The Department of Justice’s Environmental Defense Section (EDS) is seeking applicants for a U.S. Associate Attorney Job and up to four permanent Attorney positions.
This is a unique opportunity to join one of the most intellectually rigorous sections within the DOJ, handling a diverse and high-stakes docket that spans both federal district courts and appellate courts.
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Organization: Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), Environmental Defense Section (EDS)
Location: Washington, DC
Job ID: ENRD-26-016-EXC
Application Deadline: May 27, 2026
The Work
The EDS mandate is expansive. You will represent the United States in complex civil litigation involving major environmental statutes, including:
- Clean Air Act & Clean Water Act
- CERCLA (Superfund)
- RCRA, TSCA, SDWA, and FIFRA
Your practice will involve defending petitions for review of national EPA rules in the courts of appeals, handling Administrative Procedure Act (APA) claims in district court, and litigating complex liability cases on behalf of federal agencies like the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.
Qualifications
To be considered, you must be a U.S. citizen, hold a J.D. degree (or equivalent), and be an active member in good standing of any U.S. bar. You must also meet the following post-J.D. litigation or judicial experience thresholds:
| Grade Level | Required Experience |
| GS-12 | At least 1 year |
| GS-13 | At least 1.5 years |
| GS-14 | At least 2.5 years |
| GS-15 | At least 4 years |
Ideal Candidate Profile:
- Superior research, analytical, and writing abilities.
- Strong commitment to federal litigation and trial work.
- Exceptional academic credentials.
- Highly Desirable: Judicial clerkship experience and a background in defensive civil litigation.
Compensation
Salaries are commensurate with grade level and experience. For the Washington, DC location:
- GS-12: $102,415 – $133,142
- GS-13: $121,785 – $158,322
- GS-14: $143,913 – $187,093
- GS-15: $169,279 – $197,200
How to Apply for the U.S. Associate Attorney Job
Applications for the U.S. Associate Attorney Job must be submitted online via USAJOBS. You must submit the following documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on May 27, 2026:
- Resume: Maximum two pages; must include full employment details (month/year, titles, and part-time hours/Federal grade levels).
- Cover Letter: Include a brief statement of interest.
- Writing Sample.
- Law School Transcript.
- DD-214: If claiming veteran preference.
Note: Applicants are responsible for identifying and disclosing any conflicts of interest regarding current clients or matters in which the EDS is involved.