Trial Attorney

DutiesAbout the OfficeThe United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP is a national program with 21 regions consisting of 89 field offices, and has broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authorities in bankruptcy cases, including chapter 7 and 13 consumer cases, family farmer chapter 12 cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate reorganizations. The USTP is the only participant in the bankruptcy process uniquely positioned to address multi-jurisdictional misconduct or other issues of national scope that give rise to systemic fraud and abuse, while also effectively combatting local matters affecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system.We invite you to visit the USTP's website for more information about the USTP and the Region 03 website for information on the USTP Philadelphia office. The City of Philadelphia website provides information about Philadelphia, PA.The USTP offers a flexible telework policy, including four (4) routine telework days per bi-weekly pay period.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.Job DescriptionThe USTP is seeking an attorney experienced in litigation practice and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts covered by the Region and/or field office. This oversight would include litigating enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, overseeing private trustees, handling appellate matters, and referring criminal conduct identified in connection with bankruptcy cases. The Program seeks to hire talented Trial Attorneys and provide them with frequent and meaningful court experience on a variety of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.The typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include:Oversee the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and the field office;Litigate issues arising in chapter 11 proceedings, including those involving corporate governance, and issues arising in employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation matters;Litigate civil enforcement matters arising in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors' ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct matters, and non-attorney document preparation servicer misconduct;Assist with appellate matters arising in the Region and district;Partner with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to enhance the Program's mission locally, and to help develop and implement policies and strategies designed to faithfully execute a uniform application of bankruptcy law;Supervise private trustees in the Region who administer bankruptcy cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code;Work with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegals Specialists, and support staff in the Region;Work with the Program's federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight;Provide outreach to interested constituents and those involved in the bankruptcy system, such as the bankruptcy court, the bar, and other federal and state agencies; andWork on other national projects and priorities, as assigned.Requirements Conditions of EmploymentMust be a U.S. Citizen or NationalMust complete a Background Investigation to include drug testingSelective Service Registration is required, as applicableMay require completion of one year probationary periodFinancial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. QualificationsQualificationsRequired Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic and professional credentials; superior oral and written communication; outstanding legal research, analytical and legal reasoning; outstanding judgment; and the ability to function with minimal guidance in a demanding legal environment. Further, an applicant must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school and have at least two (2) years post-J.D. professional legal or other relevant experience advocating on behalf of clients, interpreting or applying provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations that arise in bankruptcy cases.Applicants must be an active member of a state bar in good standing. Please note, in a select few jurisdictions, federal attorneys are required to be active members of the jurisdiction's state bar.Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications listed above, the ideal candidate will have:A record of analyzing complex legal problems, interpreting statutory, rule, and regulatory provisions, developing litigation strategies, and demonstrating superior trial practice skills;A record of litigating complex matters including taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and propounding formal written discovery;Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to address a broad array of issues arising in a large volume of cases;The ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and projects;The ability to set, manage, and balance diverse, evolving, and challenging projects and priorities;Demonstrated initiative and creativity;Strong interpersonal communication skills;Strong information technology skills, including using data bases and IT systems to manage and track work;Experience working with or for federal agencies;Experience in bankruptcy, especially complex chapter 11 proceedings; and,A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards. Additional informationSalaryThis position is full-time and permanent. The possible salary range is on the General Schedule from GS-13 to GS-15. The annual salary will depend on the applicant's qualifications, experience, and the locality pay adjustment for the duty station.Travel
Periodic travel is required depending on work assignments and for training.Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses may be authorized to current USTP employees only, based on USTP policy. Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefitsEligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.How You Will Be EvaluatedYou will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.Application ProcessThis vacancy announcement is open to ALL U.S. CITIZENS. To apply, interested candidates must submit ONE (1) PDF document containing the following:A cover letter that highlights the applicant's interest in the position and details how all qualifications are met;A current resume that details months and years of education, employment, and earliest bar admission;A short writing sample, or an excerpt from a longer writing sample (under ten pages), that is exclusively or primarily the applicant's work and includes legal analysis;DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Member 4 copy (if applicable);CTAP/ICTAP documentation (if applicable). Email the pdf document to: ustp.employment@usdoj.gov with the subject line Trial Attorney-Philadelphia-12-2024.Evaluation ProcessA panel of subject matter experts will review applications to determine how well a candidate meets the minimum position qualifications outlined above. If a candidate is deemed qualified, they will be contacted via email or telephone to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scored by a selecting committee and those who fall into the best-qualified category will be considered for the position.Initial appointment is conditioned upon passing a preliminary background investigation and is not-to-exceed fourteen (14) months. The appointment may require 120-day increment extensions until the full background investigation is complete. The appointment will automatically become permanent following the favorable adjudication.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 conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
The application materials are required to be submitted electronically as a pdf file by all applicants (including attorneys currently appointed to positions in the Department of Justice) and emailed to ustp.employment@usdoj.gov with the subject line Trial Attorney-Philadelphia-12-2024.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
When addressing the specialized experience statement, applicants must present evidence of the experience in their resume. If the specialized experience statement is repeated, in the applicant's resume, Human Resources will deem the applicant as ineligible.