Senior Litigation Counsel - Natural Resources Section

Summary

The Natural Resources Section has one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Energy and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, representing virtually every federal agency in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts in novel litigation arising under more than 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes and the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Duties

• The Section is soliciting applications from experienced attorneys for the position of Senior Litigation Counsel in Washington D.C. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a powerful aptitude for sophisticated litigation, facility in the legal analysis of novel and complicated issues, and the ability to harness leading-edge technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases. They will be expected to provide advice and guidance on trial strategy and trial advocacy as well as oversee the formulation of trial roadmaps and coordinate discovery. The candidate should have significant experience with complex emergency motion practice and handling some of the Department's most high-profile cases, including fluency with complex regulatory analyses, statutory interpretation and constitutional law. The role also requires intensive trial work, including working with expert witnesses: identifying factual issues that require expert witness testimony, locating and retaining qualified expert witnesses, and coordinating and synthesizing the opinions of multiple expert witnesses and their reports across different specialties. Further, this position involves both impromptu and formalized mentoring of trial attorneys during case assignments and in environments specifically set aside for training. Training topics include substantive areas of law, as well as procedural best practices. The position also requires direct consultation with the ENRD Front Office and senior management of other DOJ divisions and federal agencies.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and be a U.S. citizen or national. This Senior Level position requires a minimum of 10 years of post-J.D. litigation experience. You must meet the mandatory technical qualifications (MTQ) listed below. Please address the MTQs below by providing concrete and succinct examples of your experience that demonstrate the complexity of the experience you possess. Do not exceed one page per MTQ. Demonstrated expertise in natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource law and complex litigation involving statutes and areas of the law within the Section's portfolio. Demonstrated experience reviewing the work products of attorneys and providing advice and direction in handling complex litigation cases and projects. Demonstrated experience writing clearly, concisely, and persuasively and communicating effectively with various audiences. Qualifications must include a demonstrated record of complex case management, superb courtroom and presentation skills, excellent negotiation skills, outstanding legal writing, and a commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards. Experience litigating cases in the federal district court or the Court of Federal Claims is highly desired but not required. Only experience obtained by the closing date of this announcement will be considered. To preview questions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13053289

How to apply

You must apply online through USAJOBS. Click on the APPLY button. Follow the prompts to login or create an account and upload all required documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). All of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/ You must upload a complete Application Package which includes: Complete Resume (not to exceed two pages) Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) (not to exceed one page per MTQ) Latest Performance Appraisal Current federal employees must submit a recent SF-50 Personnel Action (But not an Award Action) Failure to submit a complete application (resume and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on 09/25/2026 may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed.