Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation)

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys•Fresno, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eastern District of California is seeking attorneys to serve in the Civil Division’s Defense Litigation Unit in the Sacramento or Fresno office. The selected applicant will collaborate with criminal and civil Assistant U.S. Attorneys in both offices and receive support from paralegals, investigators, auditors, and other professionals. Applicants may indicate their preferred location(s); additional positions may be filled under the announcement. Responsibilities and assignment complexity will increase with training and experience. The role defends the United States, federal agencies, and federal employees in a range of lawsuits. Cases may involve employment discrimination, medical malpractice and other torts, Administrative Procedure Act matters, challenges to land management decisions under environmental statutes, Social Security and other federal programs, and civil rights actions. Some immigration matters may also be assigned. Occasional travel is required. The position requires a J.D. or equivalent, active membership in good standing of a U.S. jurisdiction’s bar, and at least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals. The position is based in Sacramento or Fresno, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys generally must reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles of it. Salary is administratively determined based in part on professional attorney experience. Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Requirements

J.D. degree or equivalent.
Active membership in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
United States citizenship or nationality.
Generally reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles of it.
Satisfy pre-employment adjudication requirements, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
If a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify registration with the Selective Service System or exemption.
Meet all qualification requirements by the announcement closing date.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of experience litigating cases with substantial responsibility for discovery, trial, and appeals.
Quick analytical ability and 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 and ability to work professionally and supportively with attorneys, paralegals, support staff, and client agencies.
Demonstrated ability to function in a highly demanding environment.
Ability to perform legal research and writing independently and prepare day-to-day correspondence and pleadings with substantial self-sufficiency.
Computer literacy, including automated Internet research, electronic court filing, email, and word-processing systems.
Experience litigating civil cases in federal court, managing cases, handling written discovery and document production, writing and arguing motions, examining witnesses in depositions and court proceedings, and handling complex cases from investigation through trial.

Responsibilities

Defend the United States, federal agencies, and federal employees in lawsuits.
Handle matters that may include employment-discrimination actions; medical malpractice, personal injury, and other tort actions; Administrative Procedure Act cases; challenges to land management decisions under environmental statutes; Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs; and Bivens civil rights actions.
Handle some immigration matters, as assigned.
Collaborate with criminal and civil Assistant U.S. Attorneys and work with paralegals, investigators, auditors, and other professionals.
Travel occasionally.