About the opportunity
The Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation (CSTL) Section of the Torts Branch in the Civil Division, Department of Justice, is seeking a General Attorney for its Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program. The RECA Program administers claims providing compensation to individuals who developed illnesses from radiation exposure during uranium mining, milling, or transport for defense purposes, or from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. Following recent expansions covering additional geographic areas, more workers, and Manhattan Project-related injuries, staff represent the Attorney General’s interests throughout the claims process, handling complex legal and factual issues involving substantial monetary claims.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range of $85,447 to $197,200 per year (GS-11 through GS-15 pay scale)
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and life insurance
Who can apply?
- Must possess a J.D. or equivalent degree from an accredited college or university
- Must be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any U.S. State, territory, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing
- GS-11: Up to 1 year of legal experience
- GS-12: 1 or more years of post-J.D. legal experience
- GS-13: At least 1.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience
- GS-14: At least 2.5 years of post-J.D. legal experience
- GS-15: At least 4 years of post-J.D. legal experience
Required documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume showing relevant experience (not to exceed 2 pages)
- Writing Sample (not more than 10 pages in length, and written in the past 3 years)
- DD-214 and/or veteran documentation, if applicable
When to apply
- Applications open on October 21, 2026
- Application deadline is November 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
How to apply
- Click Apply Online on the USAJOBS platform to begin your application
- Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new one
- Select your stored resume and upload or attach required supporting documents
- Submit demographic information if prompted
- Proceed to the DOJ Application Manager system to verify transmitted information
- Complete the application assessment questionnaires and indicate eligibility options
- Upload and assign all required documents to the appropriate document categories
- Review your application and click Submit before the deadline
Additional information
- Initial appointment is for a period of 2 years, with the option to extend in 1-year increments, not to exceed 4 years
- This position requires working in person five days a week in Washington, D.C. (not a remote position)
- As a condition of employment, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period
- Veterans' preference is considered as a positive factor in attorney hiring
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Attorneys with a J.D. and active bar membership seeking complex administrative and tort litigation experience at the federal level
- Legal professionals with proven advocacy, legal writing, and evidentiary research skills
- Candidates looking for a fixed-term federal career opportunity with competitive government compensation
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires full-time, five-day-a-week in-person attendance in Washington, D.C., with no remote option available
- The initial appointment is temporary, structured as a two-year initial term with a maximum duration of four years
- Applicants must successfully complete a mandatory two-year trial period
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role offers an opportunity to build specialized federal litigation and administrative law experience handling high-profile compensation claims. It suits legal professionals looking for impactful government service within a structured terminal appointment rather than permanent tenure.
Our take
Licensed attorneys with strong legal writing and analytical skills who are prepared for on-site work in Washington, D.C., should seriously consider applying before the November 2026 deadline. It is less suitable for candidates seeking permanent career positions or remote work arrangements.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
