Trial Attorney (T-ASA).

Overview

The Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section of the Torts Branch handles aviation, space, and maritime cases and claims. Client agencies include the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, all military services (including the Navy and Coast Guard), the Maritime Administration, NASA, NSA, and the Departments of State, Interior, Transportation, and Commerce.

In its aviation practice, the Section defends the United States in wrongful death, serious personal injury, and extensive property damage actions arising from aircraft accidents. Federal activities that give rise to these lawsuits include air traffic control, military aviation operations, weather dissemination, charting of obstacles, operation of navigational aids, and certification of aircraft, airports, and air personnel. Since its establishment, the Section has litigated all commercial airline accident cases involving the United States, including the current litigation arising from this year's D.C. midair tragedy. The Section also handles litigation arising from space launch or space vehicle incidents, such as the Space Shuttle Columbia and Challenger disasters.

In its admiralty practice, the Section represents the United States as ship‑owner, regulator, and protector of the nation’s waterways and maritime resources. Its admiralty litigation concerns collisions involving U.S. vessels and warships, grounding of vessels while using U.S. government‑produced charts, challenges to boarding of vessels on the high seas during national security and drug interdiction activities, and maritime‑based pollution incidents, including oil spills. These actions seek compensation for damage to maritime infrastructure, natural resources, and the costs associated with pollution cleanups.

Employment Conditions

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must complete a background investigation that includes drug testing.
• All male applicants born after 12/31/1959 must have registered for the selective service; they must sign a statement certifying registration or provide exempt status.
• May require completion of a 2‑year trial period.
• May need to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information access, depending on assignment.
• Must pass a drug test that screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.
• Financial Disclosure: selected applicants must disclose financial information pursuant to DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. or equivalent degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia, and be in good standing with an active bar membership.

• GS‑11: up to one (1) year of post‑J.D. legal experience.
• GS‑12: at least one (1) year of post‑J.D. legal experience.
• GS‑13: at least one and one‑half (1.5) years of post‑J.D. legal experience.
• GS‑14: at least two and one‑half (2.5) years of post‑J.D. legal experience.
• GS‑15: at least four (4) years of post‑J.D. legal experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should have excellent writing, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, demonstrate good judgment, and possess an interest in trial and appellate work. Aviation, space, and/or admiralty litigation experience is strongly preferred, as is complex litigation experience, including handling expert witnesses and e‑discovery.

Trial Period Statement

As a condition of employment, a 2‑year trial period is required. During this period your performance, conduct, the agency’s needs, and the potential to advance public interest are evaluated.

• Performance and conduct.
• Needs and interests of the agency.
• Alignment with agency or government goals.
• Contribution to the efficiency of Federal service.

Employment will be terminated after the trial period unless written certification is received that continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that holds accreditation or pre‑accreditation from a U.S. Department of Education‑recognized body (see Foreign education may be accepted if it is comparable to a U.S. accredited institution, and proof must be provided in English or with an English translation.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for benefits depends on the nature of the position (full‑time, part‑time, or intermittent). Contact the hiring agency for specific benefits details.

Important Note : This is not a remote location position. Work in person five days a week is required.