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Trial Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trial Attorney

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

Legal Careers | Trial Attorney, GS-0905-14/15 | United States Department of Justice * Learn more about this agency Duties Help About the Office This position serves as a Trial Attorney, located in ...

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

Trial Attorney

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Are you an attorney eager for more courtroom action. This is a unique opportunity to join a prestigious full-service litigation firm and learn from a team of experienced trial attorneys. If you have ...

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

Trial Attorney

New Orleans, LA ยท On-site

$122K - $148K/yr

A well-established plaintiff law firm in the CBD is looking for a Trial Attorney who has tried multiple high dollar cases to become part of our team! The candidate must have a Juris Doctor degree and ...

Trial Attorney Established (20+ Years) Premier Firm Seeking Trial Attorney - High stakes Litigation for Personal Injury Defense Litigation in Orange County, California. Do you thrive in the courtroom?

New

Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan are not only expected to get trial experience and frequent exposure to the courtroom on their and their colleagues' cases, they are required to. If you are seeking the ...

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Trial Attorney information

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$50K

$120.8K

$192.5K

How much do trial attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for trial attorney in the United States is $120,815.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Trial Attorney?

A trial attorney, or trial lawyer, tries cases in court on behalf of their clients. As a trial attorney, your responsibilities include meeting with clients, working with a legal team to gather evidence and witnesses, assembling the case, and presenting it in the trial. Your duties in court are to show evidence, question the witnesses, and present your case to sway the jury or judge in favor of your client. You also file motions and appeals and work on settlements out of court. In addition to a thorough law knowledge, you need excellent public speaking and debate skills.

What are some common challenges faced by trial attorneys during case preparation and how can they be managed?

Trial attorneys often face challenges such as tight deadlines, managing large volumes of evidence, and coordinating with witnesses and experts. Effective organization, strong communication skills, and the use of legal technology tools can help manage these demands. Additionally, collaborating closely with paralegals, investigators, and other attorneys on the legal team ensures thorough case preparation and reduces the risk of last-minute surprises in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trial Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trial Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and courtroom advocacy skills. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management software, and e-discovery tools is typical for the role. Outstanding oral communication, critical thinking, and negotiation skills help a trial attorney excel in high-pressure situations and connect with juries, clients, and colleagues. These competencies ensure effective case preparation, persuasive argumentation, and successful outcomes in litigation.

What are trial attorneys?

Trial attorneys are lawyers who specialize in representing clients in court cases, handling both civil and criminal matters. They are responsible for preparing legal strategies, gathering evidence, presenting arguments, and examining witnesses before a judge or jury. Trial attorneys often work in law firms, government agencies, or as private practitioners, and their main focus is on litigation and courtroom advocacy. Their work requires strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills to effectively represent their clients' interests.

What is the difference between Trial Attorney vs Litigation Attorney?

AspectTrial AttorneyLitigation Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor, Bar AdmissionJuris Doctor, Bar Admission
Work EnvironmentCourts, courtroom proceedingsLaw firms, legal offices, courtrooms
Industry UsageLegal cases, courtroom advocacyLegal disputes, case preparation
Common Search IntentTrial process, courtroom rolesLegal dispute resolution, case management

While both Trial Attorneys and Litigation Attorneys hold similar credentials and often work in court settings, Trial Attorneys primarily focus on courtroom advocacy and representing clients during trials. Litigation Attorneys handle the broader process of preparing cases, managing legal disputes, and may not always go to trial. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What cities are hiring for Trial Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Trial Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Trial Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Trial Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Trial Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Trial Attorney jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Trial Attorney jobs? For Trial Attorney jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Trial Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,815 per year, or $58.1 per hour.

Trial Attorney

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

$143K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary
This is a public notice flyer. Applications will not be accepted through USA Jobs. If you are interested in applying, please see the official announcement on the DOJs Legal Careers page by following the links below:
  • Legal Careers | Trial Attorney, GS-0905-14/15 | United States Department of Justice
  • https://www.justice.gov/legal-careers/job/trial-attorney-gs-0905-1415

Learn more about this agency
Duties
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About the Office
This position serves as a Trial Attorney, located in the Department of Justice (DOJ), National Security Division (NSD), in Washington, D. C. The mission of the NSD is to coordinate the Department's efforts in carrying out its core mission of combating terrorism and protecting national security. NSD is responsible for supervising the enforcement of all federal criminal laws related to counterterrorism and counterespionage, except those specifically assigned to other divisions. NSD also serves as the Department of Justice's liaison to the United States Intelligence Community (USIC) and represents the USIC before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. In addition, NSD advises the Attorney General regarding all matters of national security policy.
The incumbent may serve as a Trial Attorney in the Counterterrorism Section, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, or National Security Cyber Section of the NSD. As a GS-14 and GS-15 Trial Attorney, the incumbent provides advice, assistance and counsel to the Office of the Assistant Attorney General for NSD (OAAG) on a wide range of matters relating to the activities of NSD and the Department. The incumbent will present the views of the OAAG and other officials in correspondence and other communications with agency managers and program officials.
The position requires mastery of the legal profession, as the attorney will be expected to apply novel legal theories to issues; to make decisions or recommendations that significantly change, interpret, or develop important public policies or programs; and to serve as a recognized expert in the specialty area.
Job Description
Litigates the most complex cases, as an expert in a specialized area of law.
Responds to matters arising during trial, recognizing opposition tactics designed to obscure the focus of the case.
May provide agency representation in direct negotiations and discussions with senior officials of states, counties, and cities throughout the country, and/or lawyers and high-level officials of some of the largest corporations in the United States.
Serves as an expert, providing advice and policy determinations in matters involving the planning, discussion, and coordination of activities related to the litigation of cases.
Responds to telephonic or written inquiries from U.S. Attorneys on matters of law, procedure, or policy in pending potential litigation.
Provides expert advice to others in preparing the most complex cases for litigation.
Serves as an expert in a specialized area of law preparing the most complex cases for litigation. Reviews and analyzes facts; conducts legal research; and oversees the preparation of drafts of pleadings, motions, briefs stipulations, affidavits, and/or other legal documents.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
  • You may be required to complete a probationary or trial period.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  • You must meet all eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement and continue to meet these requirements throughout the hiring process. Offers can be rescinded if requirements are not met.
  • Financial Disclosure: If selected, you may be required to disclose financial information in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.

Qualifications
Qualifications
Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least four or more years of post-J.D. professional experience. Applicants must have superior academic credentials, possess excellent analytical and writing skills, and have the dedication and capacity to work independently in a very demanding environment. Past experience in the national security or intelligence field is not required but is preferred. Prior federal litigation experience is also strongly preferred.
Must be able to meet NSD suitability criteria for this position.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance.
Failure to obtain or retain this level of security clearance and access will be grounds for reassignment, demotion, or removal from the Federal Service. Employee must successfully pass a urinalysis screening for illegal drug use prior to appointment and subsequent periodic drug screening thereafter.
Occasional travel is required, which may involve the use of commercial and/or government aircraft.
This position is MISSION ESSENTIAL. Most, if not all, essential job functions must be performed in a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF). The incumbent is required to report for duty, in person, as necessary, in an emergency (regardless of holidays, weekends, nights, furloughs) or conditions such as weather in which non-essential personnel are not expected to report.
Additional information
Salary
GS-14: $143,913 - $187,093 (per annum)
GS-15: $169,279 - $197,200 (per annum)
Number of Positions
Multiple
Travel
Periodic travel will be required.
Relocation Expenses
Relocation expenses may not be authorized for this position.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.