The Tax Division is hiring civil appellate lawyers who have a passion for litigation, a deep interest in public service, and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

The mission of the Tax Division is to enforce the nation's internal revenue 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 Appellate Section's attorneys handle appeals involving a wide variety of legal areas, including federal tax law, administrative law, bank secrecy law, constitutional law, bankruptcy law, and state property law, as well as a panoply of evidentiary, procedural, and jurisdictional issues.

We seek to create a work environment and organizational culture that reflect the diversity of American society, and to foster the success of every employee by valuing and building upon the unique skills and experiences that each individual brings to the workplace.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

Attorneys in the Appellate Section have a significant amount of responsibility and work in a collegial environment with experienced litigators. The work of the civil appellate attorney includes preparing briefs and presenting oral arguments in the United States Courts of Appeals nationwide and state appellate courts when an appeal is taken from a decision of a United States district court, the United States Tax Court, the Court of Federal Claims, or a state trial court. Civil appellate attorneys review adverse decisions from these courts and prepare recommendations to the Office of the Solicitor General about whether the government should appeal. Attorneys in the Appellate Section also assist the Office of the Solicitor General in preparing briefs in the United States Supreme Court.

Applicants should have a strong interest in federal appellate work, strong writing and oral-advocacy skills and an academic background that demonstrates a commitment to producing professional work of a consistently outstanding caliber. The work of the Appellate Section 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. A background in tax law is helpful, but not required. A judicial clerkship is a plus, but not required.

Our civil appellate attorneys must be able to work independently to develop their cases factually and legally. They must be willing to work collaboratively with the Internal Revenue Service, internal supervisors and peers to present those cases in the most effective manner.

Applicants must have:

• Substantial organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple matters concurrently;
• A strong interest in developing their litigation skills, in learning about and applying new technologies, and in remaining current on developments in the law; and
• An ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

We value persuasiveness, judgment, initiative and teamwork. Familiarity with the use of technology in organizing, developing, and presenting a case at trial is helpful, but not required.

Applicants must have at least three (3) years of full-time post-J.D. legal experience by the closing date of this announcement.

Salaries: Years and quality of experience will be considered in determining the appropriate salary level. Positions may be filled at the GS 13-14 levels. Positions may occasionally be filled at the GS-15 level.

Travel will be required. The location and frequency of travel varies, depending on the attorney's litigation schedule.

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 the Tax Division if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which the Tax Division is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which the Tax Division is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

To apply for this position, you must complete the online application within the USAJOBS announcement at the link below. Submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section of the announcement.

To apply for this position, you must provide a completed application package which includes:

All documents should be provided in either PDF or MS Word format. The cover letter, which should not exceed two single-spaced pages, should describe how your background and qualifications make you well suited for the position as an Appellate Attorney, taking into account the Responsibilities and Qualifications described in the advertisement. Furthermore, you should specifically provide a description of prior appellate and/or litigation experience, your interest in public service, and your interest in the Tax Division in particular. Consider the cover letter an opportunity to inform hiring officials about something not reflected in your resume that you would like them to know about you.

The writing sample should reflect your best writing, and be an original piece that has not been extensively edited by a third party. Persuasive writing is preferred because most of the writing we do should persuade its audience. The sample should be no more than 10 pages, double spaced. Whether your sample is an entire document or part of a larger piece, a paragraph on a separate page providing background on the writing sample and enough context for the reader to understand the sample is very useful and will not count against the 10 page limit. Please include your full name at the top of the first page of the document.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: If you are unable to apply online due to a disability or overseas deployment, you must request an alternative application, which is available from the Human Resources Office. Please contact at or to discuss your situation. Accommodations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you are unable to apply online, contact Ms. West by email at Senobia.West@usdoj.gov as soon as possible to arrange an alternative application process.

If you submit more than one application, the last application to be received will be the one considered.

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 conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.