Trial Attorney (Camp Lejeune Justice Act Unit)

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Unit (CLJA) seeks attorneys to defend the United States, Executive Office of the President, and agencies in cases challenging the legality of policies and actions brought in federal district courts. Work touches on many areas of government. Well-qualified candidates may be eligible for a signing bonus of up to $25,000, with priority given to applicants in D.C., Raleigh, San Francisco, Dallas, and NYC. Strong applicants from any location are encouraged to apply.

This is a Trial Attorney position located in the Department of Justice, Civil Division, Torts Branch, Camp Lejeune Unit. The Camp Lejeune Unit consists of a team of dedicated employees who energetically provide the defense of what is reported to be the largest mass toxic tort litigation in United States history. This Unit defends the United States in litigation brought under the "Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022" (CLJA), Pub. L. No. 117-168, § 804, 136 Stat. 1802, 1802-04 (2022), which was signed into law on August 10, 2022. This statute aims to provide appropriate relief to service members and others who were injured as a result of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between 1953 and 1987.This litigation provides unique opportunities in many components of litigation, including fact and expert discovery, working with scientific and medical expert witnesses, interacting with various federal agencies, robust motion practice, oral advocacy, settlement negotiations, and trials. Other responsibilities include working with the Department of Justice Civil Appellate Section and representing the United States in certain appellate matters, including CLJA statutory construction matters. This Unit also works closely with the Department of the Navy on the administrative claims and related settlement matters. This Camp Lejeune team provides relevant litigation training sessions, and they attend educational programs provided for Federal employees. CLJA litigation is a complex, high-stakes, and high-visibility toxic tort matter where multi-trillions of dollars in damages are sought from the United States. This litigation is of substantial public and Congressional interest. There are over 3,700 CLJA lawsuits pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina and over 409,000 administrative claims pending with the Department of the Navy. The Camp Lejeune team provides the defense for all of these matters. Continuity of counsel competent to deal with the medical, scientific, and legal issues, is required to manage such massive and complex cases. In performing the work of the position, the incumbent carries out the following functions: Prepares for and conducts hearings, settlement negotiations, and trials of complex cases. Prepares memoranda such as pleadings, motions, briefs, and other documents on the basis of factual and legal research. Participates in pretrial and prehearing conferences. Conducts trials or presents oral arguments in federal courts, state courts, and administrative proceedings, as appropriate. Provides advice to junior trial attorneys. Handles appellate litigation, as necessary; Reviews and analyzes facts and develops evidence during the preparation of assigned cases. This involves difficult and complex cases in which legal principles are not clearly established or where they are novel; Confers with the Chief to identify the policy of the Department in related litigation. Applies the theory of the government's cases, determines applicable legal principles to a given statement of facts, selects and examines witnesses, and plans trial strategy and appropriate techniques; As assigned, represents the United States and individual clients in direct negotiations and discussions with attorneys for private litigants; Participates in discussions with opposing counsel and in the formulation of settlements often having far-reaching legal consequences; Makes recommendations with respect to proposed changes in legislation relating to provisions of law. Provides advice concerning legal and policy questions related to statutes administered by the office; Advises and consults with the Chief to report on the status of cases and matters related to legal issues within the assigned area of litigation; Maintains personal contacts and works closely with officials and employees of the Division, officials and employees of the Department and other government agencies, and the public on litigation and policy-related matters; Responds to inquiries from the White House, Congress, federal departments and agencies, state and local authorities, and private individuals on matters within the scope of assigned statutory responsibilities; As requested, performs special legal and administrative projects requiring broad experience and sound judgement; and Performs other job-related duties, as assigned. Receives general instructions from the Assistant Director and the Unit Chief. Assignments are typically completed with a broad latitude of judgment in terms of leadership responsibilities, case preparation and theory development, case presentation, consultations, etc. Consults with the Assistant Director and Unit Chief, as appropriate, concerning issues or problems that have a significant impact on policy, procedure, or case action.