Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

United States Attorneys' Offices; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 77,875 - 197,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health benefits

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices is seeking an Assistant United States Attorney in San Antonio, Texas. This role involves representing the U.S. in cases before the Fifth Circuit and managing aspects of both affirmative and defensive appeals. Candidates must hold a J.D. degree and have at least one year of relevant legal experience.

Strong organizational skills and legal writing abilities are preferred, along with good judgment and a commitment to professionalism. A comprehensive benefits package is included, and the salary range is $77,875 to $197,100.

Qualifications

• Must be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 1 year post-J.D. legal or relevant experience.
• United States citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the U.S. in appeals before the Fifth Circuit.
• Handle appellate briefs and oral arguments.
• Advise the U.S. Attorney on legal matters.

Skills

Legal writing

Analytical ability

Organizational skills

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

Summary

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 will include appellate briefs and oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural matters. AUSAs will also review draft briefs written by fellow AUSAs and participate in moot courts. Aside from appellate litigation, Appellate AUSAs will advise the U.S. Attorney and fellow AUSAs on developments in the law and significant legal issues; handle specialized litigation in federal district court; and 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 will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

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 https://sss.gov.

Requirements

• 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.

Required Qualifications

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

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Hiring preferences include 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.

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

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree.

Salary Information

• Austin, TX: Salary is $78,905 to $197,100 which includes a 20.35% locality pay.
• El Paso, TX: Salary is $76,748 to $197,100 which includes a 17.06% locality pay.
• San Antonio, TX: Salary is $77,875 to $197,100 which includes a 18.78% locality pay.

Location Preference

Your cover letter MUST indicate your preferred location(s) in order of preference. See “Required Documents” section for details.

Other Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Travel

Occasional travel – you may be expected to travel for this position.

Political Appointees (Current and Former)

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non‑Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

EEO Statement/Policy

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non‑merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.