Our mission is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to administer and enforce the Nation's laws to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. We strive to build a stronger office through recruitment efforts and maintain the high standards of the office by promoting professional development. We seek to build a legacy of excellence. 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.
The United States Attorney's Office is the chief law enforcement office in the District and is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the Northern District of Indiana. This includes criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits by and against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The District has three offices located in Hammond, Fort Wayne, and South Bend. Please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndin.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Northern District of Indiana is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to serve in the Civil Division. The attorney will represent the United States and its agencies and employees in civil cases across a very broad variety of practice areas, and also will represent the federal government in civil investigations of potential violations of law. The attorney will have responsibility for handling all aspects of civil cases in court. The attorney must have a very strong ability to analyze complex legal and factual issues, write 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.
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- 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.
- You must posses a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction). You will be required to maintain an active bar membership in "good standing" in order to retain employment.
- All initial attorney positions to the Department of Justice are made on a 14-month (temporary) basis.
- Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit checks, tax checks, and drug testing.
- Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. DOJ employees are required to undergo background re-investigation every 5 years to retain employment.
- 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.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one (1) year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:Ideal qualifications include at least 3+ years of post-J.D. experience litigating cases in federal or state courts, with substantial responsibility for all aspects of discovery, trial and appeals in civil matters. Trial and mediation experience are also strongly preferred. (While 3+ years of post-JD experience is ideal, we are accepting applications from candidates with 1+ year of post-JD experience.)
The ideal candidate will have experience in state or federal courts involving tort and Title VII litigation. Experience defending medical malpractice is desired. Bankruptcy experience is also desired.
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, word processing systems and possess the knowledge and ability to use computers and computer applications in performing day-to-day work requirements, including the knowledge and ability to effectively use automated litigation support to acquire, organize, analyze and present evidence, and manage documents.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see www.ed.gov.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.
You must apply and submit all application documents at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/606524400
You must provide a complete Application Package by the closing date of this announcement, which includes:
- Required - Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire (completed by clicking "Apply Online").
- Required - Your resume showing relevant experience and dates of employment (include day/month/year). (cover letter optional).
- Required - A legal writing sample (not to exceed 25 pages).
- Required, if applicable - If you are a current/former federal employee, you must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), showing title, series, grade, and current salary; and a copy of your most recent performance appraisal.
- Required, if applicable - To receive Veterans' Preference, you must indicate your preference in response to the appropriate question in your assessment questionnaire and you must submit the appropriate supporting documentation. See the "How you will be Evaluated" section for details regarding what is appropriate Veterans' Preference documentation. It is also recommended that you include veterans' preference information in your cover letter or resume.
Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered. All application materials must be submitted via the USAJOBS website by the closing date of the announcement. No hard copy or emailed documents will be accepted.
Please, no telephone calls regarding the status of an application once the announcement has closed. Please visit www.usajobs.gov to retrieve the status of your application.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.