Trial Attorney

Summary

Capital Case Section (CCS) attorneys support U.S. Attorneys' Offices in all phases of federal capital prosecutions, including serving as co-counsel, advising on death penalty issues, assisting with Attorney General review submissions, and supporting appeals. CCS aids the Attorney General's Review Committee, provides training and resources to prosecutors, advises DOJ leadership on policy, reviews legislation and related materials, and maintains capital prosecution research and briefing resources.

Duties

The Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice is seeking qualified, experienced trial attorneys in the Capital Case Section (CCS) located in Washington, DC. As a Trial Attorney for the Criminal Division's Capital Case Section (CCS), the incumbent: Conducts analysis of new cases received from the United States Attorneys' Offices and Department components charging a crime punishable by death. Section attorneys advise the Attorney General's Capital Case Review Committee in its factual and legal evaluation of cases submitted to the Department for review regarding whether the death penalty should be sought in each capital-eligible case. Litigates all phases of federal capital cases, with a particular focus on those aspects unique to capital cases, including pre-trial motions and hearings, capital jury selection, penalty phase evidentiary presentations, and jury instructions. Provides training on the Department's capital case litigation. Section attorneys provide legal, procedural, and policy guidance to United States Attorneys' Offices and Department components handling capital investigations and prosecutions. In collaboration with USAOs, Section attorneys advise in the preparation of legal memoranda, such as proposed legislation, amendments, regulations, testimony, briefing materials, public statements, and correspondence on capital punishment issues. Collects and maintains trial and appellate materials related to federal capital prosecutions. Section attorneys partner with USAOs in the development and management of current information and materials which act as a resources center for capital prosecutors. Assists in the development of Department policies and procedures related to federal capital prosecutions.

Qualifications

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. 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 and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff. Preferred Qualifications: Experience in supporting, litigating, and supervising criminal cases in federal or state courts. Experience handling violent crime cases. Experience handling federal criminal prosecutions on behalf of the U. S. Department of Justice. Experience in preparing and submitting cases pursuant to the U.S. Department of Justice's death penalty protocol. Experience trying capital cases.

Education

A J.D., or equivalent, degree. Applicants who possess an equivalent degree rather than a J.D. may be subject to additional review by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.