Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

Full Job Description

The U.S.

Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland serves as the chief federal law enforcement office in Maryland and is charged with pursuing justice, ensuring public safety, and protecting the interests of the United States.

The USAO is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as an Appellate Assistant United States Attorney to help discharge this mission by litigating appeals in the Fourth Circuit.

This is located in the USAO's Baltimore office. Required Qualifications Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S.

jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year post-J.D.

legal or other relevant experience and possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, and function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.

Preferred Qualifications Significant legal writing and oral advocacy, legal practice in federal court (or a federal court clerkship), or practice in criminal matters.

Demonstrated ability and willingness to be self-reliant and motivated in reviewing and distilling voluminous records involving complex fact patterns, understanding and articulating complex legal doctrines; preparing high-quality briefs on strict time deadlines; making persuasive oral arguments; and assisting other attorneys in all divisions.

Candidates with prior federal appellate clerkships are preferred.

Cover letters are not required but are appreciated to provide further context of the applicants work history and desire to join the district.

Writing Sample: Applicants are encouraged to submit a writing sample not to exceed fifteen (15) pages.

While not required, submission of a writing sample is strongly preferred and may be considered as part of the overall assessment of qualifications.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

An appointment with the U.S. Attorney's Office offers unique and challenging experiences for the highly motivated attorney. The Office is seeking a candidate interested in working as an Appellate AUSA.

Responsibilities will include working on direct and post-conviction appeals involving the full range of criminal cases that the District prosecutes.

Appellate AUSAs draft briefs and present oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, and procedural issues in appeals arising out of the Criminal Division.

Appellate AUSAs also review briefs drafted by their colleagues and participate in moot courts to prepare AUSAs for oral arguments.

In addition, Appellate AUSAs assist with complex district court litigation and provide advice to other prosecutors on significant legal issues.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

Security Requirements 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.

Residency Requirements Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C.

545 for district-specific information.

Selective Service If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

See www.sss.gov.