Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Few vacancies in Columbia and Greenville, SC.

About the role

The United States Attorney's Office is seeking experienced and motivated attorneys to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division. AUSAs handle all phases of litigation, including answering complaints, taking and defending depositions, managing discovery, conducting legal research and analysis, selecting and working with experts, writing briefs and other documents, attending court hearings, arguing motions, representing the United States in mediations and settlement negotiations, and conducting trials. AUSAs communicate regularly with attorneys from other federal agencies, Department of Justice attorneys, opposing counsel, and others.

The positions' primary responsibilities will be the Civil Defense team, including handling medical malpractice and other personal injury torts, employment discrimination, immigration matters, and representing federal employees sued in their individual capacities under Bivens. Civil Division AUSAs are expected to exercise sound judgment, manage a high-volume caseload efficiently, and work collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to upholding federal law and protecting the interests of the United States. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Responsibilities

• Handle all phases of litigation, including answering complaints, taking and defending depositions, managing discovery, conducting legal research and analysis.
• Select and work with experts, write briefs and other legal documents.
• Attend court hearings, argue motions, represent the United States in mediations and settlement negotiations, and conduct trials.
• Communicate regularly with attorneys from other federal agencies, Department of Justice attorneys, opposing counsel, and others.
• Manage a high-volume caseload efficiently, focusing on the Civil Defense team, including medical malpractice, personal injury torts, employment discrimination, immigration matters, and Bivens cases.
• Exercise sound judgment and work collaboratively as part of a team dedicated to upholding federal law and protecting the interests of the United States.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required.
• J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 3 years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (28 U.S.C. 545).
• 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.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. Degree.
• Active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 3 years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Incisive analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate critical issues in a wide variety of civil cases.
• Aptitude for independent legal research and writing, with the ability to prepare correspondence and pleadings accurately and with minimal supervision.
• Superior speaking skills and a strong courtroom presence, including first-chair jury trials.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Impeccable integrity.
• Outstanding organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.
• Excellent computer literacy skills and the ability to handle all aspects of electronic discovery and litigation.

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 $82,459 to $197,100, which includes 17.06% 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.

Additional Information

• Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
• Occasional travel may be expected for this position, both within and outside the district.
• Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest.
• Political appointees (current or former) must disclose this information to the HR Office.