Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) - OC

U.S. Department of Justice; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 197,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework

Health benefits

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the District of Columbia is seeking attorneys to handle direct appeals in criminal cases. The role involves briefing and arguing appeals, consulting with trial teams, and supporting post-trial litigation in various divisions of the U.S. Attorney's Office for DC.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active bar member, and have at least 1 year of post-J.D. experience (3+ preferred).

Qualifications

• Requires a J.D. degree (or equivalent).
• Active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 1 year post-J.D. (or equivalent) legal or related experience; 3 years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Brief and argue criminal appeals in state and federal courts.
• Consult with trial attorneys on discrete legal questions.
• Participate in moot courts and handle oral arguments before appellate courts.

Skills

Bar admission

Appellate litigation

Post-JD experience

Education

J.D. Degree (or equivalent)

Job description

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) - OC

Hiring Organization

USAO District of Columbia

Hiring Office

Attorney Appointment Type

Attorney Permanent

Job ID

27-DC-13082003-AUSA

Location: 600 D Street NW

Location: 600 D Street NW
Washington, DC 20530 - United States

Application Deadline:

Thursday, September 30, 2027

About the Office

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.
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

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 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.

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 basic pay is $70,442 to $171,487 or $94,350 to $197,100 which includes 33.94% locality pay.

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.

Number of Positions

Few

Travel

Occasional travel may be required.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

This and othervacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships . The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.