Appellate Chief

Appellate ChiefThe United States Attorney's Office is seeking an exceptional applicant to serve as Appellate Chief. The Appellate Chief supervises all - and personally handles some - of the Office's criminal and civil matters before the Ninth Circuit. In the criminal realm, these cases involve some of the most challenging issues in criminal law and procedure, including constitutional challenges to criminal convictions, statutory questions of first impression, application of the Sentencing Guidelines, and post-conviction matters. In the civil realm, these cases recently include litigation of rapidly evolving constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues in immigration law. The Appellate Chief works directly with the U.S. Attorney to develop litigation strategy, consider possible arguments, and hone Office writing and oral advocacy. Although line Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) have initial responsibility for drafting briefs and often argue their own appeals, the Appellate Chief and his or her lean unit edit all briefs and organize and attend moot courts for all oral arguments. In addition, they counsel prosecutors and civil litigators on difficult legal issues, providing crucial input on trial-level procedure and strategy. The Appellate Chief has charge of preparing appeal recommendations from adverse decisions in the district court to be submitted to the Appellate Sections of various Divisions of Main Justice. This is a Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney position that is not-to-exceed 4 years. However, all Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney appointments are temporary, at-will positions. This position may be extended, or made permanent as an Assistant United States Attorney, without further advertising. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.