What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trial Attorney (HTPU) position at U.S. Department of Justice?
Hiring Organization
Civil Rights Division (CRT)
Hiring Office
Criminal Section
Job ID
25-CRM-CMS-ATT-12640338
Location:
Washington, DC 20530 - United States
Application Deadline:
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
About the Office
The Civil Rights Division (CRT or Division) of the Department of Justice (DOJ or Department), created by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status.
The Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division investigates and prosecutes federal civil rights offenses, including deprivations of rights under color of law, hate crimes, interference with reproductive health care services, and human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU) is a specialized Unit within the Criminal Section that investigates and prosecutes novel, complex, multi-jurisdictional, and international human trafficking cases in partnership with United States Attorney's Offices (USAOs) nationwide. HTPU also leads interagency enforcement initiatives; disseminates expertise on forced labor, sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion, and transnational trafficking into the United States; provides training and strategic guidance to enforcement partners; and engages in policy advocacy to advance Departmental anti-trafficking policy priorities.
This position is that of a Trial Attorney for the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU), Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in Washington, D.C. The Trial Attorney's primary role will be to investigate and prosecute sensitive and complex cases involving violations of federal criminal civil rights statutes, including those that prohibit forced labor and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.
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 Description
As a Trial Attorney, you will review and analyze allegations of criminal civil rights violations; develop strategies for investigations; coordinate with federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that cases are investigated thoroughly and effectively; develop testimonial and documentary evidence relevant to cases; present evidence to federal grand juries; identify relevant legal issues in cases and investigations; recommend for or against federal prosecution; meet and confer with officials from the Civil Rights Division, the Department of Justice, other federal, state, and local government agencies, and interested non-governmental organizations; and establish good working relationships with partners from United States Attorney's Offices and federal investigative agencies nationwide.
In addition, you will prepare and present cases for prosecution, to include preparing grand jury authorization requests, prosecution summaries, and indictment recommendations; preparing indictments, motions, pleadings, and briefs; conducting pretrial discovery and motions practice; developing testimonial and documentary evidence for trial; and conducting every aspect of trial preparation and trial presentation in federal criminal trials in jurisdictions across the United States.
Trial Attorneys also handle non-litigation matters that arise in relation to the Section's mission of investigating and prosecuting criminal civil rights and cases. These non-litigation duties might include participating in strategy and coordination meetings; conducting legal trainings, public presentations, and other forms of outreach; meeting with interested persons regarding prosecutorial decisions; and other non-litigation duties.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a JD from an American Bar Association accredited law school, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction) and possess the minimum years of post-professional law degree experience commensurate to the grade level of eligibility, as shown below. Applicants also must have strong, demonstrated qualifications in the following areas: academic achievement; substantive knowledge and expertise in the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the work of the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, including the criminal statutes prohibiting involuntary servitude, slavery, and human trafficking codified at Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 77, Sections 1581 through 1597 or substantially similar laws, rules, and regulations; written and oral communication skills; the ability to analyze complex issues; skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with others; organizational skills; professional judgment; initiative; and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment. In addition, applicants must have outstanding professional references.
Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.
GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience
GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience
GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Given the nature, volume, and complexity of this work, the Criminal Section's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit seeks candidates with significant criminal litigation experience, including federal criminal litigation and/or state criminal litigation involving human trafficking or related crimes. The following qualifications are preferred, but not required: (1) experience investigating and prosecuting human trafficking crimes under federal and/or state law; (2) first-chair criminal prosecution or defense experience; (3) federal criminal litigation experience, including federal jury trial experience; (4) experience leading complex investigations, especially in utilizing investigative grand juries; (5) substantial knowledge of federal human trafficking statutes, federal criminal procedure, and constitutional law; (6) judicial clerkship experience; (7) experience working with crime victims or other vulnerable individuals; and (8) experience coordinating with law enforcement agencies and task force partners. Other preferred qualifications include law review, moot court, clinical experience, experience with trafficking-related civil, administrative, or immigration proceedings, and skill and experience working cooperatively and productively with a range of people such as witnesses, disadvantaged or disenfranchised groups, opposing counsel, judicial or administrative officials, advocacy groups, law enforcement personnel, task forces, and other federal or state governmental agencies.
Application Process
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Cover Letter - Letter should highlight relevant knowledge and experience, including any preferred qualifications.
Resume - Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. Additionally, your resume must include the following information for each job listed: month and year, start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008), and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week).
Law School Transcripts - Submit a copy of your law school transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable). Applicants must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Current DOJ Attorneys are not required to submit a copy of their transcripts.
Writing Sample - A brief or comparable analytic legal exposition that is your work product. (No more than 10 pages)
Assessment Questionnaire (you will be prompted to complete this when you apply online).
Schedule A Documentation (if applicable) - Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). This letter must be separate from any Veterans Preference documentation. If you are selected and your Schedule A letter is more than three years old, you will be asked to provide an updated letter.
Current or Former Political Appointees (if applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable):
If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it at http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ or call 1-800-827-1000.
Failure to provide the applicable required documents could possibly result in losing consideration for this vacancy. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD214, or Transcripts. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and all required documents are submitted prior to the closing date.
We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.
To apply for this position, see page at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/824943000
Salary
$117,962.00 to $191,900.00 Per Year
Civil Rights Division (CRT)
Hiring Office
Criminal Section
Job ID
25-CRM-CMS-ATT-12640338
Location:
Washington, DC 20530 - United States
Application Deadline:
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
About the Office
The Civil Rights Division (CRT or Division) of the Department of Justice (DOJ or Department), created by the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, works to uphold the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans, particularly some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The Division enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status.
The Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division investigates and prosecutes federal civil rights offenses, including deprivations of rights under color of law, hate crimes, interference with reproductive health care services, and human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU) is a specialized Unit within the Criminal Section that investigates and prosecutes novel, complex, multi-jurisdictional, and international human trafficking cases in partnership with United States Attorney's Offices (USAOs) nationwide. HTPU also leads interagency enforcement initiatives; disseminates expertise on forced labor, sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion, and transnational trafficking into the United States; provides training and strategic guidance to enforcement partners; and engages in policy advocacy to advance Departmental anti-trafficking policy priorities.
This position is that of a Trial Attorney for the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU), Criminal Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), in Washington, D.C. The Trial Attorney's primary role will be to investigate and prosecute sensitive and complex cases involving violations of federal criminal civil rights statutes, including those that prohibit forced labor and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.
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 Description
As a Trial Attorney, you will review and analyze allegations of criminal civil rights violations; develop strategies for investigations; coordinate with federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that cases are investigated thoroughly and effectively; develop testimonial and documentary evidence relevant to cases; present evidence to federal grand juries; identify relevant legal issues in cases and investigations; recommend for or against federal prosecution; meet and confer with officials from the Civil Rights Division, the Department of Justice, other federal, state, and local government agencies, and interested non-governmental organizations; and establish good working relationships with partners from United States Attorney's Offices and federal investigative agencies nationwide.
In addition, you will prepare and present cases for prosecution, to include preparing grand jury authorization requests, prosecution summaries, and indictment recommendations; preparing indictments, motions, pleadings, and briefs; conducting pretrial discovery and motions practice; developing testimonial and documentary evidence for trial; and conducting every aspect of trial preparation and trial presentation in federal criminal trials in jurisdictions across the United States.
Trial Attorneys also handle non-litigation matters that arise in relation to the Section's mission of investigating and prosecuting criminal civil rights and cases. These non-litigation duties might include participating in strategy and coordination meetings; conducting legal trainings, public presentations, and other forms of outreach; meeting with interested persons regarding prosecutorial decisions; and other non-litigation duties.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a JD from an American Bar Association accredited law school, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any jurisdiction) and possess the minimum years of post-professional law degree experience commensurate to the grade level of eligibility, as shown below. Applicants also must have strong, demonstrated qualifications in the following areas: academic achievement; substantive knowledge and expertise in the laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the work of the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, including the criminal statutes prohibiting involuntary servitude, slavery, and human trafficking codified at Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 77, Sections 1581 through 1597 or substantially similar laws, rules, and regulations; written and oral communication skills; the ability to analyze complex issues; skill and experience working collaboratively and productively with others; organizational skills; professional judgment; initiative; and the ability to excel in a fast-paced, demanding environment. In addition, applicants must have outstanding professional references.
Possessing the minimum post law degree legal experience does not guarantee the applicant will be selected at that grade level.
GS-13 - minimum 1.5 years post-JD legal experience
GS-14 - minimum 2.5 years post-JD legal experience
GS-15 - minimum 4 years post-JD legal experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Given the nature, volume, and complexity of this work, the Criminal Section's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit seeks candidates with significant criminal litigation experience, including federal criminal litigation and/or state criminal litigation involving human trafficking or related crimes. The following qualifications are preferred, but not required: (1) experience investigating and prosecuting human trafficking crimes under federal and/or state law; (2) first-chair criminal prosecution or defense experience; (3) federal criminal litigation experience, including federal jury trial experience; (4) experience leading complex investigations, especially in utilizing investigative grand juries; (5) substantial knowledge of federal human trafficking statutes, federal criminal procedure, and constitutional law; (6) judicial clerkship experience; (7) experience working with crime victims or other vulnerable individuals; and (8) experience coordinating with law enforcement agencies and task force partners. Other preferred qualifications include law review, moot court, clinical experience, experience with trafficking-related civil, administrative, or immigration proceedings, and skill and experience working cooperatively and productively with a range of people such as witnesses, disadvantaged or disenfranchised groups, opposing counsel, judicial or administrative officials, advocacy groups, law enforcement personnel, task forces, and other federal or state governmental agencies.
Application Process
The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone) on Wednesday, January 8, 2025.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:
Cover Letter - Letter should highlight relevant knowledge and experience, including any preferred qualifications.
Resume - Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. Additionally, your resume must include the following information for each job listed: month and year, start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008), and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week).
Law School Transcripts - Submit a copy of your law school transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable). Applicants must be graduates of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Current DOJ Attorneys are not required to submit a copy of their transcripts.
Writing Sample - A brief or comparable analytic legal exposition that is your work product. (No more than 10 pages)
Assessment Questionnaire (you will be prompted to complete this when you apply online).
Schedule A Documentation (if applicable) - Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). This letter must be separate from any Veterans Preference documentation. If you are selected and your Schedule A letter is more than three years old, you will be asked to provide an updated letter.
Current or Former Political Appointees (if applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable):
If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it at http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ or call 1-800-827-1000.
Failure to provide the applicable required documents could possibly result in losing consideration for this vacancy. If uploading documentation, do not identify/save your documents utilizing a special character such as %, #, @, etc. Documentation should be identified/saved as VA Letter, DD214, or Transcripts. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and all required documents are submitted prior to the closing date.
We cannot be held responsible for incompatible software, delays in mail service, applicant application errors, etc.
To apply for this position, see page at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/824943000
Salary
$117,962.00 to $191,900.00 Per Year
Salary : $117,962 - $191,900
