Assistant District Attorney - SAUSA

State of North Carolina•Madison, WI

1d•$56,000 - $104,000•Onsite

About The Position

Prosecutorial District 35 is seeking an attorney to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) in the Western District of North Carolina. The position offers the opportunity to remain employed by a North Carolina District Attorney’s Office while prosecuting federal criminal cases in federal court. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2027. The SAUSA will be based in Marshall, North Carolina, and handle cases arising in multiple counties in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina and the District Attorneys serving the relevant counties. The position combines state and federal prosecution, providing public service, complex litigation experience, and state employment benefits. The employee remains a state employee of the District Attorney’s Office for Prosecutorial District 35, is eligible for applicable State of North Carolina employee benefits, and is appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney under federal authorization and agreement. The appointment serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney, subject to the SAUSA appointment terms.

Requirements

Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
Active license to practice law in North Carolina and good standing.
At least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Strong trial advocacy, legal writing, and analytical skills.
Knowledge of federal, state, common, and constitutional law; judicial procedures and rules of evidence; legal research methods and tools; evidentiary gathering protocols; the North Carolina court system; and ethical and professional standards.
Ability to analyze facts and law, conduct legal research, develop litigation strategies, prepare and examine witnesses, present arguments, write legal documents, communicate clearly, establish cooperative working relationships, solve problems, and work independently.
Ability to interpret and apply complex criminal laws; interview witnesses; assess case strengths and weaknesses; research case law; use electronic legal research systems; negotiate plea agreements; organize work, prioritize, meet deadlines, and follow up with minimal direction.

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

Review and evaluate criminal investigations for legal sufficiency and charging decisions.
Collaborate with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies during investigations.
Coordinate case referrals and charging decisions with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina.
Prosecute assigned federal criminal cases, focusing on drug and violent crimes, in United States District Court, including grand jury presentations, motion practice, hearings, trials, and sentencings.
Prepare cases, including reviewing discovery, preparing witnesses, and conducting legal research and writing.
Work with District Attorneys in counties where cases originate to align with prosecutorial priorities.
Advise law enforcement on investigative strategies, legal standards, and evidentiary issues.
Comply with ethical obligations, DOJ policies, and applicable state and federal laws.
Participate in training, meetings, and coordination activities required by the SAUSA appointment.