Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

The Northern District of Texas is currently seeking applicants for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) opening in our Appellate Division. This opening offers a unique and challenging experience for a highly motivated attorney as an AUSA for the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas. Working in the Appellate Division, the AUSA will represent the United States in cases on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. They will handle all aspects of appeals from criminal cases prosecuted in the District, including writing appellate briefs and presenting oral arguments on a variety of complex and novel issues involving the Constitution, statutory construction, evidentiary disputes, and procedural matters. Appellate AUSAs also review draft briefs of their fellow AUSAs and participate in moot courts. In addition to defending criminal convictions from appellate challenge, Appellate AUSAs bring affirmative appeals to the Fifth Circuit from adverse district court decisions.

Aside from their work in the Fifth Circuit, Appellate AUSAs keep abreast of changes and developments in the law, providing valuable guidance to the U.S. Attorney and fellow AUSAs on significant legal issues. Additionally, the Appellate Division responds to post-conviction challenges in the district court, such as motions to vacate or correct criminal judgments and sentences. Finally, Appellate AUSAs 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.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes 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. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
• Be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction)
• Must have at least 1* year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

A federal clerkship is preferred. Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues involved with a case; superior oral and written skills as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgement; excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with our attorneys, support staff and client agencies, and mist have a demonstrated capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. Applicants will be expected to do their own legal research and writing and will be substantially self- sufficient in preparing day to day correspondence and pleadings. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent computer and literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the internet, electronic court filing, and electronic email and word processing systems.

Hiring preference will be given to applicants with prior trial experience and those who have demonstrated the ability to handle complex cases from the initial investigative stage through trial.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Additional positions may be filled using this announcement.