Closing Date: 24th September, 2026
Description:
Summary:This is a trial attorney position in the Plan Benefits Security Division ("PBSD"), Office of Solicitor ("SOL"), U.S. Department of Labor. PBSD provides legal advice and litigation services to the Employee Benefits Security Administration relating to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). PBSD conducts complex litigation under ERISA to protect the interests of workers and retirees in their pension, health, and other ERISA-covered employee benefit plans.
Duties:
The incumbent represents the Secretary of Labor as plaintiff in civil litigation enforcing the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and portions of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 ("ACA") in United States district courts throughout the country. The incumbent will work under the supervision of senior attorneys and often as part of a litigation team. The litigation protects the pension and health benefits of employees participating in ERISA-covered benefit plans by obtaining injunctive and substantial monetary relief against plan trustees and other fiduciaries who have breached their fiduciary duties under ERISA. The pension benefit cases often involve investments of plan assets, and an understanding of the financial transactions at issue is important to evaluating the merits of the case and effectively using our expert witnesses and challenging the opponents' experts. The health benefit cases involve novel and challenging issues under ERISA and the ACA and may require expert witnesses. The incumbent will also litigate cases seeking civil monetary penalties under ERISA section 502(c)(2) before administrative law tribunals. The incumbent's responsibilities include legal assistance during investigations conducted by our client agency within DOL, the Employee Benefits Security Administration ("EBSA"), reviewing investigations conducted by EBSA, and preparing a written factual and legal analysis and recommendation as to whether the Secretary should bring an enforcement suit based on the investigation. The attorney is responsible for preparing court pleadings and motions, arguing and presenting evidence and witnesses in court hearings, and conducting all forms of pretrial discovery, settlement negotiations, and trials, often as part of a team of attorneys with various levels of experience. These responsibilities require the ability to aggressively pursue the litigation to conclusion through settlement, summary judgment, or trial and the ability to work cooperatively with other trial attorneys, supervisors, paralegals, and support staff. The incumbent may also have the opportunity to brief and argue appeals in the U.S. Courts of Appeals, including cases in which the Secretary is participating as amicus curiae.The incumbent may also provide legal opinion and advice in connection with drafting or reviewing regulations under the ERISA, proposed legislation, ERISA prohibited transaction exemptions, ERISA advisory opinions, and other legal guidance.
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
Qualifications:
In Describing Your Experience, Please Be Clear and Specific. We Will Not Make Assumptions Regarding Your Experience.
To Qualify for An Attorney Position, Applicants Must Possess a Professional Law Degree (ll.B. or J.D.); Be a Member in Good Standing of The Bar of A Court of General Jurisdiction of A State, Territory or Possession of The U.S.; and Have Acquired the Amount of Experience Indicated Below for Each Grade Level.
For Gs-13 Grade Level, Applicants Must Have Two (2) Years of Post-Law Experience Progressively Responsible Legal Experience of A Professional Nature Which Demonstrates the Ability to Perform the Work at This Level.
For Gs-14 Grade Level, Applicants Must Have Three (3) Years of Post-Law Experience Progressively Responsible Legal Experience of A Professional Nature Which Demonstrates the Ability to Perform the Work at This Level. at Least One Year of Qualifying Experience, at This Level, Must Be Specialized Experience as Defined Below.
Specialized Experience that Is Qualifying for This Position Is Defined as Experience in Conducting Investigation or Litigation of Civil Cases or A Clerkship in Federal or State Trial or Appellate Courts or Administrative Agencies.
Note: A Ll.M. May Be Substituted for A Maximum of One Year of Experience.
Transcripts: You Must Provide a Copy of Your Law School Transcript to Be Considered for This Position. Verification of Your Academic Degree(s) Is Necessary to Determine Your Qualifications or Eligibility for This Position, You Will Be Required to Submit an Official Transcript for Verification Purposes Before You Are Hired. However, Unofficial Transcripts May Be Submitted During the Application Phase of The Process. Please Note that Your J.D. or Ll. B Degree Must Be Conferred Before You Can Begin Working.
Education:
A Ll.B or J.D. Is a Requirement for This Position. if You Do Not Submit Sufficient Academic Documentation Necessary to Demonstrate that You Meet the Eligibility and Minimum Qualification Requirements Described in This Announcement, Your Application Will Be Deemed Incomplete and You Will Be Ineligible for Further Consideration for This Vacancy.
Any Applicant Falsely Claiming an Academic Degree from An Accredited School Will Be Subject to Actions Ranging from Disqualification from Federal Employment to Removal from Federal Service.
If Your Education Was Completed at A Foreign College or University, You Must Show Comparability to Education Received in Accredited Educational Institutions in The United States and Comparability to Applicable Minimum Course Work Requirements for This Position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#eva-foreign) for More Information.
Additional Information:
Applicants Must Meet All Legal and Regulatory Requirements. Reference the Required Documents Section for Additional Requirements.
This Position Is Inside the Bargaining Unit. if The Duty Location Is Within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, the Position Will Be Included in The Local 12, Afge Bargaining Unit. if The Duty Location Is Outside the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, the Position Will Be Included in The Ncfll Bargaining Unit.
Click for Career Ladder Promotion Information (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#clp)
The Mission of The Department of Labor (dol) Is to Protect the Welfare of Workers and Job Seekers, Improve Working Conditions, Expand High-Quality Employment Opportunities, and Assure Work-Related Benefits and Rights for All Workers.
Refer to These Links for More Information: General Information (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#clp), Reasonable Accommodation (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#Reasonable-Accommodations), Additional Documentation (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#add-docu), Former Federal Employees (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#add-docu)
As a Condition of Employment, All Personnel Must Undergo a Background Investigation for Access to Dol Facilities, Systems, Information And/or Classified Materials Before They Can Enter on Duty: Background Investigation (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#add-docu)
Click for Telework Eligibility Information (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#Telework)
Based on Agency Needs, Additional Positions May Be Filled Using This Vacancy.
The Fair Chance Act (fca) Prohibits Federal Agencies from Requesting an Applicant's Criminal History Information Before the Agency Makes a Conditional Offer of Employment. if You Believe a Dol Employee Has Violated Your Rights Under the Fca, You May File a Complaint of The Alleged Violation Following Our Agency's Complaint Process Guidelines for Reporting Violations of The Fair Chance Act. (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#Telework)
Note: The Fca Does Not Apply to Some Positions Specified Under the Act, Such as Law Enforcement or National Security Positions.
All Department of Labor Employees Are Subject to The Provisions of The Drug-Free Workplace Program Under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.
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:
Requirements:
Conditions of Employment:
- Must be at least 16 years old.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Requires a trial period if the requirement has not been met.
- Appointment to this position may require a background investigation.
- Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Qualifications:
In Describing Your Experience, Please Be Clear and Specific. We Will Not Make Assumptions Regarding Your Experience.
To Qualify for An Attorney Position, Applicants Must Possess a Professional Law Degree (ll.B. or J.D.); Be a Member in Good Standing of The Bar of A Court of General Jurisdiction of A State, Territory or Possession of The U.S.; and Have Acquired the Amount of Experience Indicated Below for Each Grade Level.
For Gs-13 Grade Level, Applicants Must Have Two (2) Years of Post-Law Experience Progressively Responsible Legal Experience of A Professional Nature Which Demonstrates the Ability to Perform the Work at This Level.
For Gs-14 Grade Level, Applicants Must Have Three (3) Years of Post-Law Experience Progressively Responsible Legal Experience of A Professional Nature Which Demonstrates the Ability to Perform the Work at This Level. at Least One Year of Qualifying Experience, at This Level, Must Be Specialized Experience as Defined Below.
Specialized Experience that Is Qualifying for This Position Is Defined as Experience in Conducting Investigation or Litigation of Civil Cases or A Clerkship in Federal or State Trial or Appellate Courts or Administrative Agencies.
Note: A Ll.M. May Be Substituted for A Maximum of One Year of Experience.
Transcripts: You Must Provide a Copy of Your Law School Transcript to Be Considered for This Position. Verification of Your Academic Degree(s) Is Necessary to Determine Your Qualifications or Eligibility for This Position, You Will Be Required to Submit an Official Transcript for Verification Purposes Before You Are Hired. However, Unofficial Transcripts May Be Submitted During the Application Phase of The Process. Please Note that Your J.D. or Ll. B Degree Must Be Conferred Before You Can Begin Working.
Education:
A Ll.B or J.D. Is a Requirement for This Position. if You Do Not Submit Sufficient Academic Documentation Necessary to Demonstrate that You Meet the Eligibility and Minimum Qualification Requirements Described in This Announcement, Your Application Will Be Deemed Incomplete and You Will Be Ineligible for Further Consideration for This Vacancy.
Any Applicant Falsely Claiming an Academic Degree from An Accredited School Will Be Subject to Actions Ranging from Disqualification from Federal Employment to Removal from Federal Service.
If Your Education Was Completed at A Foreign College or University, You Must Show Comparability to Education Received in Accredited Educational Institutions in The United States and Comparability to Applicable Minimum Course Work Requirements for This Position. Click Evaluation of Foreign Education (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#eva-foreign) for More Information.
Additional Information:
Applicants Must Meet All Legal and Regulatory Requirements. Reference the Required Documents Section for Additional Requirements.
This Position Is Inside the Bargaining Unit. if The Duty Location Is Within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, the Position Will Be Included in The Local 12, Afge Bargaining Unit. if The Duty Location Is Outside the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, the Position Will Be Included in The Ncfll Bargaining Unit.
Click for Career Ladder Promotion Information (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#clp)
The Mission of The Department of Labor (dol) Is to Protect the Welfare of Workers and Job Seekers, Improve Working Conditions, Expand High-Quality Employment Opportunities, and Assure Work-Related Benefits and Rights for All Workers.
Refer to These Links for More Information: General Information (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#clp), Reasonable Accommodation (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#Reasonable-Accommodations), Additional Documentation (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#add-docu), Former Federal Employees (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#add-docu)
As a Condition of Employment, All Personnel Must Undergo a Background Investigation for Access to Dol Facilities, Systems, Information And/or Classified Materials Before They Can Enter on Duty: Background Investigation (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#add-docu)
Click for Telework Eligibility Information (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#Telework)
Based on Agency Needs, Additional Positions May Be Filled Using This Vacancy.
The Fair Chance Act (fca) Prohibits Federal Agencies from Requesting an Applicant's Criminal History Information Before the Agency Makes a Conditional Offer of Employment. if You Believe a Dol Employee Has Violated Your Rights Under the Fca, You May File a Complaint of The Alleged Violation Following Our Agency's Complaint Process Guidelines for Reporting Violations of The Fair Chance Act. (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-information#Telework)
Note: The Fca Does Not Apply to Some Positions Specified Under the Act, Such as Law Enforcement or National Security Positions.
All Department of Labor Employees Are Subject to The Provisions of The Drug-Free Workplace Program Under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.
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://help.usajobs.gov/working-in-government/benefits?_gl=1*1uvvmqb*_ga*NjQ0MjQ5MzQ5LjE3MjU1OTI5OTA.*_ga_CLZB1LJ1VZ*czE3ODkxMjMyOTMkbzE5JGcxJHQxNzg5MTIzNDM3JGozNiRsMCRoMA..)
Review Our Benefits (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-inf
Review Our Benefits (https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/vacancy-inf
