Senior Litigation Counsel – Natural Resources Section

About the opportunity

The Natural Resources Section of the Energy and Natural Resources Division at the U.S. Department of Justice represents federal agencies in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts. This Senior Litigation Counsel role involves managing complex litigation arising under over 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes and the Fifth Amendment. The successful candidate will provide trial strategy guidance, oversee trial roadmaps, coordinate discovery, handle emergency motions, and mentor trial attorneys. The position requires intensive trial work, including identifying and coordinating expert witnesses, and direct consultation with senior management and federal agencies.

Salary and benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Telework opportunities
• Life insurance
• Health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System

Who can apply?

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national
• Must possess a J.D. degree
• Must be an active member of the bar in good standing in a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
• Minimum of 10 years of post-J.D. litigation experience
• Demonstrated expertise in natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource law
• Demonstrated record of complex case management, courtroom, presentation, and negotiation skills

Required documents

• Detailed resume (not to exceed two pages) including official position title, employer contact info, start/end dates, duties, salary, and hours worked
• Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) (not to exceed one page per MTQ)
• Law school transcripts
• Proof of active bar membership in good standing
• Most recent performance appraisal
• SF-50 (for current federal employees)
• DD 214 and/or SF 15 (for veterans' preference)

When to apply

• Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on September 25, 2026

How to apply

• Create or log into a USAJOBS account
• Click the APPLY button on the official job page
• Upload all required documents including resume, MTQs, transcripts, and performance appraisal
• Submit the application package through the USAJOBS portal by the deadline

Additional information

• The position is located in Washington, District of Columbia.
• Veterans' preference is considered a positive factor in attorney hiring, though no formal rating system is used.
• Reasonable accommodation policies apply.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on or after December 31, 1959.