Trial Attorney (ITFO-NY)

About the role

The International Trade Field Office (ITFO) represents the United States, its departments and agencies, and federal officials in both affirmative and defensive litigation in the United States Court of International Trade.

Responsibilities

• Represent the United States in all aspects of "first chair" trial and appellate litigation.
• Personally manage cases, conduct fact investigation, work with expert witnesses, serve and respond to written discovery, take and defend depositions.
• Write all substantive and procedural briefs, conduct all aspects of any trial, and present oral argument in the United States Court of International Trade.
• Personally handle all aspects of appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
• Engage in settlement negotiations and recommend settlements of litigation when appropriate.
• Work closely with counsel from Federal client agencies.

Matters within ITFO's area of responsibility include, among others:

• Importer challenges to U.S. Customs and Border Protection decisions concerning the classification and valuation of imported merchandise, and other issues under the tariff laws.
• Lawsuits relating to the interpretation and application of trade-related presidential proclamations, executive orders, international treaties and free trade agreements.
• Disputes over the government's refusal to grant or the revocation of various licenses under the customs laws.
• Actions for the collection of duties and penalties under the customs laws.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must complete a Background Investigation to include drug testing.
• Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
• May require completion of a 2-year trial period (see Trial Period Statement under Qualifications).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment / duty location.
• Must pass a drug test screening for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
• Financial Disclosure: If selected, you will be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

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. The minimum years of post-law degree experience commensurate with the grade level of eligibility are shown below. Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee selection at that grade level.

• GS-11: up to one (1) year of legal experience.
• GS-12: minimum one (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience.
• GS-13: at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• GS-14: at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience.
• GS-15: at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience.

Trial Period Statement: As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education: All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (see www.ed.gov). Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited U.S. institution; you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Skills

• Excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Good judgment and experience in trial work.
• Judicial clerkship experience is desirable.

Schedule

This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week.

Benefits

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. Eligibility 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