U.S. Department of Justice Tax Division, Criminal Enforcement Sections in Washington, DC, Seeking Experienced Trial Attorneys/GS-13 to GS-15

The Tax Division is seeking experienced trial attorneys with superior academic and professional qualifications for positions in its Criminal Enforcement Sections.

Trial attorneys in the Criminal Enforcement Sections 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 all facets of criminal litigation, including indictment, motions practice, trial and sentencing. The candidate must be willing to travel. Cases involve traditional violations of criminal tax laws by taxpayers having legal sources of income, which includes, for example, tax evasion and the filing of false tax returns, as well as cases involving financial institution fraud, securities fraud, health care fraud, public corruption, organized crime activities and narcotics trafficking.

About the Criminal Enforcement Sections: The mission of the Tax Division is to enforce the nation’s tax laws fully, fairly and consistently, through both criminal and civil litigation, in order to promote voluntary compliance with the tax laws, maintain public confidence in the integrity of the tax system, and promote the sound development of the law. The Criminal Enforcement Sections’ trial attorneys investigate and prosecute criminal violations of the United States Code in District Courts throughout the United States. For more information about the Tax Division, visit our website at www.usdoj.gov/tax.

The Tax Division seeks to create a work environment and organizational culture that reflect the diversity of American society and that foster the success of every employee by appreciating and building upon the skills, experiences and uniqueness that each employee brings to the workplace.

Responsibilities and Opportunities Offered: The work environment is extremely collegial and professional. The DOJ seeks candidates who have significant experience in the courtroom, a passion for litigation, a deep interest in public service, the ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and a willingness to travel. Any attorney who enjoys the challenges of criminal litigation and complex, business-related trial work and wishes to litigate cases in federal court on behalf of the United States should consider a trial attorney position with the Tax Division.

Attorneys hired by the Tax Division are required to serve a minimum of four years. Prospective attorneys will be asked to sign a document committing to this period service.

Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three years of post-J.D. litigation experience. The applicant’s litigation experience should include criminal or civil trial experience, including significant in-court experience. Candidates should possess exceptional research, writing, and oral communication skills and must be willing to travel as will be required in connection with the investigation and prosecution of criminal tax cases.

The work of the Criminal Enforcement Sections requires the application of analytical, legal research and writing skills to complex and significant issues. Persuasiveness, judgment and a collaborative orientation are also highly valued. Typically, individuals who join this office as lateral attorneys have excellent academic records and previous litigation experience. Applicants with prosecution experience and/or an accounting, tax or business background are encouraged to apply.

Travel: Substantial travel is required.

Salary & Benefits: The Tax Division is hiring at GS-13 ($86,927 – $113,007); GS-14 ($102,721- $133,543); or GS-15 ($120,830 – $153,200). (Salaries listed are the 2009 salaries.) Years and quality of experience will be considered in determining the appropriate salary level.

Employee benefits include health, supplemental dental, vision, life and long care term insurance; flexible spending accounts for health and dependent care needs; retirement coverage; a deferred retirement savings account with employer contribution (the Thrift Savings Plan); and ten paid federal holidays. Attorneys accrue both sick and annual (vacation) leave and have access to an on-site fitness center and health unit.

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Submission Process and Deadline Date: Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing their relevant experience including a specific description of their prior courtroom experience. Applicants should also submit a resume, law school and any advanced degree transcripts, a list of three professional references, and a writing sample that is no longer than seven pages in length.

Applicants with veterans’ preference are encouraged to submit a DD-214 and any other appropriate documentation concerning the preference. Please see below for more information.

Application materials should be sent to DOJ.TAXCRIMINAL@usdoj.gov. Application materials should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format only.

No telephone calls please. Applications should not be sent at government expense.

Candidates who have submitted applications within the past year should not reapply.

The positions will remain open until filled. Please submit applications by January 18, 2010.

Other attorney vacancy announcements can be found at www.usdoj.gov/oarm/attvacancies.html.