Assistant United States Attorney - Appellate

Full Job Description

This announcement will be used to fill one position in Springfield, IL. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

The announcement may close prior to the date in the announcement if all positions are filled. This position is open until filled.

However, first round consideration will be given to applications submitted by February 15, 2026, 11:59 pm, Eastern Standard Time. Applicant lists will be reviewed approximately every 30 days.

Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years post-J.D.

(or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience.

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: Strong academic credentials and advocacy skills, superior legal research and writing skills, an ability to accurately and precisely articulate case-related issues, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work in a supportive and professional environment with all members of the office, client agencies, and others, and possess sound legal and ethical judgment.

United States citizenship is required. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

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 from 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.