Trial Attorney – Natural Resources Section

Summary

The Natural Resources Section has one of the most dynamic and complex practices in the Energy and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, representing virtually every federal agency in federal district courts, the Court of Federal Claims, and state courts in novel litigation arising under more than 80 natural resource, environmental, and cultural resource statutes. The Natural Resources Section seeks one or more experienced litigators in Washington DC and Denver, Colorado.

Duties

• The first cut-off date for referral of applicants will be 7/29/2026.
• The second cut-off date will be on the closing date of 8/19/2026.
• Much of our work involve challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act or the Just Compensation Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
• The Natural Resources Section (NRS) has a dynamic practice with a diverse docket and attorneys may choose to focus on brief writing or trial practice or both.
• On any given day, the Section's attorneys handle a vast portfolio of cases involving: The stewardship of our national parks, forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, and offshore resources; The balanced use of federal natural resources for varied uses, including
• Mineral extraction, conservation, preservation, recreation, and commercial uses; Vital federal programs ranging from national energy policy to nuclear materials management to military preparedness; Original actions in the U.S.
• Court to resolve boundary and water allocation disputes in the western part of the country; Real property claims arising under the
• Clause of the
• Amendment to the
• Constitution, which involve issues such as military readiness, transportation infrastructure, and flood control; and
• States' trust relationship with
• Because of the diverse nature of our docket, the ideal candidate should be comfortable having primary or sole responsibility in multiple complex cases, and have demonstrated and substantial experience in civil litigation, including some combination of discovery, working
• With experts, drafting substantive briefs, engaging in negotiations and mediations, appearing in court to argue motions, and going to trial.
• The cases handled by the Section require attorneys to achieve intellectual command of complicated facts, scientific principles, and legal issues, often rapidly.
• Successful candidates will be intellectually curious, driven, and possess the ability to harness technology and litigation support in the preparation of cases.
• Creative thinking and talent in problem-solving — whether in a litigation or settlement context — are critical.
• Collegiality is fundamental to our Section.
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable working collaboratively with other attorneys, learning from Section veterans, and providing support and mentorship to less experienced attorneys.
• On a day-to-day basis, our attorneys address case management issues, negotiate with opposing counsel, write motions and briefs, handle discovery, take and defend depositions, present oral arguments, and conduct trials.
• Our attorneys work closely with both attorneys and program staff at our client agencies, as well as with expert witnesses retained to offer opinions in our litigation.
• In staffing our cases, we strive to create work opportunities for our attorneys that allow them to constantly learn and grow by providing new challenges.
• We provide new attorneys with robust skills-based and substantive training.
• We also have exceptionally talented attorneys who are generous with their time to mentor.
• The group of paralegals and legal assistants we have are valuable resources, offering expert help.
• Overall, the Section cultivates an atmosphere of respect among colleagues who work together to advocate on behalf of the United States.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov. Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Required Documents

• To apply for this position, you must submit a complete Application Package which includes the following:
• Resume (not to exceed two pages) demonstrating relevant experience and month/year the experience was obtained
• Cover letter with brief statement of interest Writing sample Copy of
• J.D. degree transcripts
• DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active
• Duty and other supporting documentation, if applicable Your resume
• MUST include full employment information such as periods of employment with month/year started and ended, title of position(s), part time hours worked, and description of duties. If you have
• Federal employment, you must include the grade of the position(s).