Closing Date: 25th August, 2026
Description:
General Job InformationJob Summary:
Located in the nation's capital, The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the chief legal office of the District of Columbia. The OAG enforces the laws of the District, defends and provides legal advice to the District's government agencies, and protects the interests of the District's residents. This position is located in the Public Safety Division within the Criminal Section.
The Public Safety Division handles all cases where young people commit a law violation in the District of Columbia and prosecutes selected adult misdemeanor cases. The Domestic Violence and Special Victims Section and the Mental Health Sections protect victims of domestic violence, incapacitated adults who are being abused, and mentally ill adults who need emergency psychiatric care. The Restorative Justice Section facilitates conferences between the young people who commit crime and the victim, where the victim is interested. The Public Corruption Section prosecutes offenses related to fraud that undermine the public trust. The Juvenile Section holds young people who commit crimes accountable, protects the community, and assists in the rehabilitation of those individuals.
Duties and Responsibilities:
OAG seeks a trial attorney for the Criminal Section who is a team player and highly motivated to be a prosecutor and trial attorney. You will have tremendous responsibility from day one with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that involves a significant caseload and court experience. A sense of determination, strong work ethic, and the ability to handle the pressures of litigation are important. This is a great opportunity for any attorney with passion for learning as much as they can about the criminal justice system and how we can help shape solutions to not only make our communities safer but stronger.
The Criminal Section prosecutes adults who commit certain types of offenses within the District of Columbia, including adult misdemeanor traffic and quality of life offenses. Specifically, the Section prosecutes all alcohol and drug impaired driving cases, certain firearm offenses, quality of life offenses such as indecent exposure to adults and children, and certain regulatory offenses. Duties include interviewing and preparing police and civilian witnesses; making charging decisions; researching, writing, and litigating motions; and managing all aspects of a trial calendar from intake through sentencing, including bench and jury trials. The Public Safety Division's management is dedicated to extensive training and attentive support for its Assistant Attorney Generals, providing an atmosphere where their prosecutors learn to exercise discretion and sound judgment and can grow into strong, ethical, and confident trial attorneys.
Qualifications and Education:
Trial Attorney LA-12
The successful candidate must have at least two to three years of relevant related specialized experience. The candidate must have substantive knowledge of District and federal law, excellent oral and written communication skills, and outstanding legal research skills. The candidate must also be organized and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Previous experience prosecuting violent felonies, including murder, is desired.
Trial Attorney LA-13
The successful candidate must have at least three to seven years of relevant related specialized experience. The candidate must have substantive knowledge of District and federal law, excellent oral and written communication skills, and outstanding legal research skills. The candidate must also be organized and possess the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain working relationships with stakeholders at all levels. Previous experience prosecuting violent felonies, including murder, is desired.
License and Certification:
The incumbent must be an active member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar or have the ability to waive in and be admitted within 360 days of appointment.
How to Apply:
An online application must be completed along with the submission of all required documents.
Use button at top of page to complete online application.
For resume attachment, attach a single document containing all of the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial transcripts if the applicant has less than five years of experience (official transcripts may be required if selected)
- Proof of active bar membership (or proof of eligibility to waive into D.C.
- Writing sample (between 5 and 10 pages)
If you experience any issues uploading attachments through the career's portal, please send the required documents to OAGrecruitment@DC.gov. Please be sure to add the JOB ID to the subject line.
Failure to Submit the Required Documentation May Lead to Non-Consideration for The Position.
Other Significant Factors
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: La-0905-12
Salary Range: The Maximum Salary for This Grade Is Negotiable up To $130,250 Depending on Qualifications and Availability of Funds.
Pay Plan, Series and Grade: La-0905-13
Salary Range: The Maximum Salary for This Grade Is Negotiable up To $154,877 Depending on Qualifications and Availability of Funds.
Number of Vacancies: One (1)
Type of Appointment: Legal Service – 13-Month Term Appointment
Tour of Duty: Monday-Friday 8:30 Am - 5:00 Pm
In-Person Reporting with Limited Telework and Flexible Work Schedules Available upon Eligibility.
Promotion Potential: No Known Promotion Potential.
Collective Bargaining Unit: This Position Is in The Collective Bargaining Unit Represented by Afge Local 1403
General Suitability Screening: The Selected Candidate Will Be Subject to A Background Investigation Including Reference Checks.
Residency Preference: Applicants Claiming "residency Preference” Will Be Required to Maintain Residency in The District of Columbia for A Minimum of (7) Years. Failure to Do so May Result in Forfeiture of Employment.
