Trial Attorney

The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch seeks Trial Attorneys to bring high-impact affirmative litigation that protects public health and safety and ensures nationwide compliance with federal law. The Branch offers a frontline role in the Department's major enforcement initiatives. Strong applicants from any location are encouraged to apply. Please list your preferred duty location in your cover letter.

The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch safeguards Americans' health, safety, economic security, and data privacy through proactive enforcement and high-impact affirmative litigation. The Branch's mission is to bring affirmative litigation to enforce federal laws and regulations, enjoin actions that conflict with or violate federal law, obtain declaratory judgments regarding the laws of the United States, and seek monetary penalties where appropriate. The Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch is seeking Trial Attorneys to handle a broad range of affirmative litigation. The Branch is structured into two sections: an Enforcement Section that pursues cases under key consumer protection and public-safety statutes, and an Affirmative Litigation Section that files lawsuits to ensure nationwide compliance with federal law against state, local, or private actors. Trial Attorneys in the Branch play a central role on these matters, including partnering with client agencies, leading investigations and litigation, and coordinating with Department leadership. Trial Attorneys in the Enforcement Section enforce consumer protection laws that safeguard consumers' health, safety, economic security, data privacy, and identity integrity. The Section tackles some of the most urgent enforcement challenges facing consumers, including harmful opioid products, unsafe food and drugs, deceptive trade practices, and data privacy violations. Trial Attorneys in this Section investigate unlawful conduct and pursue enforcement actions nationwide. They handle all phases of district court litigation, including taking and defending depositions, managing written discovery, conducting legal research and analysis, writing briefs and other documents, attending court conferences, arguing motions, and conducting trials. Trial Attorneys in the Affirmative Litigation Section represent the United States by filing lawsuits against individuals, states, municipalities, and other entities that interfere with or obstruct federal policies, ensuring nationwide compliance with the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Lawsuits often involve claims that state and local laws are preempted by federal law or unlawfully regulate or discriminate against the federal government. Trial Attorneys engage in all phases of district court litigation, including conducting legal research and analysis, drafting complaints, briefs, and other filings, attending court conferences, and arguing motions. Aside from litigation, Trial Attorneys also prepare statements of interest or amicus briefs in cases in which the United States is not a party but nonetheless has a vested interest.