SUPERVISORY TRIAL ATTORNEY
Department: Department of Justice
Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia
Salary Range: $169279 - $197200 Per Year
Job Summary: This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below: https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/supervisory-trial-attorney-chief-gs-0905-15 Legal Careers | Supervisory Trial Attorney (Chief), GS-0905-15 | United States Department of Justice National Security Division | National Security Division
Major Duties:
- About the Office CES is responsible for overseeing investigative activities in connection with the enforcement of statutes relating to treason, sedition, espionage, and economic espionage, as well as enforcement of the criminal provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Arms Export Control Act, and the Export Control Reform Act; and the administration of the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA). The Section coordinates criminal cases involving the application of CIPA, and it administers and enforces FARA. CES provides legal guidance to U.S. Attorney's Offices and investigative agencies on matters within its area of responsibility. Job Description NSD seeks a Chief for its Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, focused on overseeing investigative activities in connection with the enforcement of statutes relating to treason, sedition, espionage, and economic espionage, as well as enforcement of the criminal provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), the Arms Export Control Act, and the Export Control Reform Act; and the administration of the Classified Information Procedures Act (CIPA). The Chief: Serves as the senior leader, supervisor, manager, and advisor for CES, subject to OAAG oversight and direction. Leads and manages sensitive and significant matters vital to national security. Provides leadership advice to guide numerous prosecutions within the CES portfolio, including in determining investigative steps and prosecutorial decisions. Oversees a large volume of ongoing investigations and cases in areas such as export control and sanctions; enforcement of counterespionage and counterintelligence laws; unauthorized public disclosure of national defense information; unlawful retention or transmission of classified information. Provides leadership and oversees the substantive investigative and prosecution work of the section. Exercises significant discretion and independent judgment in determining how work will be accomplished within the framework of the Department and Division goals, objectives, and strategic vision. Performs the full range of administrative and technical supervisory, managerial, and authoritative functions to direct CES employees. Directs and supervises section matters, including by approving investigative steps and analyzing the law. Recommends selections for vacancies and promotions within CES, changes in position classification; and awards. Evaluates and resolves serious complaints and reviews and approves disciplinary actions where appropriate. Ensures commitment to applying merit promotion principles in all aspects of hiring, selection, training, development, and employee retention. Obtains and leverages fiscal and human resources to achieve results-oriented outcomes and advises leadership office on budget enhancements that include both performance measures and outcomes that reflect the Section's, the Division's, and the Department's strategic goals and objectives. Advises leadership office on financial investments in non-routine training. Provides advice, guidance, and support to the DAAG, PDAAG, and AAG on key mission-critical issues, initiatives, and agency responsibilities, including through significant daily interaction with leadership. Renders and oversees the development of legal opinions on a broad range of complex issues requiring varied knowledge, expertise, and experience. Advises NSD leadership on laws, regulations, proposed legislation, and other legal and policy developments that may affect the mission and functions of CES. Attends meetings with the National Security Council (NSC), Congress, and foreign partners as directed by NSD OAAG. Represents the Section, Division, and Department in negotiations and discussions with other state and federal government officials and private sector entities as directed by the NSD OAAG. Participates in engagements with opposing counsel. Advises the NSD OAAG on its development of policies pertaining to CES. Works to ensure the appropriate resolution of significant legal issues. Resolves complex legal disputes between agency partners. Provides expert strategic advice and judgment on policies to combat national security threats through criminal investigations and prosecutions. Analyzes complex legal, factual, and policy questions. Independently conducts research to help strategy or policy to guide Department decision makers and interagency partners, often under extreme time pressure. Directs and performs legal work involving knowledge of federal law and practice related to implementation of the programs administered by the Department as well as applicable state law and federal statutes, treaties, executive orders, rules, regulations and policies. Personally volunteers and leads others in Department-wide initiatives, special projects, Division initiatives and performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Qualifications Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least four or more years of post-J.D. professional experience. Applicants must have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work independently in a very demanding environment. Past experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required but is preferred. Prior federal litigation experience also strongly preferred. Must be able to meet NSD suitability criteria for this position. Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance. Failure to obtain or retain this level of security clearance and access will be grounds for reassignment, demotion, or removal from the Federal Service. Employee must successfully pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter. Occasional travel is required which may involve the use of commercial and/or government aircraft. This position is MISSION ESSENTIAL. Most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty, in person, as necessary, in an emergency (regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, furloughs) or conditions such as weather in which non-essential personnel are not expected to report.
How to Apply: Application Process Please submit a resume (not to exceed two pages), a writing sample that exhibits your own written advocacy skills (no longer than 10 pages), and a copy of your most recent performance appraisal via email to CESattorneyvacancy@usdoj.gov with the subject line "CES Chief Vacancy". No telephone calls, please. 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.
Application Deadline: 2026-03-18