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Posted: January 23, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys

Department of Justice

Fresh

Salary

$78,459 - $197,100

per year

Type

Closes

February 9, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves handling criminal appeals in federal court, writing briefs, preparing for oral arguments, and collaborating with other lawyers on legal matters in North Carolina's Western District.

It's a role for someone who enjoys in-depth legal research and arguing cases at higher levels.

A good fit would be a lawyer with at least a year of experience, ideally from clerking for a judge or working on appeals, who is detail-oriented and works well in a team.

Key Requirements

  • J.D. degree from an accredited law school
  • Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction
  • At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant experience
  • United States citizenship
  • Ability to pass security clearance, including background check, fingerprinting, credit and tax checks, and drug testing
  • Residency in the district or within 25 miles of Charlotte, North Carolina
  • For male applicants born after December 31, 1959: Registration with Selective Service or exemption

Full Job Description

For more information on the Department of Justice, visit https://www.justice.gov/careers.

For more information on the United States Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. This position is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications: We have a strong preference for candidates with experience as a federal appellate law clerk.

Serious consideration will also be given to the recommendation of a judge familiar with the applicant's work.

Candidates with experience presenting appellate oral arguments and experience representing parties in trials or evidentiary hearings are likely to be a particularly good match for the position.

Other candidates will not be excluded from consideration if they don't have all of these preferred qualifications.

All candidates should be prepared to explain how their experience demonstrates that they possess the skills required for this specific job.

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

The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina is accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division.

If selected, the attorney will be responsible for a high volume of criminal appeals before the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and post-conviction matters before the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

Although the attorney should be prepared to work efficiently and independently, they will routinely collaborate with others in the division, editing briefs and helping others prepare for oral arguments, among other things.

The attorney will also work closely with colleagues in our Criminal and Civil Divisions, providing training, consulting about legal issues, and providing regular updates on developments in the law.

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.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 1/23/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/24/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: 26-NCW-12870653-AUSA