This vacancy announcement is open to all U.S. citizens. Applicants must submit a complete application package as described below. Submit your full application package as a single PDF to [email protected] using the following subject line: TRIAL ATTORNEY-R18-09-2026. Clearly identify in your cover letter the specific Region 18 field office(s) for which you seek consideration (Seattle, WA or Spokane, WA). Important: Candidates who applied to the previous announcement (Job ID: Trial Attorney-R18-06-2026) that closed on July 22, 2026, will be automatically considered and do not need to reapply.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining interest in the position and demonstrating how all qualifications are met.
- Resume: Your two-page resume showing relevant experience should include your name and contact information in addition to the following for proper determination to be made: where you worked, job title, series and grade, if applicable, duties and accomplishments for each position, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and end dates (Mo/Yr), hours per week and salary. Resumes exceeding two pages will be disqualified.
- Writing Sample: A short writing sample, or an excerpt from a longer sample (under ten pages), that is exclusively or primarily the applicant’s own work and includes legal analysis.
- Transcripts: If this position has a positive education requirement or you are using your education to qualify, you must submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts. The unofficial transcripts must include the following information: name of accredited institution, grades earned, quarter or semester hours earned, and date degree conferred. If selected for this position, you will be required to provide an official certified copy of your transcripts before a start date will be established.
- SF-50(s): Current or former federal employees must submit their most recent, non award SF 50. The SF 50 must include the full position title, series, grade and step, organization, duty location, service computation date, effective date, and the employee’s service type and tenure.
- Performance Appraisal: Current Federal employees must submit a copy of their most recent completed annual performance appraisal.
- Veterans' Preference Documentation: If claiming preference, you must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active-duty service, type of discharge and the character of service.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Evaluation Process:
A panel of subject matter experts will review applications to assess how well each candidate meets the minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates will be contacted by email or telephone to schedule an interview. Interviews will be scored by a selecting committee, and candidates in the best qualified category will receive further consideration.
Trial Period Statement:
As a condition of employment for the position of Trial Attorney with the USTP, you may be required to serve a two-year trial period during which the Program will assess your fitness for continued employment and whether your service advances the public interest. In making this determination, the Program may consider:
- Your performance and conduct.
- The needs and interests of the agency.
- Whether your continued employment advances the organizational goals of the agency or the Government.
- Whether your continued employment promotes the efficiency of the service.
Your employment will conclude at the end of the trial period unless you receive written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest. If certification is not granted, you will receive written notice prior to the end of the trial period advising you of the termination and its effective date.
