Trial Attorney
What you'd do
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)
Major 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.
What you need to qualify
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.
Before you apply
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