Assistant United States Attorney

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

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California (USAO) is one of the largest and most impactful in the nation, serving nearly 20 million people in seven counties. The Office enforces the laws and defends the interests of the United States through three primary litigating Divisions: Criminal, National Security, and Civil. The U.S. Attorneys Office for Central District of California is seeking to hire exceptional attorneys to serve as AUSAs in the Criminal Appeals Section. AUSAs in the Criminal Appeals Section supervise or handle all of the Office's criminal matters before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals-including some 200 briefs and nearly 100 oral arguments each year. These cases involve some of the most challenging legal issues in criminal law, including constitutional challenges to criminal convictions, statutory issues of first impression, sentencing challenges, and appeals from substantial (and often high-profile) trials. AUSAs in the section also work closely with the Solicitor General's Office to determine which cases raise significant legal issues that are worthy of government appeal, en banc rehearing, or Supreme Court review. The position provides a unique opportunity to gain substantial experience before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Although AUSAs from other sections write and argue many of their own appeals, AUSAs from the Criminal Appeals Section have editorial control over all briefs, hold moot courts for all oral arguments, and write and handle their own appeals. In addition, they provide counsel to trial attorneys on difficult legal issues, developing significant expertise in criminal procedure and strategy. If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you. With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 people, the mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. You will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty and the property of citizens. The USAO is divided into three litigating Divisions (Criminal, National Security, and Civil). The USAO's main offices are in Los Angeles. The USAO's Criminal Division has branch offices in Santa Ana and Riverside. Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This is an open continuous announcement that is intended to continually solicit applications in order to fill immediate and future vacancies. Vacant positions may or may not be available at the time of application. Applications will be reviewed and referred as vacancies occur and will only remain active for three months from the date of submission. Applicants will be notified when their applications have been reviewed/referred for further consideration. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Requirements

Must be a United States Citizen or National.
J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof.
If not already an active member of the California bar, any applicant hired will be required to take and subsequently pass the California bar exam.
AUSAs must become active members of the California bar and maintain California bar membership.
United States citizenship is required.
Must meet all qualification requirements upon time of applying.

Nice To Haves

Litigation experience
Superior academic record
Excellent writing skills
Impeccable character
Demonstrated interest in public service
Courtroom presence
Ability to work with and relate to a wide variety of people
Ties to the Central District of California

Responsibilities

Supervise or handle all of the Office's criminal matters before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Write and handle their own appeals.
Provide counsel to trial attorneys on difficult legal issues.
Work closely with the Solicitor General's Office to determine which cases raise significant legal issues that are worthy of government appeal, en banc rehearing, or Supreme Court review.