Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

About the role

Our mission 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. We seek to further build on the legacy of excellence built by those who have come before us.

Duties

Appellate AUSAs working out of Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso will represent the United States in cases before the Fifth Circuit and will handle all aspects of affirmative and defensive appeals from criminal cases arising in the District.

Responsibilities

• Prepare appellate briefs and deliver oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural matters.
• Review draft briefs written by fellow AUSAs and participate in moot courts.
• 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.
• Responsibilities and assignments will increase in complexity as training and experience progress.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

• United States citizenship or national status.
• Satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication (fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing).
• Continued employment contingent on a favorable background investigation.
• Selective Service registration, if applicable (male applicants born after 31 Dec 1959).
• J.D. degree and active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (see 28 U.S.C. 545).

Qualifications

Required: J.D. degree, active bar membership, at least one year of post‑J.D. legal or other relevant experience, and U.S. citizenship.

Preferred: 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

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

Pay

Salary is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience, including locality pay:

• Austin, TX: $78,905 – $197,100 (20.35 % locality pay).
• El Paso, TX: $76,748 – $197,100 (17.06 % locality pay).
• San Antonio, TX: $77,875 – $197,100 (18.78 % locality pay).