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the US Trade Representative (USTR), and the Department of Commerce.
This is not a typical government lawyer role. You will be in courtrooms, taking depositions, and arguing complex legal issues involving billions of dollars in international trade at the very highest levels of US trade law.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Represent the United States in first-chair trial litigation in the US Court of International Trade — including all pre-trial proceedings, motions practice, and full trial
- Handle all aspects of appellate litigation in the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- Personally manage your own case docket — conducting independent fact investigation, working with expert witnesses, and developing litigation strategy
- Draft and file all substantive and procedural briefs, motions, and court documents on complex legal issues
- Take and defend depositions of fact and expert witnesses
- Serve and respond to written discovery (interrogatories, requests for production, requests for admission)
- Present oral argument before the US Court of International Trade and the Federal Circuit
- Conduct settlement negotiations and recommend settlements when appropriate; work with DOJ leadership on settlement authority
- Handle matters including:
- Importer challenges to CBP decisions on classification and valuation of imported merchandise
- Lawsuits relating to trade-related presidential proclamations, executive orders, international treaties, and free trade agreements
- Disputes over customs licenses — refusals to grant or revocation
- Actions for collection of customs duties and penalties under federal customs laws
- Interpretation and application of tariff laws
- Work closely with counsel from federal client agencies including CBP, USTR, Commerce, and State
- Travel up to 50% for court appearances, depositions, and client meetings nationwide
Qualifications & Requirements
Minimum Education & Bar
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Juris Doctor (J.D.) or equivalent — mandatory |
| Bar Admission | Active member in good standing of the bar of any US state, territory, or DC |
| Citizenship | US Citizenship required (rare exceptions for non-citizens per DOJ policy) |
| Preferred Background | Trial litigation, judicial clerkship, international trade law, customs law, government contracts |
Experience Requirements by Grade
| Grade | Salary | Minimum Post-J.D. Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-13 | $125,431 – $163,063/yr | Minimum 1.5 years post-J.D. legal or relevant experience |
| GS-14 | $148,415 – $192,939/yr | Minimum 2.5 years post-J.D. legal or relevant experience |
| GS-15 | $174,461 – $197,200/yr | Minimum 4 years post-J.D. legal or relevant experience |
⚠️ Important: Meeting the minimum post-J.D. experience does not guarantee selection at that grade level. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
Qualifying Experience Examples
- Independently performing legal analysis on complex civil or criminal issues
- Composing pleadings, briefs, and court documents involving unique or difficult legal issues
- Conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation
- Leading paralegals and support staff through litigation
Preferred Qualifications
- Excellent legal writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
- Trial experience — bench or jury trials at state or federal level
- Judicial clerkship experience (strongly desirable)
- Knowledge of customs law, tariff law, international trade agreements, or administrative law
- Sound judgment; ability to manage heavy caseload and assume substantial responsibility
Other Requirements
- Conflicts of Interest: Must disclose if currently representing clients or adjudicating matters involving the ITFO, or if family members are — DOJ will evaluate any potential conflicts
- Background Investigation: Full federal background investigation required for suitability
- Drug Test: Pre-employment drug screening required
- Probationary Period: Two-year attorney trial period required
- In-Person: Must be physically present in the New York office five days per week — no remote or telework
Salary & Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Salary | $125,431 – $197,200/yr (GS-13 to GS-15, New York locality) |
| Signing Bonus | Up to $25,000 for well-qualified candidates (priority for DC, NYC, SF, Dallas, Raleigh) |
| Relocation | Not authorized |
| Health Insurance | Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) — comprehensive plans |
| Dental & Vision | Federal Employees Dental & Vision (FEDVIP) |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| TSP (401k equivalent) | Thrift Savings Plan with 5% agency matching |
| Paid Leave | 13–26 days vacation + 13 days sick leave per year |
| Holidays | 11 paid federal holidays |
| Life Insurance | Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) |
| Bar Dues | Government may reimburse bar dues and CLE requirements |
| Career Progression | Path from GS-13 to GS-15 within the Civil Division |
| Prestige | Represent the US Government in one of the most specialized federal courts in the country |
| Disability Accommodation | Qualified individuals with disabilities may be eligible for Schedule A direct hire |
How to Apply
Step 1 — Create a free account on USAJOBS.gov
Step 2 — Prepare your legal resume or CV (include law school, bar admissions, clerkship experience, litigation history, publications, and all post-J.D. experience with specific dates)
Step 3 — Prepare a writing sample — DOJ attorney applications typically require a legal writing sample demonstrating brief-writing or complex legal analysis ability
Step 4 — Prepare a cover letter addressing your qualifications, relevant experience, and why you are interested in the ITFO position. Include your veterans’ preference status if applicable
Step 5 — Search for Control Number 868358300 or apply at: www.usajobs.gov/job/868358300
Step 6 — Review any conflicts of interest before submitting — notify the office if you represent clients or have family members involved in matters where ITFO is involved
Step 7 — Submit all documents before July 10, 2026
⚠️ Important: DOJ attorney positions are in the Excepted Service — they follow DOJ’s own competitive process, not standard GS competitive procedures. Your cover letter and writing sample are as important as your resume. Applicants should familiarize themselves with the DOJ Rules of Professional Conduct regarding conflicts of interest before applying. All applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.
Veterans’ Preference
There is no formal point-based veterans’ preference system for attorney appointments in the Excepted Service. However, the Department of Justice considers veterans’ preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Veterans should include their preference eligibility in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (DD-214; SF-15 for 10-point preference). Veterans with legal backgrounds (JAG Corps, military legal assistance, AFJAG, etc.) are strongly encouraged to apply.
About DOJ Civil Division — International Trade Field Office
The US Department of Justice Civil Division is the largest litigating division of the Department of Justice, handling civil matters on behalf of hundreds of federal agencies and the United States itself. The International Trade Field Office (ITFO) is based in New York City and represents the United States exclusively in the US Court of International Trade — a specialized Article III federal court with nationwide jurisdiction over civil actions arising from US customs and international trade laws. ITFO also handles all appeals to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. ITFO attorneys handle some of the most commercially significant litigation in federal court — involving billions of dollars in import duties, major trade policy questions, and the interpretation of international treaties and free trade agreements. The office has a long tradition of excellence in federal litigation and offers one of the most intellectually challenging legal careers available in the federal government.
Disclaimer
FederalJobsAlert.us is an independent job notification website. This listing is sourced from USAJOBS.gov and DOJ.gov for informational purposes only. Always verify the latest details and apply directly at www.usajobs.gov/job/868358300. We are not affiliated with DOJ, the Civil Division, or any US government agency.
Sources:
- Trial Attorney (ITFO-NY) – USAJOBS #868358300
- Trial Attorney (International Trade Field Office-NY) – DOJ Legal Careers
- DOJ Legal Careers
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