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Trial Attorney (Tax)

Department of Justice
Offices, Boards and Divisions
National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division)

Summary

This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. This announcement will be open until positions are filled. However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by May 25, 2026, 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Applications will be reviewed approximately every two weeks.

If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/08/2026 to 09/30/2026
Salary
$143,913 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 14 - 15
Location
few vacancies in the following location:
Washington, DC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
75% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Excepted
Promotion potential
15
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Financial disclosure
Yes
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
NFED-26-12958714-DE
Control number
868653400

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

U.S. citizens or nationals

Duties

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About the Office
The Department of Justice's National Fraud Enforcement Division ("Fraud Division") investigates and prosecutes those who commit fraud against the American people. We fulfill our mission by using advanced data-driven investigative techniques; coordinating with agencies responsible for administering taxpayer-funded programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification and investigation of fraud; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice. The Fraud Division works every day to protect the financial integrity of the United States of America, ensure the vibrancy of the American economy, and seek justice for victims of fraud.

Job Description
The National Fraud Enforcement Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Trial Attorney positions in the Division's Tax Section (Tax). Trial attorneys in the Tax Section's Criminal Enforcement Units have a significant amount of responsibility and work in a collegial environment with experienced litigators. Persuasive legal writing, oral advocacy, and ability to analyze and organize significant documentary evidence are critical components of the position. Our attorneys work with federal agents to investigate and prosecute offenses arising under the internal revenue laws and related federal statutes. Our attorneys' responsibilities encompass the investigative use of the grand jury and other investigative techniques, such as search warrants. Attorneys also engage in all facets of criminal litigation, including indictment, motions practice, jury trial, and sentencing. A trial attorney typically works with federal agents as well as with another Criminal Tax Section Trial Attorney and Assistant United States Attorneys litigating matters as the lead attorney, second chair, or consulting attorney. Our cases involve traditional violations of criminal tax laws by taxpayers having legal sources of income, including, for example, tax evasion and the filing of false tax returns, as well as cases involving fraudulent claims against the public fisc for refunds, tax defiers, identity theft, financial institution fraud, securities fraud, health care fraud, organized crime activities, and narcotics trafficking.

Generally, as a Trial Attorney in Tax, the incumbent:

  • In collaboration with unit managers, carries out and fosters effective investigations and prosecutions, including advising on strategy and legal complexities, and developing litigation priorities.
  • Recommends charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
  • Partners with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and attorneys in other federal law enforcement agencies in the development, management and trial of tax and related financial fraud cases.
  • Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, using the grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, utilizing international evidence collection tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country.
  • Advises and instructs Assistant U.S. Attorneys on complicated questions of law and Departmental policy with respect to matters arising under the internal revenue laws.
  • Advises and consults with the Assistant Attorney General, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Section Chief, and other Section Managers reporting on the status of all cases and matters related to criminal remedies.
  • Upon accepting an offer of employment, applicants must make a three-year commitment to the Fraud Division.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • You must complete a background investigation to include pre-employment drug testing.
  • Selective Service Registration is required, as applicable.
  • You must maintain a bank account for direct deposit of salary.
  • J.D. degree required, must be an active member of the bar, any jurisdiction.
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.

Grade Specific Qualifications:

  • To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
  • To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.

Preferred Qualifications: Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies:

  • Experience as a federal criminal prosecutor.
  • Experience in supporting, litigating, and supervising federal or state criminal cases.
  • Experience in U.S. District Court or state court.
  • Experience with the federal judiciary.

Education

Additional information

Number of Positions
Multiple

Travel
The amount of travel can be significant. Travel frequency and location varies and is based on the attorney's litigation schedule.

Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the application process is complete, a review of submitted documents will be made to determine if applicants are qualified for this assignment.

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.

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? Join the U.S. Department of Justice! The Department of Justice (DOJ) leads the nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. As a Justice employee you'll be a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. Read more about the exciting opportunities available.

Mission: DOJ is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

Core Values:

  1. Independence and Impartiality. DOJ works each day to earn the public's trust by following the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence.
  2. Honesty and Integrity. DOJ's employees adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, mindful that, as public servants, we must work to earn the trust of, and inspire confidence in, the public we serve.
  3. Respect. DOJ's employees value differences in people and in ideas and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and compassion.
  4. Excellence.DOJ works every day to provide the highest levels of service to the American people and to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers' dollars.

Agency contact information

Weston Sperbeck
Email
weston.v.sperbeck@usdoj.gov
Address
National Fraud Enforcement Division
950 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20530
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Offices, Boards and Divisions, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.justice.gov/enrd/about-division

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