About this role
Job SummaryThe Civil Division, Tax Litigation Branch, is looking for attorneys to join its Appellate Section. Our attorneys have a passion for appellate advocacy, an interest in public service, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently while handling complex litigation. Well-qualified candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus of up to $25,000, depending on qualifications, education, and other factors. All recipients of a signing bonus are required to fulfill a service obligation.
QualificationsInterested 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-11 grade level, applicants must have up to one (1) year of legal experience. To qualify at the GS-12 grade level, applicants must have minimum (1) or more years post-J.D. legal experience To qualify at the GS-13 grade level, applicants must possess at least one and one-half (1.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience. To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must possess at least two and one-half (2.5) years of post-J.D. legal experience. To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must possess at least four (4) years of post-J.D. legal experience. Qualifications must be met by the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Preferred Qualifications Applicants should have excellent writing, research, negotiation, oral communication, and interpersonal skills; exhibit good judgment; and have litigation experience. A background in tax law is helpful, but not required. Judicial clerkship experience and appellate litigation experience are desirable, but not required. Trial Period Statement As a condition of employment for accepting this position in accordance with section 11.5 of Executive Order 14284, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Major DutiesAttorneys in the Appellate Section have a significant amount of responsibility and work in a collegial environment with experienced litigators. The work of the Appellate Section attorney includes preparing briefs and presenting oral arguments in the United States Courts of Appeals nationwide, and occasionally in state appellate courts, when an appeal is taken from a decision of a United States district court, the United States Tax Court, the Court of Federal Claims, or a state trial court. Appellate Section attorneys review adverse decisions from these courts and prepare recommendations to the Office of the Solicitor General about whether the government should appeal. Attorneys in the Appellate Section also assist the Office of the Solicitor General in preparing briefs in the United States Supreme Court. This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person five days a week.