The Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section of the Torts Branch handles aviation, space, and maritime cases and claims. Client agencies include the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, all military services including the Navy and the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, NASA, NSA, and the Departments of State, Interior, Transportation, and Commerce.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Torts Branch is seeking an experienced maritime trial attorney for its Admiralty Litigation Section. The trial attorney will be responsible for all aspects of representing the United States in actions brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act and a variety of admiralty and maritime laws, including maritime pollution laws. Specific duties include preparation of pleadings, pretrial discovery, researching, writing and arguing motions, alternative dispute resolution, and trial and appellate work.
In its admiralty practice, the Section represents the United States in the government's role as ship-owner, regulator, and protector of the nation's waterways and maritime resources. Its admiralty litigation concerns collisions involving U.S. vessels and warships, grounding of vessels while using U.S. government-produced charts, challenges to the boarding of vessels on the high seas during national security and drug interdiction activities, and maritime-based pollution incidents, including oil spills. Affirmative admiralty actions seek compensation for the loss of government cargo, damage to federal property and natural resources, and the costs associated with maritime pollution cleanups.
Applicants must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), have at least one year of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; have at least two years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; have at least three years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-14 level; and four years of post J.D. experience to qualify at the GS-15 level. You must also be a U.S. citizen.
Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and have an interest in trial and appellate work. Admiralty litigation experience is strongly preferred as well as complex litigation skills, including experience with expert witnesses and e-discovery.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, including the required documents indicated below. The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Daylight Time, on the listed closing date. A complete application package must include:
1. Cover Letter (highlighting relevant experience). Address the cover letter to Barry Benson, Director Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section.
2. Résumé - Applicants are encouraged show work experience with the subject matter pertinent to the position and technical skills necessary to perform the duties of the position successfully.
3. Writing Sample (not more than 15 pages in length and must be written in the past 3 years).
4. If you are claiming veterans preference, you must also submit your DD-214 (Member-4 copy), and/or other documentation that you may have.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their materials by email to: Effie.Harper@usdoj.gov
Please use "[Last name] Trial Attorney, Torts/ASA" as your subject line.
The preferred application method is to email these materials to Ms. Harper who will ensure that all applications sent by email are compiled for the Director.
If necessary, applicants may also send their materials by commercial courier service, (FedEx or UPS) to:
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Division, Torts Branch (ASA)
P. O. Box 14271 Ben Franklin Station
Washington, DC 20044-4271
ATTN: Barry Benson, Director
No telephone calls, please.
Applications must be postmarked by no later than the closing date of this announcement (applications submitted by e-mail must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Daylight Time on the closing date of this announcement).
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.