Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys • Albuquerque, NM

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is hiring civil litigators for positions in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Attorneys serve in the Civil Division, representing the federal government and its agencies in civil litigation in the district. Their work includes defending the United States in immigration, administrative, employment, tort, and other cases; advising client agencies and assessing litigation risks; and bringing affirmative civil actions to pursue penalties and recover wrongfully obtained taxpayer funds.

Assistant United States Attorneys manage cases through all stages of litigation, including appeals, and make strategic decisions independently. Typical work includes depositions, discovery, settlement negotiations, motions, trials, appellate briefing, and oral arguments before federal district and appellate judges. Assignments and responsibilities become more complex as training and experience progress. The role also involves partnering with federal agencies and law enforcement, advising agencies on legal and policy questions, and coordinating legal support staff.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, hold a J.D., and be active members of a bar in a U.S. jurisdiction. The appointee generally must reside in the District of New Mexico or within 25 miles of it. Appointment is conditioned on satisfactory preemployment checks, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation. Occasional travel may be expected.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• J.D. degree.
• Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Residence in the District of New Mexico or within 25 miles of it, subject to applicable district-specific rules.
• Satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks and drug testing; continued employment requires a favorable background investigation.
• Selective Service registration, if applicable.
• Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Nice To Haves

• Prior trial experience.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex cases from initial investigation through trial.
• Quick analytical ability and the ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical case issues.
• Superior oral and writing skills, strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment.
• Excellent communication and courtroom skills.
• Ability to work supportively and professionally with attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.

Responsibilities

• Represent the federal government and its agencies in civil litigation in the District of New Mexico.
• Defend the United States in immigration, administrative, employment, tort, and other civil cases.
• Provide client agencies with candid assessments of litigation risks and advice on legal and Departmental policy questions.
• Bring affirmative civil cases to pursue civil penalties and recover wrongfully obtained taxpayer funds.
• Manage civil cases through all stages of litigation, including appeals, and make strategic litigation decisions.
• Take depositions, prepare and answer discovery, negotiate settlements, engage in motions practice, and try cases.
• Draft appellate briefs and argue cases before federal district and appellate judges.
• Partner with federal agencies and law enforcement to manage civil investigations and litigation.
• Research and draft legal pleadings and prepare to try cases in federal court.
• Oversee and coordinate the preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff.
• Provide legal services with fairness, dignity, and professionalism, while serving the public and responsibly stewarding taxpayer funds.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Telework
• Life insurance
• Health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
• Potential relocation incentives, if authorized and subject to qualifying conditions and available funds
• Potential recruitment incentives, if authorized and subject to qualifying conditions and available funds

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree