Trial Attorney – Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation

About the role

The Aviation, Space & Admiralty Litigation Section of the Torts Branch seeks a Trial Attorney (T-ASA) to represent the United States in complex aviation, space and maritime cases. The attorney will work on high‑profile litigation involving federal agencies such as the FAA, NASA, the Navy, and the Coast Guard.

Key responsibilities

• Defend the United States in wrongful‑death, personal‑injury and property‑damage actions arising from aircraft accidents.
• Litigate space‑launch and vehicle incidents, including historic cases like the Space Shuttle Columbia and Challenger disasters.
• Represent the government in admiralty matters as ship‑owner, regulator, and protector of maritime resources.
• Handle collisions, groundings, boarding challenges, and pollution incidents involving U.S. vessels.
• Prepare and present legal arguments, manage discovery, and coordinate with multiple federal client agencies.

Required profile

• U.S. citizen or national.
• Successful completion of a background investigation, including drug testing.
• Selective Service registration for applicable male applicants.
• Eligibility for Top Secret security clearance with possible SCI access, depending on assignment.
• Willingness to disclose financial information per DOJ and federal ethics guidelines.
• Potential 2‑year trial period as specified in qualifications.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on nationally significant litigation across aviation, space and maritime domains.
• Collaboration with a wide range of federal agencies and senior legal professionals.