Assistant United States Attorney - Appellate

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys • Houston, TX

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas is hiring Assistant United States Attorneys for its Appellate Division in Houston, Texas. The office serves a district spanning 43 counties and 44,000 square miles, with approximately 10 million residents. The Appellate Division represents the office in criminal matters before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The AUSA will research and write appellate briefs and post-conviction responses and present oral arguments on complex and novel issues involving constitutional law, statutory construction, evidence, procedure, and sentencing. Cases will arise from offenses relating to immigration, national security, and public safety. The position also provides real-time trial assistance to Criminal Division AUSAs. Responsibilities and assignment complexity increase with training and experience.

The role is offered at pay grades AD-21 through AD-29, generally corresponding to professional attorney experience. The stated salary range is $88,510 to $197,100, including applicable locality pay. Selected candidates may receive a $20,000 signing bonus with a three-year service commitment; some may also be considered for a relocation-expense incentive. The announcement states that relocation expenses will not be authorized, while also noting that a recruitment or relocation incentive may be considered based on qualifications.

The position requires U.S. citizenship, a J.D. or equivalent, active membership in a bar of any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date, and residence in the appointed district or within 25 miles. Appointment is conditioned on satisfactory pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax, and drug checks, and continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation. Travel averages one to five nights per month and may vary.

Requirements

• Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry-on-duty date.
• Be an active member of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date; law school graduates and current law students taking an upcoming bar examination may be considered, subject to this requirement.
• Be a United States citizen or national; the qualifications section specifies U.S. citizenship.
• Reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles thereof.
• Register for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Successfully complete pre-employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax, and drug checks; continued employment requires a favorable background investigation.

Nice To Haves

• Strong academic credentials.
• Superior legal research and writing skills.
• Quick analytical ability and the ability to accurately and precisely articulate critical case-related issues.
• High-volume courtroom experience; courtroom experience, including first-chair jury trials, is preferred.
• Outstanding organizational, time-management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a supportive and professional team environment with other AUSAs, support staff, and investigative agencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility, and public service.
• Computer proficiency and ability to perform independent legal research and writing and prepare day-to-day correspondence and pleadings.

Responsibilities

• Research and write appellate briefs and post-conviction responses.
• Present oral arguments in criminal matters before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
• Address complex and novel issues involving the Constitution, statutory construction, evidentiary and procedural matters, and sentencing.
• Handle assigned cases arising from offenses relating to immigration, national security, and public safety.
• Provide real-time trial assistance to Criminal Division AUSAs.
• Take on increasingly complex assignments as training and experience progress.

Benefits

• Paid vacation
• Sick leave
• Holidays
• Life insurance
• Health benefits
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
• Potential $20,000 signing bonus with a three-year service commitment
• Possible recruitment or relocation incentive, subject to qualifications and consideration

What This Job Offers

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