Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

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

About The Position

The Eastern District of California is hiring an Assistant United States Attorney in its Appellate Unit, based in either Sacramento or Fresno. The Appellate Unit works with attorneys in the criminal and civil divisions on matters before the Ninth Circuit. It prepares and edits briefs, conducts moot courts, and provides legal advice and guidance on the Office’s criminal and civil cases. Criminal appeals may involve constitutional challenges to convictions, statutory questions of first impression, Sentencing Guidelines issues, and post-conviction matters. Civil appeals may involve evolving constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues, including immigration law. Appellate AUSAs also advise prosecutors and civil litigators on difficult legal questions, trial-level procedure, and strategy. Depending on workload, the role may include district court work such as motions practice, habeas corpus litigation, or criminal or civil case development. Responsibilities and assignment complexity increase as training and experience progress. Occasional travel is required.

Requirements

J.D. degree or equivalent.
Active membership in good standing of a bar in any U.S. jurisdiction, with authorization to practice as an attorney under the laws of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
At least 2 years of post-J.D. experience.
Strong legal writing experience.
Foundational experience in either criminal or civil practice.
U.S. citizenship.
Must reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles thereof, subject to district-specific information.
Satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing; continued employment is subject to favorable background investigation adjudication.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.

Nice To Haves

Previous criminal or civil appellate experience.
Ability to efficiently draft and collaborate on high-quality pleadings and briefs.
Team orientation and interest in collaborating with appellate, criminal, and civil AUSAs.
Enjoyment of both spontaneous consultation and focused independent appellate brief-writing.
Clerkship experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare and edit briefs filed in the Ninth Circuit in coordination with AUSAs in the criminal and civil divisions.
Conduct moot courts.
Provide legal advice and guidance on the Office’s criminal and civil matters before the Ninth Circuit.
Counsel prosecutors and civil litigators on difficult legal issues, trial-level procedure, and strategy.
Depending on workload, handle district court duties, including motions practice, habeas corpus litigation, or criminal or civil case development.
Travel occasionally.