Overview
Associate Litigation and/or Merger Control Antitrust Jobs in Austin, TX at Latham & Watkins LLP
Hiring Organization
Civil Division (CIV)
Hiring Office
Federal Programs Branch
Job ID
CIV-12723901-25-JDL
Location:
1100 L Street NW
Washington, DC – United States
Application Deadline:
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
About the Office
The Federal Programs Branch of the Department of Justice Civil Division seeks multiple current federal government attorneys for six-month, non-reimbursable details with the possibility of extensions. Candidates are expected to perform the work in person in accordance with the Department’s return to work and telework policies. Applicants should receive supervisory approval from their agency before applying and will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Civil Division.
The Federal Programs Branch of the Civil Division (“FPB”) represents virtually the entire Executive Branch in civil litigation. The Branch defends civil actions against the Executive Office of the President, Cabinet, and other government officials, and the approximately 100 federal agencies and departments in actions attacking the legality of government policies and decisions, principally in cases brought in the federal district courts.
Branch litigation is high-profile, fast-paced, and resource-intensive; the cases raise significant issues of national importance to complex nationwide class actions. It requires coordination with involved agencies, the White House, and the Department’s leadership offices. Many Branch cases involve challenges to programs that are high priorities for the Executive Branch.
Job Description
Trial attorneys in the Federal Programs Branch are generalists who participate in significant, often high-profile litigation across a broad range of practice areas. Trial Attorneys are expected to handle all phases of district court litigation, including taking and defending depositions, managing written discovery, conducting legal research and analysis, writing briefs and other documents, attending court conferences, arguing motions, and conducting trials. As part of their work, Trial Attorneys communicate regularly with client agencies, Department of Justice leadership, opposing counsel, and others. Trial Attorneys work on both individual and team cases in support of the Branch’s and Department’s mission of defending the interests of the United States.
FPB handles issues at the cutting edge of constitutional law, including the scope of the powers of Congress, the President, and the Federal Courts as well as the limitations imposed by the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Tenth, Eleventh, and Fourteenth Amendments. Some examples of our cases involve the decennial census, the Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts, classified information and the protection of national security interests, terrorism financing and designation, and large-scale housing, education, health care, and agricultural programs. The Branch also represents the federal government, as the nation’s largest employer, in employment litigation, including cases alleging discrimination under the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Rehabilitation Act, and cases alleging a variety of claims under the Civil Service Act and a panoply of labor laws. Although the majority of Branch litigation is defensive, the Branch brings affirmative proceedings to enjoin actions of state and local governments that conflict with the Supremacy Clause and to enforce a variety of agency statutory and regulatory powers.
The Branch is composed of approximately 100 attorneys and 30 support personnel. It is headed by three Directors. Twelve litigation areas are managed by Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors. For additional information, including links to the descriptions of the litigation areas, see https://www.justice.gov/civil/federal-programs-branch.
This is not a remote location position. You will be required to work in person at the agency location in Washington DC.
Qualifications
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree or equivalent, be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), have at least one year of post-JD legal experience (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience, be a current federal government Attorney and a U.S. citizen. Applicants should also have excellent academic credentials and outstanding advocacy and legal writing skills. Experience drafting and arguing motions, handling discovery, taking, and defending depositions, developing expert witness testimony, and trying cases are highly desirable. You must also be a U.S. citizen.
This position does not require or provide a clearance. The applicant should be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance, if needed.
Application Process
To apply for this position, you must complete the online application questionnaire and submit your supporting documentation through USA Jobs:
Detail Opportunity – Federal Programs Branch, Detail Trial Attorney
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement, within 90 days, if further openings occur in this office.
Application Deadline: April 30, 2025
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
Under a detail assignment, there is no change to the selectee’s base pay. The position will be filled at the employee’s current grade level.
Show more
Title: Associate Litigation and/or Merger Control Antitrust
Company: Latham & Watkins LLP
Location: Austin, TX
