Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)
About the Role
The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland serves as the chief federal law enforcement office in Maryland and is charged with pursuing justice, ensuring public safety, and protecting the interests of the United States. The USAO is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as an Appellate Assistant United States Attorney to help discharge this mission by litigating appeals in the Fourth Circuit. This position will be located in either Baltimore, MD or Greenbelt, MD.
Responsibilities
- Working on direct and post-conviction appeals involving the full range of criminal cases that the District prosecutes
- Drafting briefs and presenting oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural issues in appeals arising out of the Criminal Division
- Reviewing briefs drafted by colleagues and participating in moot courts to prepare AUSAs for oral arguments
- Assisting with complex district court litigation and providing advice to other prosecutors on significant legal issues
- Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress
Requirements
- United States Citizen or National
- J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction)
- Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (see 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information)
- Registered for Selective Service, if applicable (male applicants born after December 31, 1959)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience and possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
Preferred Qualifications: Significant legal writing and oral advocacy, legal practice in federal court (or a federal court clerkship), or practice in criminal matters. Demonstrated ability and willingness to: be self-reliant and motivated in reviewing and distilling voluminous records involving complex fact patterns; understanding and articulating complex legal doctrines; preparing high-quality briefs on strict time deadlines; making persuasive oral arguments; and assisting other attorneys in all divisions. Candidates with prior federal appellate clerkships are preferred.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Cover letters are not required but are appreciated to provide further context of the applicants work history and desire to join the district.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Pay & Benefits
- Salary range: $87,815 to $197,100 (includes 33.94% locality pay), administratively determined based in part on years of professional attorney experience
- Comprehensive benefits package includes: paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
- Relocation expenses will not be authorized
Schedule & Travel
- Travel outside the district may be required but should be minimal; travel within the district will be required