Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

In all matters, it is our mission to represent the people of the United States in a manner that will instill confidence in the fairness and integrity of our office and the judicial system, and to conduct our work with the highest integrity. We strive to perform our mission in the most efficient and effective manner.

www.justice.gov/ndin

This position can be located in any of our three branch locations: Fort Wayne, Hammond or South Bend. Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Indiana is currently soliciting applications for positions as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in its Appellate Division.

The successful applicant will be responsible for researching and drafting briefs and motions for filing in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, handling oral arguments in the Seventh Circuit, handling post-conviction Habeas Corpus (28 U.S.C § 2255) matters in district courts, reviewing and editing briefs and motions for colleagues, participating in moot courts to prepare for oral argument, and providing legal strategy support for AUSAs in the Criminal and Civil Divisions. Briefs will involve a wide variety of constitutional, statutory, and other claims arising under substantive and procedural federal criminal and civil law and primarily respond to defense claims of error in convictions and/or sentences, while at times, the government will file an appeal challenging district court decisions or orders.

The attorney must have a very strong ability to analyze complex legal and factual issues, write, communicate, and advocate clearly and persuasively, possess a strong work ethic, exhibit good organizational skills, exercise fair and sound judgment, pay careful attention to facts and details, work well both independently and on a team, be ready and willing to volunteer to help other attorneys, be able to negotiate effectively with opposing counsel, handle matters in court persuasively on behalf of the United States of America, and be devoted to justice, excellence, and representing the public.

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

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. Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Applicants should possess a demonstrated ability and willingness to be self-reliant and motivated in order to: review and distill voluminous records involving complex fact patterns; understand and articulate complex legal doctrines; routinely prepare high-quality and persuasive briefs on strict time deadlines; make persuasive oral arguments; and to assist other attorneys in all divisions. Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a case. Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment. Applicants must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies. Applicants must have a demonstrated capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment.

Applicants will be expected to do their own legal research and writing and will be substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the Internet, electronic court filing, and electronic e-mail and word processing systems.

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