Chief Trial Attorney

***This position is open to current CFTC Employees***

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Division of Enforcement (DOE) is responsible for investigating suspected violations and enforcing the Commodity Exchange Act.

Education: Successful completion of a full course of study (JD) in a school of law accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. This evaluation must be provided by midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of this vacancy announcement. We will only accept the completed foreign education evaluation.

As a Chief Trial Attorney, you will be responsible for providing leadership and oversight on the execution of investigations and various enforcement duties pursuant to the provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, and the rules and regulations adopted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. As a Chief Trial Attorney, the incumbent will lead a team in performing the following duties:

• Participates as counsel in the CFTC’s most difficult and complex matters, including litigation that may result in the establishment of major legal precedent, involve large customer losses, and potentially result in requests for imposition of severe sanctions.
• Interacts with sophisticated market participants, works closely with highly competent opposing counsel, and otherwise be involved in matters which generate exceptional interest by the government, the defendant, or the public.
• Manages and balances workloads in assigned investigations and cases so as to bring them to speedy and successful conclusions.
• Supervises the conduct of the cases in court and makes decisions in conjunction with a supervisor regarding tactics and strategy employed.
• Represents and directs assigned staff in court appearances for substantive motions such as injunction proceedings, motions to dismiss, and summary judgment, as well as at pre-trial conferences and trials.
• Conducts and oversees detailed evidentiary analysis, including that of bank and trading records. Handles subpoena enforcement and contempt proceedings in U.S. district courts.
• Refers violations of the Act and CFTC Regulations to, and seeks assistance from state, federal, and foreign authorities in coordination with the Chief of Cooperative Enforcement and Chief Counsel.

***The Chief Trial Attorney must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development and modeling inclusive behaviors. The Chief Trial Attorney also supports CFTC leadership in promoting a culture of inclusivity and belonging that embraces the contributions of all team members***

To qualify for the CT-15, applicants must have the following:

CT-15: Applicants must have a J.D. Degree, bar membership and Five years of relevant legal practice experience, acquired after being admitted to the bar, commensurate with the duties and responsibilities of a legal position. Relevant experience is defined as an attorney, law clerk, or other legal experience which was obtained subsequent to graduation from law school.

Qualifying experience may include: Experience in directing, developing, and managing/supervising a team of junior trial attorneys and other staff professionals in the course of investigations and litigation. Demonstrating leadership to the team and acting as the chief advocate for the Commission throughout the course of litigation. Ensuring all actions are in compliance with, among other things, the agency’s policies and procedures manual and relevant federal law, including the Commodity Exchange Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, and the Right to Financial Privacy.