Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Posted: March 9, 2026 (4 days ago)
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Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Department of Justice
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Salary
$82,459 - $197,100
per year
Type
Full-Time
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This job is for an Assistant United States Attorney in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where you'll prosecute serious federal crimes like those against children, violent offenses, human trafficking, drug crimes, and corruption to protect public safety.
It involves investigating cases, writing legal documents, arguing in court, and working closely with law enforcement.
A good fit would be an experienced lawyer with strong courtroom skills, excellent writing and analysis abilities, and the ability to handle high-pressure work independently.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee is comprised of 55 attorneys located in three staffed offices: Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Greeneville.
The Eastern District of Tennessee enjoys a challenging mix of cases, a friendly and talented staff, and excellent agency relationships. Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D.
degree from an accredited law school, be an active member of the bar (any U. S. jurisdiction) and have at least three (3) years post-J.D.
legal experience and exceptional computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the Internet, electronic court filing, and electronic email and word processing systems.
Preferred qualifications: Applicants should possess superior communication and courtroom skills, exhibit exceptional research and writing ability, perform thorough legal and factual analyses, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, exercise good judgment, and function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
Applicants should exhibit the ability to work in a professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies. United States citizenship is required.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Major Duties:
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee is seeking applications from experienced attorneys with a strong background in criminal prosecution for an Assistant United States Attorney vacancy in the Criminal Division.
This position is focused on the promotion of public safety in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
The incumbent will be responsible for prosecuting and leading federal investigation into a wide array of criminal activity, including crimes against children, violent crimes, and human trafficking.
The incumbent may also be called upon to prosecute matters involving organized crime, official corruption, narcotrafficking, fraud, money laundering, and criminal immigration offenses.
Duties include independently researching legal issues, drafting high-quality briefs, providing superior oral advocacy on behalf of the United States, and forging strong partnerships with law enforcement to identify and disrupt criminal activities within the District and beyond.
The incumbent will be expected to handle all stages of criminal litigation, including regular appearances before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Applicants should have courtroom experience arguing motions and conducting trials, possess outstanding analytical abilities, and be able to articulate critical legal issues clearly and succinctly both in written pleadings and in court.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/.
This position is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Greeneville, Tennessee.
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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