Attorney

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a litigating component of the Department of Justice whose mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders―debtors, creditors, and the public. The USTP is a national program with 21 regions consisting of 90 field offices, and has broad administrative, regulatory, and enforcement authorities in bankruptcy cases, including chapter 7 and 13 consumer cases, family farmer chapter 12 cases, small business reorganizations, and complex chapter 11 corporate reorganizations. The USTP is the only participant in the bankruptcy process uniquely positioned to address multi-jurisdictional misconduct or other issues of national scope that give rise to systemic fraud and abuse, while also effectively combatting local matters affecting the integrity of the bankruptcy system.

The USTP ranks in the top 15 percent of federal agency subcomponents and ranks fifth out of 18 components within the DOJ in the 2021 Best Places to Work in the Federal Government rankings. The rankings are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey which measures how federal employees view their job and workplace. The USTP exceeded the percentage of positive responses government-wide in more than 80 percent of the core survey questions, including questions related to achieving mission, overall satisfaction with the organization, and employee recognition.

The USTP offers a flexible telework policy, including two routine telework days per week.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

The USTP is seeking an attorney experienced in litigation practice and bankruptcy law to oversee bankruptcy cases filed in the federal judicial districts covered by the Region and/or field office, litigate enforcement matters on behalf of the Program, oversee private trustees, handle appellate matters, and refer criminal conduct identified in connection with bankruptcy case oversight. The Program seeks to hire and cultivate talented trial attorneys and provides them with frequent and meaningful court experience on a variety of issues arising in bankruptcy cases.

The typical duties of a field office Trial Attorney include:

• Oversee the administration of bankruptcy cases filed in the judicial districts served by the Region and the field office;
• Litigate issues arising in chapter 11 proceedings, including those involving corporate governance, and issues arising in employment applications, fee applications, disclosure statements, and plan confirmation matters;
• Litigate civil enforcement matters arising in consumer bankruptcy cases, including discharge objections, dismissal proceedings involving debtors’ ability to repay creditors, attorney misconduct matters, and non-attorney document preparation servicer misconduct;
• Assist with appellate matters arising in the Region and district;
• Partner with the Executive Office and the United States Trustee on issues of national importance to enhance the Program’s mission locally, and to help develop and implement policies and strategies designed to faithfully execute a uniform application of bankruptcy law;
• Supervise private trustees in the Region who administer bankruptcy cases filed under chapters 7, 13, 11 (subchapter 5), and 12 of the Bankruptcy Code;
• Work with Program bankruptcy auditors, paralegals, and support staff in the Region;
• Work with the Program’s federal and state law enforcement partners to report criminal activity identified through bankruptcy case oversight;
• Provide outreach to interested constituents and those involved in the bankruptcy system, such as the bankruptcy court, the bar, and other federal and state agencies; and
• Work on other national projects and priorities, as assigned.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic and professional credentials; superior oral and written communication skills; outstanding legal research, analytical, and legal reasoning skills; outstanding judgment; and the ability to function with minimal guidance in a demanding legal environment. Further, an applicant must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school; be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) in good standing; and have at least four (4) years post-J.D. professional legal or other relevant experience advocating on behalf of clients, interpreting or applying provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and related laws, rules, and regulations that arise in bankruptcy cases.

Preferred Qualifications: In addition to the required qualifications listed above, the ideal candidate will have:

• A demonstrated record of analyzing complex legal problems, interpreting statutory, rule, and regulatory provisions developing litigation strategies, and superior trial practice skills;
• A demonstrated record of litigating complex matters including experience taking depositions, examining witnesses under oath, and propounding formal written discovery;
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to address a broad array of issues arising in a large volume of cases;
• The ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical issues in a wide variety of cases and projects;
• The ability to set, manage, and balance diverse, evolving, and challenging projects and priorities;
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity;
• Strong interpersonal communication skills;
• Strong information technology skills, including using data bases and IT systems to manage and track work;
• Experience working with or for federal agencies;
• Experience in bankruptcy, especially complex chapter 11 proceedings; and
• A commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Position is on the GS pay scale, full-time and permanent, FPL of GS-15, and possible current annual salary range is GS-14 ($129,671 - $168,569); or GS-15 ($152,527 - $183,500). Years and type of experience will determine the appropriate grade level.

Periodic travel is required depending on work assignments and for training.

This vacancy announcement is open to ALL U.S. CITIZENS. To apply, interested candidates must submit ONE (1) PDF document containing the following:

• A cover letter that highlights the applicant’s interest in the position and addresses in detail how all qualifications are met;
• A current resume that details months and years of education and employment, and states the month and year of earliest bar admission;
• A short writing sample, or part of a longer writing sample (not to exceed ten pages), which should be exclusively or primarily the applicant’s work and should include legal analysis;
• DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member 4 copy) (if applicable);
• CTAP/ICTAP documentation (if applicable); and
• Schedule (A) documentation, (if applicable).

Email the pdf document to: ustp.employment@usdoj.gov with the subject line Trial Attorney-Chicago-04-2023.

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 conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.