Trial Attorney - Tribal Resources Section
What you'd do
The Tribal Resource Section litigates to uphold the United States' trust responsibility to Indian tribes, including defending agency decisions in furtherance of tribal interests and bringing affirmative actions to protect tribal lands, rights, resources, and jurisdiction. The litigation promotes tribal sovereignty and protects tribal land bases and other treaty and reserved rights, such as water rights, reservation boundaries, hunting and fishing rights, and federal and tribal jurisdiction.
Major duties
One or more positions may be filled in either Washington DC or Denver. The first cut-off date for referral of applicants will be 7/27/2026. The second cut-off date will be on the closing date of 8/17/2026. The Tribal Resource Section (TRS) litigates to uphold and fulfill the United States' trust responsibility to the nation's 575 federally recognized Indian tribes. This includes defending the decisions of the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies under the Administrative Procedure Act in furtherance of tribal interests, as well as bringing civil affirmative actions to protect tribal lands, rights, resources, and jurisdiction. This litigation furthers the United States' government-to-government relationships with tribal nations and generally promotes tribal sovereignty, protects tribal land bases, and ensures legal rights guaranteed by treaties and other reserved rights, such as water rights, reservation boundaries, hunting and fishing rights, and federal and tribal jurisdiction. The litigation handled by the Section is of vital interest to Indian tribes and often addresses issues of first impression. Consistent with the Tribal Resources Section's practice, the individual selected will be responsible for handling a range of matters, including some of the most complex and important cases currently arising in this area of the law. This position will allow the individual to utilize his or her superior legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills in all aspects of negotiation, motions practice, and trial.
What you need to qualify
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. Applicants must have the years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal experience for the specific grade level requirements listed below: At least 1 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-12 grade level. At least 1.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-13 grade level. At least 2.5 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-14 grade level. At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or judicial experience to qualify for the GS-15 grade level. Applicants should have a strong interest in federal litigation, trial work and/or appellate work, and an exceptional academic background. Judicial clerkship experience and familiarity with defensive civil litigation is highly desirable. Applicants must demonstrate superior research, analytical, and writing abilities. Years of experience will determine the appropriate salary level. The possible salary range is: Washington DC: GS-12 ($102,415 - $133,142) GS-13 ($121,785 - $158,322) GS-14 ($143,913 - $187,093) GS-15 ($169,279 - $197,200) Denver, CO: GS-12 ($ 99,800 - $129,742) GS-13 ($118,675 - $154,280) GS-14 ($140,239 - $182,316) GS-15 ($164,956 -$197,200) YOUR RESUME MUST provide specific details as to how your experience meets the specialized experience as described in the vacancy announcement if you are using experience to meet all or part of the qualification requirements. Please ensure that your resume includes the month and year that you began and ended each position held or that position will not be credited toward meeting the experience requirement. Part-time employment will be prorated in crediting experience. Failure to provide details will result in an ineligible rating. Only experience and education obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered.
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