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

Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

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

Moline, ILFull-time$80–150K/yrPosted 6mo ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$80–150K/yr
Location
Moline, IL
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
US work authorization required

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Active Member Of The BarSecurity clearanceDoctorate

Job overview

Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys is hiring an Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate). The Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate) will handle direct and post‑conviction appeals for criminal cases in the Central District of Illinois, drafting briefs, presenting oral arguments, reviewing colleagues’ work, and assisting with complex litigation while providing legal advice to prosecutors.

Key focus areas include Draft briefs and present oral arguments on appellate issues, Review briefs drafted by colleagues, and Participate in moot courts to prepare for oral arguments.

Successful candidates bring J.D. Degree, Active Member Of The Bar, and 1 Year Post-J.D. Legal Or Relevant Experience. Important skills include Oral Communication, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Good Judgment, and Minimal Guidance. Preferred (not required): Advocacy Skills, Legal Research, Legal Writing, and Articulate Case-Related Issues.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Oral CommunicationCommunicationInterpersonal SkillsGood JudgmentMinimal GuidanceAdvocacy SkillsLegal ResearchLegal WritingArticulate Case-Related IssuesWork in a Supportive and Professional EnvironmentSound Legal and Ethical Judgment

Qualifications

J.D. DegreeActive Member of the Bar1 Year of Post-J.D. Legal or Other Relevant ExperienceUnited States CitizenshipReside in the District or Within 25 MilesRegistered With the Selective Service SystemSensitive Compartmented Information ClearanceStrong Academic Credentials

Full job description

This announcement will be used to fill one position in Central District of Illinois. As needed, additional positions maybe 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 March 5, 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 1 year of 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. 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. Security clearance required: Sensitive Compartmented Information

Education Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree

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