Trial Attorney

The USTP is seeking attorneys in multiple locations. The attorneys must be 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.