Hiring Organization
National Fraud Enforcement Division
Hiring Office
National Fraud Enforcement Division
Attorney Appointment Type
Attorney Permanent
Job ID
FRD-TA-4
Location:
Multiple Locations
Application Deadline:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026
About the Office
The Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”) investigates and prosecutes those who commit fraud against the American people. We fulfill our mission by using advanced data-driven investigative techniques; coordinating with agencies responsible for administering taxpayer-funded programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification and investigation of fraud; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice. The Fraud Division works every day to protect the financial integrity of the United States of America, ensure the vibrancy of the American economy, and seek justice for victims of fraud. This posting is for Appellate Counsel positions within the Fraud Division’s Appellate Section. This announcement will be open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning on or before June 22, 2026.
Job Description
The National Fraud Enforcement Division, U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking qualified, experienced attorneys for permanent Appellate Counsel positions in the Division’s Appellate Section.
The Fraud Division’s Appellate Section represents the United States in the federal courts of appeals on all Fraud Division matters. The experienced attorneys assigned to the Appellate Section participate in every aspect of the appellate litigation process, including preparing briefs and arguing cases in the courts of appeals. In addition, attorneys in the Appellate Section prepare recommendations to the Solicitor General regarding whether to seek further review of decisions adverse to the government and work closely with the Office of the Solicitor General to draft certiorari petitions, briefs in opposition, merits briefs, and other papers for filing in the Supreme Court on the United States’ behalf. Finally, the Appellate Section supports the Fraud Division’s broader enforcement portfolio by preparing and arguing motions in significant district court cases and by providing expert advice to trial attorneys and management regarding legal issues.
Generally, as an Appellate Counsel, the incumbent:
Assists attorneys in reviewing adverse decisions and recommending future action to Fraud Division senior management;
Provides advice to attorneys in the Fraud Division’s litigating sections on legal and policy issues, including by conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, or editing other attorneys' work product;
Works with Fraud Division management to develop training relevant to litigation concerning recent appellate court decisions, new legislation, and other developing areas of the law;
Assists in handling internal government requests for the Fraud Division, including from the Department of Justice and Congress;
In collaboration with section managers, carries out and fosters effective investigations and prosecutions, including advising on strategy and legal complexities, and developing litigation priorities.
Recommends charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
Engages in all phases of investigation and litigation, including, but not limited to, using the grand jury, advising federal law enforcement agents, utilizing international evidence collection tools, preparing appropriate pleadings, and litigating motions and trials before U.S. District Courts across the country.
Locations: Washington D.C.; Newark, New Jersey; Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; Los Angeles, California.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent, degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing.
Grade Specific Qualifications:
To qualify at the GS-14 grade level, applicants must have at least two and a half (2.5) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-13 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: performing legal analysis and formulating recommendations to senior managers; composing pleadings, briefs, and other court documents involving legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; and conducting civil or criminal litigation.
To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, applicants must have at least four (4) years post J.D. legal experience, one of which was specialized experience at, or equivalent to, the GS-14 grade level. Examples of specialized experience include: independently performing legal analysis; composing pleadings, briefs and other court documents involving unique and/or difficult legal issues in civil or criminal litigation; conducting highly complex civil or criminal litigation; and leading paralegals and support staff.
Preferred Qualifications: Your qualifications will be further evaluated based upon the following competencies:
Federal appellate court clerkship.
Experience drafting federal appellate briefs and presenting oral argument before federal courts of appeal.
Knowledge of white collar criminal enforcement practice.
Experience in supporting and litigating federal or state criminal cases.
Application Process
The Application Package must be received by 11:59 PM, Eastern Time, on the closing date of this announcement. Interested attorneys should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in PDF format to
[email protected] with the subject line in the following format: “Appellate Counsel – Last name, First name.” If your application is not submitted in the requested format, it will not be considered.
A complete application package must include:
Cover Letter (highlighting relevant experience).
Resume: Applicants will be evaluated based on a comparison of the position requirements against the quality and extent of experience or related education as reflected in their resume. Applicants are encouraged to ensure work experiences clearly show the possession of knowledge of the subject matter pertinent to the position and the technical skills to successfully perform the duties of the position. Your resume must be no more than 2 pages. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted. Please ensure all information you believe is qualifying for the position is contained within your resume, or you may be marked ineligible. Additionally, your resume must include your JD date and the following information for each job listed: month and year, start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008), and full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week).
Writing Sample: Not to exceed 10 pages.
Documentation of eligibility for special hiring authorities (if applicable): to prove appointment eligibility. Examples include: Schedule A disability letter, Peace Corps volunteer letter, military spouse hiring authority documentation, etc.
Current or Former Political Appointees (if applicable): please note on your resume and attach an SF-50. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.
Schedule A Documentation (if applicable): The Fraud Division welcomes and encourages applications from persons with disabilities and is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department.
Veterans Preference Documentation (if applicable):
If you are a discharged, non-disabled veteran, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 showing character discharge (Member 4 copy), or other Documentation of Service and Separation under Honorable Conditions. If you don't have your DD-214, you may request it after discharge from the National Archives at www.archives.gov/veterans.
If you are a veteran within 120 days of discharge, you must submit signed documentation from the Armed Forces certifying: 1) your expected release/retirement from active duty, 2) under honorable conditions, 3) your pay grade/rank/rate at time of discharge, 4) dates of active duty service, 5) any campaign or expeditionary medals received, and 6) dated within 120 days of your separation.
If you are a disabled veteran, Purple Heart recipient, or mother or spouse of a disabled or deceased veteran, you must submit a completed SF-15 http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf and all additional proof required by the SF-15, as applicable. If you don't have your Department of Veterans Affairs letter establishing proof of disability, you may request it at https://www.va.gov/resources/getting-started-with-va/ or call 1-800-827-1000.
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 conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Salary
This is a permanent position at the GS-14 or GS-15 grade level. The salary range for this position will be based on the duty location. See OPM’s Web page at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2026/general-schedule/
