Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

Summary

The Eastern District of California is seeking to fill an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) position in its Appellate Unit. The selected applicant will be based in our Sacramento or Fresno office and will work with other AUSAs in the criminal and civil divisions to prepare all briefs filed in the Ninth Circuit.

Duties

The United States Attorney's Office is seeking to fill an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) position in its Appellate Unit. The Appellate Unit writes briefs, edits briefs, conducts moots, and provides legal advice and guidance on the Office's criminal and civil matters before the Ninth Circuit. In the criminal realm, these cases involve some of the most challenging issues in criminal law and procedure, including constitutional challenges to criminal convictions, statutory questions of first impression, application of the Sentencing Guidelines, and post-conviction matters. In the civil realm, these cases recently include litigation of rapidly evolving constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues in immigration law. Appellate AUSAs work with other AUSAs in the criminal and civil divisions to prepare all briefs filed in the Ninth Circuit. In addition, they counsel prosecutors and civil litigators on difficult legal issues, providing crucial input on trial-level procedure and strategy. Depending on workload, Appellate AUSAs may also take on district court level duties, including motions practice, habeas corpus litigation, or criminal or civil case development. Your application will be considered for the location(s) that you indicate in your preferences. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Additional office location information: Sacramento is located in the heart of California. Sacramento is home to professional ballet and opera companies, providing a wide range of cultural activities and events. Professional sports are represented by the Sacramento Kings, the Sacramento River Cats, and the Sacramento Republic FC. Bound by two rivers and in close proximity to several lakes, water recreation tops the list for outdoor activities such as salmon fishing, river rafting, and boating. Sacramento is located 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and approximately 90 miles west of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, providing numerous recreational opportunities for skiing and boating enthusiasts. Fresno is one of the fastest growing cities in California, due in part to its central location to major tourist areas in California. Fresno is located in the middle of the fertile San Joaquin Valley, also known as the Central Valley, which is a major supplier of food and agricultural products for the United States and the world. This area also includes national treasures such as Yosemite National Park and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least 2 years of post-J.D. experience. Applicants must be active members in good standing of the bar (any jurisdiction). Applicant must have strong legal writing experience, as well as some foundational experience in either criminal or civil practice. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Ideal qualifications include previous appeals experience, either criminal or civil. The applicant must be capable of efficiently drafting and working with other to produce high-quality pleadings and briefs. The applicant should be team-oriented and desire to work with other appellate AUSAs in the Office, as well as AUSAs from the criminal and civil divisions. The applicant should enjoy both spontaneous consultations with colleagues, as well as the deep solitary work required of appellate brief-writing. Clerkship experience a plus. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent).