Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys•Lafayette, LA

About The Position

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana is seeking a qualified attorney to serve in its Civil Division, representing the United States in civil cases across areas including financial and immigration litigation, prisoner litigation, personal injury and other torts, civil rights, employment discrimination, medical malpractice, environmental protection, asset forfeiture, Social Security, bankruptcy, and other civil matters. The position handles case development and all phases of investigation and litigation, including legal research, drafting motions and memoranda, managing discovery, reviewing and organizing case materials, taking or defending depositions, and serving as primary counsel in federal district court. The attorney litigates motions and conducts trials, manages incoming and outgoing case materials through discovery, and handles moderately to highly complex cases from start to finish with limited supervision. In collaboration with Division managers, the attorney also helps develop and maintain the Section's civil litigation program, advising on strategy and legal complexities and developing litigation priorities, policy, and legislative recommendations. Responsibilities and assignment complexity increase with training and experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, hold a J.D., be an active member of a U.S. jurisdiction's bar in good standing, and have at least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. Residency is generally required in the district or within 25 miles. Appointment is subject to pre-employment checks and drug testing, a favorable background investigation, and may include a two-year trial period. Occasional travel may be expected, with one to five nights of travel potentially required.

Requirements

U.S. citizen or national.
J.D. degree.
Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Generally reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles.
If applicable, comply with Selective Service registration requirements.
Satisfactorily complete pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
May be required to serve a two-year trial period.

Nice To Haves

Superior communication and courtroom skills.
Superior legal research and writing skills and the ability to perform thorough legal and factual analysis.
Strong interpersonal skills and good judgment.
Ability to work in a supportive and professional team environment with agencies, support staff, and other attorneys.
Commitment to public service and a strong work ethic.
Demonstrated capacity to work with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment while balancing a heavy caseload.

Responsibilities

Represent the United States in civil cases across a broad range of practice areas.
Handle case development and all phases of investigation and litigation, including legal research, drafting motions and legal memoranda, drafting and responding to discovery requests, reviewing and organizing case materials, and taking or defending depositions.
Serve as primary counsel for the United States in federal district court, litigating motions and conducting trials.
Manage incoming and outgoing case materials through all phases of discovery efficiently and defensibly.
Litigate moderately to highly complex cases from start to finish with limited supervision.
Collaborate with Division managers to develop and maintain the Section's civil litigation program.
Advise on litigation strategy and legal complexities and develop litigation priorities, policy, and legislative recommendations.