Trial Attorney (Bankruptcy)

The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) seeks two attorneys with experience in litigation and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts served by the Region and/or field office. Responsibilities include litigating enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, supervising private trustees, handling appellate matters, and referring potential criminal conduct identified through bankruptcy oversight. The Program aims to hire skilled Trial Attorneys and provide them with frequent, meaningful courtroom experience across a wide range of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.Typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include:Overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and field office.Litigating issues arising in chapter 11 cases, including matters related to corporate governance, employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation.Litigating civil enforcement matters in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors’ ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct, and misconduct by non-attorney document preparation services.Assisting with appellate matters.Partnering with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to support the Program’s mission locally and to help develop and implement policies that ensure uniform application of bankruptcy law.Supervising private trustees who administer cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11, Subchapter V, and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code.Collaborating with Program bankruptcy Auditors, Paralegal Specialists, and other support staff in the Region.Working with federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight.Conducting outreach to stakeholders in the bankruptcy system, including the bankruptcy court, bar, and other federal and state agencies.Participating in national projects and priorities, as assigned.QualificationsRequired Qualifications:Applicants must demonstrate strong academic and professional credentials; excellent oral and written communication skills; superior legal research, analytical, and reasoning abilities; sound judgment; and the ability to work independently in a demanding legal environment. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an accredited law school and possess the minimum post–law degree experience listed below, or relevant experience involving client advocacy and the interpretation or application of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations.Meeting the minimum post–law degree legal experience requirements does not guarantee selection at that grade level.GS13: Minimum 1.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.GS14: Minimum 2.5 years of post J.D. legal experience.GS15: Minimum 4 years of post J.D. legal experience.Applicants must be active members in good standing of a state bar. Please note that in certain jurisdictions, federal attorneys must maintain active membership in that jurisdiction’s state bar.