Joseph Borson

Joseph Borson is an attorney with the US Department of Justice, where he serves as an Assistant Director in the Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch. His work focuses on federal civil litigation, agency actions, and public programs. Joseph has built his career through government service, court experience, and careful legal writing. His role supports fair decision-making in matters that may affect agencies, communities, and people who depend on lawful public administration.

Joseph earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School. At Harvard, he served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Harvard Law Review, worked as a Research Assistant, and served as a Teaching Assistant in Civil Procedure. He earned an A.B. in Political Science from Brown University, graduating magna cum laude with Honors in Political Science. He was elected Phi Beta Kappa and completed an honors thesis on space programs after the Cold War.

Joseph worked as a law clerk for the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts from 2013 to 2014. He then clerked for the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit from 2014 to 2015. These roles strengthened his understanding of federal courts, legal analysis, and written advocacy. Before his Department of Justice service, he also gained legal and policy experience through Arnold & Porter and the Office of Management and Budget in Washington.

Joseph Borson joined the Department of Justice in 2015 as a Trial Attorney in the Civil Division, Federal Programs Branch. He later served as Senior Trial Counsel before becoming Assistant Director. In these roles, he has helped defend federal programs, support lawful agency action, and present clear arguments in complex cases. His public-service career reflects a commitment to reasoned advocacy, strong preparation, and legal work that helps protect public functions, constitutional processes, access to orderly government, and the rule of law in cases involving public duties, federal authority, and agency responsibilities across significant federal civil matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Assistant Director, U.S. Department of Justice
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Brown University
  AB in Political Science

Awards & Badges