Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

In all matters, it is our mission to represent the people of the United States in a manner that will instill confidence in the fairness and integrity of our office and the judicial system, and to conduct our work with the highest integrity. We strive to perform our mission in the most efficient and effective manner.

About the role

The Northern District of Texas is currently seeking applicants for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) opening in our Appellate Division in Dallas, Texas. This position offers a unique and challenging experience for a highly motivated attorney.

Responsibilities

• Represent the United States in cases on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
• Handle all aspects of appeals from criminal cases prosecuted in the District, including writing appellate briefs and presenting oral arguments on complex and novel issues involving the Constitution, statutory construction, evidentiary disputes, and procedural matters.
• Review draft briefs of fellow AUSAs and participate in moot courts.
• Bring affirmative appeals to the Fifth Circuit from adverse district court decisions.
• Keep abreast of changes and developments in the law, providing guidance to the U.S. Attorney and fellow AUSAs on significant legal issues.
• Respond to post-conviction challenges in the district court, such as motions to vacate or correct criminal judgments and sentences.
• Consult with the Solicitor General's Office and the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice regarding potential government appeals, petitions for rehearing en banc, and U.S. Supreme Court litigation stemming from criminal cases in the District.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including 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.
• At least 1 year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• J.D. degree.
• Active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Preferred Qualifications

• Federal clerkship.
• Quick analytical ability and facility to accurately articulate critical issues in a case.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment.
• Excellent communication and courtroom skills.
• Ability to work professionally with attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.
• Demonstrated capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
• Ability to conduct legal research and writing independently.
• Substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.
• Excellent computer literacy, including experience with automated legal research, electronic court filing, email, and word processing systems.
• Prior trial experience and demonstrated ability to handle complex cases from the initial investigative stage through trial.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with relevant rules of professional conduct regarding potential conflicts of interest. Notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters involving this Office, or if a family member does, to evaluate potential conflicts.

Pay

Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $83,435 to $195,769, which includes locality pay.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Telework options.
• Life insurance.
• Health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Schedule

• 1-5 nights of travel required per month.