Trial Attorney (Bankruptcy)

Location: 880 Front Street Third Floor
Suite 3230
San Diego, CA 92101 - United States

Application Deadline

Monday, November 30, 2026

About the Office

The United States Trustee Program (USTP or Program) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders, including debtors, creditors, and the public. The Program operates nationwide through twenty-one (21) regions comprised of 82 field office locations and exercises broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authority in bankruptcy cases. Its responsibilities extend across chapter 7 and 13 consumer matters, chapter 12 family farmer cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate restructurings.

As the only participant in the bankruptcy process with a national footprint and independent oversight mandate, the USTP is uniquely positioned to identify and address multijurisdictional misconduct and other issues of national significance that threaten the integrity of the bankruptcy system. At the same time, the Program remains equipped to respond effectively to local matters involving fraud, abuse, or other practices undermining the fair and efficient administration of bankruptcy cases.

The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) is seeking an attorney with experience in litigation and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts served by the Region and/or field office. Responsibilities include litigating enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, supervising private trustees, handling appellate matters, and referring potential criminal conduct identified through bankruptcy oversight. The Program aims to hire skilled Trial Attorneys and provide them with frequent, meaningful courtroom experience across a wide range of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.

Typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include

• Overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and field office.
• Litigating issues arising in chapter 11 cases, including matters related to corporate governance, employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation.
• Litigating civil enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors’ ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct, and misconduct by non-attorney document preparation services.
• Assisting with appellate matters arising in the Region and District.
• Partnering with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to support the Program’s mission locally and to help develop and implement policies that ensure uniform application of bankruptcy law.
• Supervising private trustees who administer cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code.
• Collaborating with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegal Specialists, and other support staff in the Region.
• Working with federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight.
• Conducting outreach to stakeholders in the bankruptcy system, including the bankruptcy court, bar, and other federal and state agencies.
• Participating in national projects and priorities, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials; excellent oral and written communication skills; superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities; sound judgment; and the ability to work independently in a demanding legal environment. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and possess the minimum post-law degree experience listed below, or relevant experience involving client advocacy and the interpretation or application of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations.

Meeting the minimum post-law degree legal experience requirements does not guarantee selection at that grade level.

• GS-13: Minimum 1.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
• GS-14: Minimum 2.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.
• GS-15: Minimum 4 years of post J.D. legal experience.

Applicants must be active members in good standing of a state bar. Please note that in certain jurisdictions, federal attorneys must maintain active membership in that jurisdiction’s state bar.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the required qualifications, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A strong record of analyzing complex legal issues; interpreting statutes, rules, and regulations; developing litigation strategies; and exhibiting superior trial practice skills.
• Experience litigating complex matters, including taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and conducting formal written discovery.
• Exceptional organizational abilities and the capacity to manage a high volume of cases involving diverse issues.
• The ability to clearly and accurately articulate critical issues across a broad range of matters and projects.
• Skill in setting, managing, and balancing multiple, evolving, and challenging priorities.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and sound professional judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with information technology, including the use of databases and IT systems to manage and track work.
• Experience working with or within federal agencies.
• Experience in bankruptcy practice, particularly complex chapter 11 proceedings.
• A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Trial Period Statement

As a condition of employment for the position of Trial Attorney with the USTP, you may be required to serve a two-year trial period during which the Program will assess your fitness for continued employment and whether your service advances the public interest. In making this determination, the Program may consider:

• Your performance and conduct.
• The needs and interests of the agency.
• Whether your continued employment advances the organizational goals of the agency or the Government.
• Whether your continued employment promotes the efficiency of the service.

Your employment will conclude at the end of the trial period unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest. If certification is not granted, you will receive written notice prior to the end of the trial period advising you of the termination and its effective date.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

This is a full-time, permanent position. The salary range corresponds to the General Schedule grades GS-13 to GS-15. The annual salary will depend on the selected applicant’s qualifications, experience, and the applicable locality pay for the duty station.

Number of Positions

1

Travel

Periodic travel may be required based on work assignments and training needs.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.