Civil Trial Attorney

Hiring Organization
Antitrust Division (ATR)
Hiring Office
Civil Enforcement Program
Attorney Appointment Type
Attorney Permanent
Job ID
E26-03-O05

Location:
Washington, DC - United States

Application Deadline:
Friday, March 6, 2026
About the Office

The Antitrust Division’s Civil Enforcement Program is seeking qualified attorneys committed to vigorous enforcement of the antitrust laws across the American economy. The Division is particularly interested in attorneys experienced with competition issues related to agriculture, technology, healthcare, and finance. Trial attorneys hired through this announcement will be assigned to a section that is based in Washington DC.

Positions across the Civil Enforcement Program may be filled in response to this ad. In particular:

Anti-Monopoly and Collusion Enforcement Section enforces antitrust laws in civil nonmerger matters across a broad range of industries, with recent experience in advertising technology, smartphones, and consumer meat products. ACE focuses on high priority conduct matters to ensure that the statutory timing demands of merger cases do not overtake the Division’s ability to move forward with key civil conduct investigations and litigations.

Defense, Industrials, and Aerospace Section enforces antitrust laws in the defense, avionics and aeronautics, industrial equipment, metals and mining, and waste industries.

Financial Services, Financial Technology, and Banking Section enforces antitrust laws in the financial, banking, real estate, ticket distribution, and publishing industries.

Healthcare and Consumer Products Section enforces antitrust laws in healthcare and consumer products, including apparel, appliances, beer, cosmetics, dairy, and paper among others. Protecting competition in healthcare is one of the Division’s top priorities. As part of its commitment to enforcement in this crucial industry, the Division seeks attorneys with an interest and/or background in healthcare issues.

Media, Entertainment, and Communications Section enforces antitrust laws in the broadcast media, television and film production and distribution, streaming entertainment services, professional and amateur sports, and telecommunications industries.

Technology and Digital Platforms Section enforces antitrust laws in internet-related businesses, gig economy platforms, and computer hardware and software industries.

Transportation, Energy, and Agriculture Section enforces antitrust laws in the agricultural, aviation, shipping, electricity, oil field services, hotel, restaurant, and travel services industries. Protecting competition in agriculture markets is one of the Division’s top priorities.

Additional information about the Antitrust Division can be found at http://www.justice.gov/atr/. Additional information about the Civil Enforcement Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/atr/civil-enforcement.

Job Description

Trial attorneys in the Division’s Civil Enforcement Program are responsible for a wide range of investigative, litigation, and trial work. They may review mergers, conduct pre-complaint investigations, engage in post-complaint litigation, and participate in trials. Trial attorneys are also frequently responsible for building relationships with other federal, state, and international enforcers and for advocacy to ensure innovative and competitive marketplaces. Trial attorneys in the Civil Enforcement Program frequently grapple with challenging cases involving complex technologies, rapidly changing industries, rising barriers to entry, and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Qualifications

Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the position qualifications listed in this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this position, your resume and supporting documentation will be sent to the hiring official for employment consideration. To qualify, an applicant must:

Be a citizen of the United States;
Possess a J.D. or equivalent degree, be an active member of the bar in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one year of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-12 level; one and one-half years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-13 level; two and one-half years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-14 level, and/or at least four years of post J.D. legal experience to qualify at the GS-15 level;
Have experience in the investigation of potential civil antitrust violations, or general federal litigation experience, including civil cases; and
Demonstrate excellent writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
Application Process

Applications will be accepted until March 6, 2026. To receive consideration, please submit your application through USAJOBS (www.usajobs.gov).

If you do not already have a USAJOBS account, please create one before applying via the “Create an Account” link. You will be able to complete your profile and upload your resume and supporting documents prior to applying.
Once an account has been created, apply to the USAJOBS vacancy: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/858302200

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Salary

Candidates are being solicited up to the GS-15 level, with salaries up to $197,200.00 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/