Litigation - Appellate Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Government

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Litigation - Appellate Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Attorney

No

Job Title: Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Appellate Division of the Southern District of Florida (SDFL) is responsible for representing the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) in the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The role involves handling appeals from both civil and criminal cases prosecuted by the Office. Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing briefs and presenting oral arguments before the Court of Appeals.
- Defending criminal convictions and civil judgments obtained by the Office.
- Bringing affirmative appeals to the Eleventh Circuit from rulings adverse to the United States, with consultation from the Solicitor General’s Office and relevant divisions of the Department of Justice in Washington, .
- Providing legal advice and consultation to the United States Attorney and other attorneys in the Office.
- Acting as liaisons to each branch office and trial section in the Miami Office.
- Increasing responsibilities and complexity of assignments as experience and training progress.

Education and Experience Information:
Candidates must possess a . Degree and be an active member of the bar in any . jurisdiction. Preferred qualifications include:
- Demonstrated interest in appellate work.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills.
- Exceptional academic background.
- Federal judicial clerkship experience is highly desirable.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Capacity to function in a highly demanding environment with minimal guidance.

Initial appointment is conditioned upon satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment requires favorable adjudication of a background investigation. AUSAs generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Salary Information:
The salary for an Assistant United States Attorney is administratively determined based on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay for AD 21 to 29 is $120,086 to $195,100, which includes % locality pay.

Additional Information:
- Security Requirements: The position requires a satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
- Residency Requirements: AUSAs must reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.
- Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System or be exempt under the Selective Service Law.
- Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
- Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
- Travel: Occasional travel may be required both within and outside the district.
- Type of Position: All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a 14-month (temporary) basis pending favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
- Political Appointees: Offers to current or former political appointees require authorization from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
- Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States government does not discriminate in employment based on various non-merit factors.

Applicants should familiarize themselves with relevant rules of professional conduct regarding potential conflicts of interest. They should disclose any current representation of clients or adjudication of matters involving the Office to evaluate potential conflict of interest or disqualification issues.

Applicants must complete an occupational questionnaire and submit the required documents by the specified closing date to receive consideration. The application process includes evaluation based on qualifications and an attorney interview panel review. Veterans' preference is considered as a positive factor in hiring, though there is no formal rating system for attorney appointments in the excepted service. Reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities where appropriate.