Appellate Counsel

Closing Date: 30th September, 2026

Description:

Job Description:
The National Fraud Enforcement Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Appellate Counsel positions in the Division's Appellate Section.

The Fraud Division's Appellate Section represents the United States in the federal courts of appeals on all Fraud Division matters. The experienced attorneys assigned to the Appellate Section participate in every aspect of the appellate litigation process, including preparing briefs and arguing cases in the courts of appeals. In addition, attorneys in the Appellate Section prepare recommendations to the Solicitor General regarding whether to seek further review of decisions adverse to the government and work closely with the Office of the Solicitor General to draft certiorari petitions, briefs in opposition, merits briefs, and other papers for filing in the Supreme Court on the United States' behalf. Finally, the Appellate Section supports the Fraud Division's broader enforcement portfolio by preparing and arguing motions in significant district court cases and by providing expert advice to trial attorneys and management regarding legal issues.

Generally, as an Appellate Counsel, the incumbent:

• Assists attorneys in reviewing adverse decisions and recommending future action to Fraud Division senior management;
• Provides advice to attorneys in the Fraud Division's litigating sections on legal and policy issues, including by conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, or editing other attorneys' work product;
• Works with Fraud Division management to develop training relevant to litigation concerning recent appellate court decisions, new legislation, and other developing areas of the law;
• Assists in handling internal government requests for the Fraud Division, including from the Department of Justice and Congress;
• In collaboration with section managers, carries out and fosters effective investigations and prosecutions, including advising on strategy and legal complexities, and developing litigation priorities.
• Recommends charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
• Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, using the grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, utilizing international evidence collection tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country.
• Locations: Washington D.C.; Newark, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California.

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.

Grade Specific Qualifications:

• To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
• 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: Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies:
• Federal appellate court clerkship.
• Experience drafting federal appellate briefs and presenting oral argument before federal courts of appeal.
• Knowledge of white collar criminal enforcement practice.
• Experience in supporting and litigating federal or state criminal cases.

Salary:
This is a permanent position at the GS-14 or GS-15 grade level. The salary range for this position will be based on the duty location. See OPM's Web page at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/

Number of Positions
Multiple

Travel:

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