Closing Date: 23rd September, 2026
Description:
Summary:The Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) is composed of the nation's experts in prosecuting child exploitation cases and in investigating high-technology child exploitation crimes. CEOS is dynamic, result-driven, and strongly focused on making the most meaningful prosecutions in its subject areas. CEOS attorneys help lead the Department of Justice efforts to continuously improve the enforcement of federal child exploitation laws and prevent the exploitation of children.
Duties:
CEOS is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as a Trial Attorney. CEOS attorneys prosecute cases including, among others, (1) the production, distribution, receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material (referred to in federal law as "child pornography"); (2) the online enticement of children for illegal sexual activity; (3) the travel of offenders, or transportation of children by offenders, across state lines for illegal sexual activity; (4) the sex trafficking of children, whether online or on our city streets; and (5) extraterritorial child sexual abuse and exploitation (often misleadingly referred to as "child sex tourism") by U.S. nationals.
Because these cases often involve the application of cutting-edge computer technologies, both in the criminal conduct and its investigation, CEOS attorneys regularly face novel and challenging legal issues. CEOS attorneys prosecute cases and work with Assistant United States Attorneys and investigative agents in federal districts throughout the country. Many cases and operations handled by CEOS attorneys are national and international in scope.
CEOS attorneys work jointly with foreign prosecutors and investigators as well. To maximize the effectiveness of large investigations/operations, especially where the criminal conduct is committed over the Internet, CEOS attorneys work closely with U.S. Attorneys Offices and investigative agencies to develop a national strategy in which information and evidence is exchanged, investigative actions are coordinated, and finally, indictments, arrests, and prosecutions are planned and coordinated on a national level.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
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:
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.
Additional Information:
Additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement to fill vacancies that occur subsequent to this announcement.
The Criminal Division participates in the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) (https://www.e-verify.gov/). E-Verify helps employers to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Additional information on DOJ's EEO policy can be found on our website. (https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline#:~:text=We%20must%20ensure%20that%20no,status%2C%20marital%20status%2C%20political%20affiliation)
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please reach out to criminal.crmjobs@usdoj.gov or (202) 514-0361 for alternative application procedures.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Human Resources team at CRM.RA@usdoj.gov. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Fair Chance to Compete: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to criminal.crmjobs@usdoj.gov. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.
Additional Information:
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits:
Because these cases often involve the application of cutting-edge computer technologies, both in the criminal conduct and its investigation, CEOS attorneys regularly face novel and challenging legal issues. CEOS attorneys prosecute cases and work with Assistant United States Attorneys and investigative agents in federal districts throughout the country. Many cases and operations handled by CEOS attorneys are national and international in scope.
CEOS attorneys work jointly with foreign prosecutors and investigators as well. To maximize the effectiveness of large investigations/operations, especially where the criminal conduct is committed over the Internet, CEOS attorneys work closely with U.S. Attorneys Offices and investigative agencies to develop a national strategy in which information and evidence is exchanged, investigative actions are coordinated, and finally, indictments, arrests, and prosecutions are planned and coordinated on a national level.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this position.
- You must undergo a pre-employment security investigation.
- All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
- DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
- You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
- A two-year trial period may be required.
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 prosecuting complex cases involving violations of federal child exploitation statutes;
- Superior oral advocacy skills; and
- Superior written and analytical skills.
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.
Additional Information:
Additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement to fill vacancies that occur subsequent to this announcement.
The Criminal Division participates in the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify) (https://www.e-verify.gov/). E-Verify helps employers to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. Additional information on DOJ's EEO policy can be found on our website. (https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline#:~:text=We%20must%20ensure%20that%20no,status%2C%20marital%20status%2C%20political%20affiliation)
It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the United States Attorneys' Offices. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, non-U.S. Citizens may apply for employment with other organizations, but should be advised that appointments of non-U.S. Citizens are extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please reach out to criminal.crmjobs@usdoj.gov or (202) 514-0361 for alternative application procedures.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Human Resources team at CRM.RA@usdoj.gov. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Fair Chance to Compete: The Fair Chance Act prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOJ employee or Federal contractor acting on its behalf has violated your rights under this Act, you may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non-compliance directly to criminal.crmjobs@usdoj.gov. Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.
Additional Information:
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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. Learn more about federal benefits. (https://usajobshelp.opm.gov/hc/en-us/articles/52684371945747-Benefits)
Review our benefits (https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits?_gl=1*1ds27ff*_ga*NjQ0MjQ5MzQ5LjE3MjU1OTI5OTA.*_ga_CLZB1LJ1VZ*czE3ODk3ODk1NzIkbzIzJGcxJHQxNzg5Nzg5NjU3JGo0NCRsMCRoMA..)
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 information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Basis of Rating: Once the announcement closes, your application will be automatically evaluated and rated by the system and a Human Resources Specialist. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your application and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13065048.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justic
Review our benefits (https://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits?_gl=1*1ds27ff*_ga*NjQ0MjQ5MzQ5LjE3MjU1OTI5OTA.*_ga_CLZB1LJ1VZ*czE3ODk3ODk1NzIkbzIzJGcxJHQxNzg5Nzg5NjU3JGo0NCRsMCRoMA..)
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 information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Basis of Rating: Once the announcement closes, your application will be automatically evaluated and rated by the system and a Human Resources Specialist. To determine if you are qualified for this job, a review of your application and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating.
If you would like to preview the application questionnaire, please see: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13065048.
There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justic
