Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

United States Attorneys' Offices; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices is seeking an Assistant United States Attorney in Urbana, IL. This role involves responsibilities such as dealing with direct and post-conviction appeals, drafting briefs, and assisting in litigation cases. Candidates must have a J.D. degree and be an active member of any U.S. bar.

Salary ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including paid leave and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar.
• At least 1 year of relevant legal experience.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.

Responsibilities

• Help with direct and post-conviction appeals.
• Draft briefs and present oral arguments.
• Review briefs and prepare AUSAs for oral arguments.
• Assist with complex district court litigation.

Skills

Superior oral and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Good judgment

Ability to function with minimal guidance

Legal research and writing skills

Education

J.D. Degree

Job description

Overview

Summary
This announcement will be used to fill one position in Central District of Illinois. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. The announcement may close prior to the date in the announcement if all positions are filled.

This position is open until filled. However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by March 5, 2026, 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Applicant lists will be reviewed approximately every 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Help with duties related to direct and post-conviction appeals involving the full range of criminal cases that the District prosecutes.
• Appellate AUSAs draft briefs and present oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural issues in appeals arising from the Criminal Division.
• Appellate AUSAs review briefs drafted by colleagues and participate in moot courts to prepare AUSAs for oral arguments.
• Assist with complex district court litigation and provide advice to other prosecutors on significant legal issues.
• Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress.

Security & Residency

• Security Requirements: 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.
• Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are 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.

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. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications

• 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 of post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience. Possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
• Preferred Qualifications: Strong academic credentials and advocacy skills, superior legal research and writing skills, an ability to accurately and precisely articulate case-related issues, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work in a supportive and professional environment with all members of the office, client agencies, and others, and possess sound legal and ethical judgment.
• United States citizenship is required.
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of pay for Springfield, Peoria, and Urbana is $80,000 to $150,000, which includes 17.06% locality, plus benefits. The range of pay for Moline is $80,000 to $150,000 which includes 18.93% locality, plus benefits.
• Travel: Some. Not on a regular basis.
• Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
• Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Additional Information

• EEO Statement: 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.