Clarification from the agency

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.

About the Office

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 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. For more information about the USTP, visit https://www.justice.gov/ust.

Job Description

The USTP is seeking experienced attorney applicants for the position of United States Trustee for Region 5 to lead the activities of three field offices covering Louisiana and Mississippi. The United States Trustee is expected to regularly travel within the region to maintain contact with staff, private trustees, bankruptcy courts, and other stakeholders.

The United States Trustee serves as the region's chief legal officer and management official. Among the key duties are:

• Overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases filed under chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 of the Bankruptcy Code;
• Advising and partnering with the Executive Office on policy questions, legal issues of national importance arising in cases, and other significant matters to enhance the Program's mission locally, and help develop and implement policies and strategies designed to faithfully execute a uniform application of bankruptcy law;
• Directing the region's civil enforcement activities to address violations of the Bankruptcy Code and Rules;
• Developing an effective criminal referral program and partnering with law enforcement to support the investigation and prosecution of bankruptcy and bankruptcy-related crimes;
• Appointing, overseeing, and evaluating the activities of private trustees who handle the day-to-day administration of bankruptcy cases;
• Overseeing litigation in chapter 11 cases to ensure compliance with the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, including as they relate to professional employment, conflicts of interest, professional and executive compensation, and financial accountability;
• Managing professional and support staff; promoting efficiency and effectiveness through collaboration of resources to eliminate waste; and maintaining a mission-driven focus amongst personnel;
• Fostering productive relationships with the USTP's leadership team, as well as private trustees, bankruptcy judges, bankruptcy clerks' offices, and bankruptcy professionals within the region; and
• Serving as the USTP's representative to both the local and national bankruptcy communities.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Must obtain a favorably adjudicated Background Investigation (Public Trust), including drug testing.
• You may be required to complete a two-year Trial period.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• Upon entry on duty, the successful candidate will be required to complete an initial public financial disclosure report, with annual reports required thereafter. More information can be obtained at: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/financialdisclosure.
• This position is a five-year term, "at will" appointment, subject to renewal.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a J.D. degree from an accredited law school; be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction); have at least 10 years of legal experience; and have senior level management experience at either a law firm or within the corporate or public sector. In addition, the most desirable candidates will possess:

• Extensive experience analyzing complex legal problems in bankruptcy practice;
• Excellent academic and professional credentials;
• Superior oral and written communication skills;
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills;
• Sound judgment;
• Experience in promoting a culture of high performance; and
• Commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

If selected for this position, official proof of a J.D. degree and bar membership (including certification of good standing) is required.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Optional Narrative Statements:

The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your commitment to public service to hiring managers and agency leadership. Although responses are optional and will not be scored, applicants are encouraged to address each question thoughtfully. Please limit each response to 200 words or fewer. At the beginning of your submission, please certify that the responses are your own work and that you did not use a consultant or any artificial intelligence (AI) tool, including large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Copilot.

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
3. How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

Interviews for this position may be conducted in Washington, D.C. Any travel for interviews will be at the applicant's personal expense.

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.