Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) - Appellate Division (Criminal)--Open Continuous
What you'd do
The Appellate Division at the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia has primary responsibility for the direct appeals of criminal convictions in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. AUSAs in this position will brief and argue appeals in criminal cases. AUSAs may also consult with trial attorneys on discrete legal questions.
Major duties
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is unique in the size and the scope of its work. It serves as both the local and the federal prosecutor for the nation's capital. On the local side, AUSAs assigned to the Superior Court Division prosecute cases in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia ranging from misdemeanors to homicides, and appeals of those convictions are argued in the District of Columbia Court of Appeals (DCCA). On the federal side, AUSAs assigned to the Criminal Division prosecute federal crimes in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and appeals of those convictions are argued in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. AUSAs assigned to the Appellate Division argue the direct appeals of all criminal convictions in both the local and federal Courts of Appeal. AUSAs in the Special Proceedings Division handle post-trial litigation involving habeas claims, record sealing, and other requests for extraordinary relief in the trial courts. The Civil Division further defends the United States in civil suits brought in the District of Columbia. The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is accepting applications for attorneys to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Office's Appellate Division. The position involves significant legal writing responsibilities, including preparation of internal memoranda, briefs for trial courts and the courts of appeals, and other court filings. Appellate AUSAs will participate in moot courts and handle oral arguments before the appellate courts. Appellate AUSAs may also assist in trial-level litigation in cases of unusual complexity or importance. AUSAs must possess the qualities necessary to excel in their mission to enforce the laws of the District of Columbia and the United States. These qualities include advocacy and communication skills; superior writing and analytical skills; the ability to manage a high-volume docket; and dedication to duty. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, investigative agencies, witnesses, and crime victims. They must also demonstrate their willingness to meet the high ethical standards expected of prosecutors in their interactions with opposing counsel and the courts. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html 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. This position is located in Washington D.C. Travel: Occasional
What you need to qualify
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1-year post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience, preferably 3-years legal or other relevant experience. You must be a United States Citizen or National. Preferred Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a minimum GPA of 3.0, appellate litigation experience and/or substantive expertise in criminal law. Judicial clerkships, law review, moot court, clinical experience, and experience working cooperatively with a range of people are also preferred. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. 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.
Before you apply
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