Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

About the role

The mission of the United States Department of Justice is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. We strive to build a stronger office through recruitment efforts and by promoting professional development.

Responsibilities

• Represent the United States in cases before the Fifth Circuit and handle all aspects of affirmative and defensive appeals from criminal cases arising in the District.
• Prepare and present appellate briefs and oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural matters.
• Participate in moot courts and review draft briefs written by fellow AUSAs.
• Advise the U.S. Attorney and fellow AUSAs on developments in the law and significant legal issues.
• Handle specialized litigation in federal district court.
• Consult with the Solicitor General's Office and the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice regarding appeals, petitions for rehearing en banc, and litigation in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Requirements

• Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
• Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications

• Required Qualifications:
  • A J.D. Degree, active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong academics, outstanding organizational skills, superior legal writing and research ability, demonstrated analytical ability, good judgment and courtroom skills, and a commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.

Benefits

• Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The pay for this position is as follows, including locality pay:
• Austin, TX: Salary is $78,905 to $197,100 which includes a 20.35% locality pay.
• El Paso, TX: Salary is $76,748 to $197,100 which includes a 17.06% locality pay.
• San Antonio, TX: Salary is $77,875 to $197,100 which includes a 18.78% locality pay.

Other Benefits

• The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Application Process

• Complete Application Package which includes:
  • Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire.
  • Your cover letter MUST indicate which specific location(s) you are applying to and rank them in order of preference.
  • Your resume cannot exceed two pages - you will be deemed ineligible and receive no further consideration if your resume exceeds two pages.