Yesterday Law 360 reported that “The U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division has embarked on a round of heavy hiring to beef up the ranks of trial attorneys who will help litigate pending enforcement actions against the biggest players in the technology industry.” (here–subscription required).

I looked online at www.usajobs.com and pulled up this posting[1]:

The United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division, is seeking highly qualified attorneys to serve as Trial Attorneys in its seven civil enforcement sections in Washington, DC or in its San Francisco, CA office.

The attorneys hired can expect to be given significant responsibility and have immediate involvement with matters of national importance.

Open & closing dates               07/26/2021 to 08/27/2021

Service                                    Excepted

Pay scale & grade                   GS 14 – 15

Salary                                      $122,530 to $172,500 per year

Appointment type                  Permanent

Work schedule                        Full-time

For more info or to apply, visit https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/608822200.

There has never been a more interesting time to be an antitrust lawyer (but it is always an interesting time to be an antitrust lawyer).  And there is no better place to get great experience than the US Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.  Of course, the Federal Trade Commission is also going to be an interesting and active agency in the coming years.  Here is a link to “Careers: Join the Federal Trade Commission Team.”

The Antitrust Division also hires entry level attorneys through the Attorney General Honors Program. I was fortunate enough to be hired by the Antitrust Division (a very long time ago) through the Honors Program for third year law students and those currently serving clerkships.  The Antitrust Division is anticipating hiring 15 entry level attorneys through the Honors Program.  Applications for the Honors Program are due in early September.  See here for more details.  I still clearly remember the phone call I got offering me a position with the Division.  It is still the luckiest thing that has happened to me in my career (“Its smarter to be lucky than it’s lucky to be smart.”  Pippin, The Musical).

There are often periods when, for budget reasons, there are very few openings in the Antitrust Division.  After many lean years, it appears the government is seeking reinforcements so if public service interests you, either as a career or a stop on your journey, this is an ideal time to explore your options.  Even with relatively robust hiring, however, the competition will be keen for these positions.  Good luck if you do apply.

Bob Connolly  [email protected]

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[1] Job postings for the DOJ, FTC and other federal agencies can be found on www.usajobs.com.  State AG offices are also a place to check out for antitrust/competition related positions.