Adjunct Positions
Adjunct Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys (“Adjunct AUSA”) perform many of the duties handled by other AUSAs such as representing the United States in U.S. District Court and before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Adjunct AUSAs are given their own caseload and handle their own trials in the Criminal Division/General Crimes Section. Adjunct AUSAs start out in the Intake Section handling new complaints. They review new reactive complaints and determine whether charges (“complaints”) should be filed. Adjunct attorneys also represent the United States Government in a variety of matters in U.S. Magistrate Court such as initial appearances for all reactive cases; revocation of bond; probation or supervised release; removal hearings; guilty pleas; and arraignments on felony indictments.
Once adjunct AUSAs have mastered their Intake Section responsibilities, they are assigned indicted cases. The adjunct AUSAs are responsible for the cases through sentencing. This means that adjunct attorneys will determine an appropriate post-indictment plea offer, will brief and argue motions, will prepare for trial, and will represent the United States at trial and sentencing. Adjunct AUSAs work with an assigned mentor (a senior attorney in the office) who can offer guidance and support.
Appointments as an Adjunct AUSA are for a one-year term. While the Adjunct program does not provide direct monetary compensation, Adjuncts are encouraged to apply for a deferment with their lenders on outstanding federally insured loans. Adjunct AUSAs enjoy on the job in-house trial advocacy training. In addition to the experience and training, the program also grants a recent graduate the chance to determine whether to pursue a career in government service. In this regard, service on as an Adjunct AUSA with federal court experience will enhance their ability to secure litigation positions with government and private entities.
To qualify, the applicant must be an active member of the California Bar, a United States Citizen, and in good academic standing. To apply, the applicant must submit an application packet containing a resume, a copy of your transcript, a writing sample of no more than 25 pages and the completed Application For Appointment Form.
If you are interested in an Adjunct AUSA position, please complete your application packet and forward it to the following person:
Karen P. Hewitt
Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney
Southern District of California
880 Front Street, 6th Floor Room 6275
San Diego, CA 92101
APPOINTMENT IS SUBJECT TO FBI BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION, INCLUDING CREDIT, ARREST, REFERENCE, AND DRUG USE INQUIRIES. U.S. CITIZENSHIP IS REQUIRED.
Adjunct Application for Appointment
THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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