Assistant District Attorney (GCC SAUSA)
About The Position
The District Attorney’s Office for Prosecutorial District 13 is seeking a highly skilled and motivated attorney to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA). This position offers a rare and unique opportunity to remain a state employee of a North Carolina District Attorney’s Office while prosecuting cases in federal court within the Eastern District of North Carolina. The SAUSA will be based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will prosecute federal criminal cases arising in Johnston, Wake, and surrounding counties, working in close coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina and the District Attorneys serving the counties in which cases are handled. This position blends the strengths of state and federal prosecution, providing meaningful public service, complex litigation experience, and the stability and benefits of state employment.
Requirements
- Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina and in good standing
- At least 1-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience
- Strong trial advocacy, legal writing, and analytical skills
- Knowledge of federal, state, common, and constitutional law
- Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence
- Knowledge of case, statutory, and common law
- Knowledge of NC General Statutes to prosecute criminal cases
- Knowledge of judicial and quasi-judicial procedures
- Knowledge of legal research methods, techniques, sources, databases, and other research tools
- Knowledge of the principles and protocols for the evidentiary gathering of information, documents, financial records, and other data that may be used in trial court processes, protocols, and strategies
- Knowledge of the operations of the NC court system
- Knowledge of ethical and professional standards of conduct
- Skill in interpreting and applying complex criminal laws to information, evidence, and other data
- Skill in listening techniques used in interviewing witnesses
- Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of case facts
- Skill in researching and identifying precedence in case law
- Skill in utilizing and evaluating electronic legal research and online systems
- Skill in negotiating plea agreements
- Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction
- Ability to analyze facts, laws, rules, regulations, interpretations, and related written documents and apply applicable law to those facts
- Ability to conduct legal research
- Ability to plan, develop, and execute an effective litigation strategy to achieve desired results
- Ability to prepare, organize, and conduct witness examinations
- Ability to deliver opening statements, closing arguments, and evidentiary objections
- Ability to express complex legal concepts and related facts in a clear and concise manner
- Ability to argue clearly, logically, and persuasively
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and other participants in the criminal justice process
- Ability to recognize and solve problems
- Ability to produce legal interpretations in a quick and responsive manner for court officials
- Ability to write reports, motions, briefs, and other legal documents
- Ability to deal tactfully with sensitive situations
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
- Ability to work independently
Nice To Haves
- Significant experience prosecuting criminal cases, preferably including felony or complex litigation
- Ability to manage a caseload independently and exercise sound prosecutorial judgment
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with law enforcement, prosecutors, and court personnel across jurisdictions
Responsibilities
- Reviewing and evaluating criminal investigations for legal sufficiency and charging decisions
- Collaborating closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies during investigations
- Coordinating case referrals and charging decisions with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina
- Prosecuting federal criminal cases in United States District Court, including: Grand jury presentations, Motion Practice & Hearings, Trials, Sentencings
- Handling all aspects of case preparation, including discovery review, witness preparation, and legal research and writing
- Working collaboratively with District Attorneys in the counties from which cases originate to ensure alignment with prosecutorial priorities
- Advising law enforcement on investigative strategies, legal standards, and evidentiary issues
- Ensuring compliance with all ethical obligations, DOJ policies, and applicable state and federal laws
- Participating in trainings, meetings, and coordination efforts required by the SAUSA appointment
Benefits
- Retirement and leave benefits
- Comprehensive benefits, including a variety of leave options, professional development opportunities, insurance, and more
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
