About the Office: The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Puerto Rico has jurisdiction and responsibility in a broad range of areas, all of which involve representing the legal interests of the Federal government in the United States District Courts. The office employs over 100 persons, including Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative support staff. We are currently seeking to hire experienced attorneys who will be assigned to the Criminal, Civil, or Appellate Divisions, located in San Juan, PR.
The Criminal Division prosecutes a wide range of federal cases involving organized crime, terrorism, complex securities and fraud cases, narcotics, health care fraud, public corruption, and violent crimes. In addition, the work of the Civil Division mirrors the varied activities of the Federal Government and offers perhaps the most challenging and diverse caseload of any law office, public or private, in the country. AUSAs also represent the United States before the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Responsibilities and Opportunity Offered: AUSAs have the opportunity to represent the interests of the United States of America in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and, in performing this important public service, to exercise responsibility that is unparalleled in any other job that a litigator might undertake. AUSAs immediately undertake numerous cases, many high profile, in any of several units within each division.
Employment with the USAO offers a unique and challenging experience for the highly motivated attorney: an opportunity to work on some of the most significant, complex, and visible cases being litigated today. You will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property of citizens.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications. Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least three (3) years post-J.D legal experience which includes significant trial experience, preferably in Federal Court. United States citizenship is required.
The ideal candidate will possess superior oral and written communication skills in the English language, as well as strong character and interpersonal skills; have demonstrated the capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment. The USAO seeks highly qualified applicants with extensive litigation experience, strong writing skills, excellent credentials, and a demonstrated commitment to public service. All AUSAs are given training by the U.S. Department of Justice and internally by the USAO Training Program.
Preferred qualifications: Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak English. Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish is highly preferred.
A brief type-written explanation of your reasons for applying for this position is required (2 paragraphs).
Candidates must be computer literate.
ONLY QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.
Travel: The AUSA will be required to travel throughout the District of Puerto Rico to attend court proceedings, interview witnesses, take depositions and attend meetings. Travel is also required for training at the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center, Columbia, South Carolina. Frequent travel to other domestic and foreign destinations is probable.
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.
Salary Information: AUSAs pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $44,581 to $117,994 plus 14.16% locality pay plus 4.2% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA).
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Application Process and Deadline Date: Interested applicants must submit a current resume, a legal writing sample, a brief type-written explanation of your reasons for applying for this position is required (2 paragraphs), and, if available, a current performance appraisal with a cover letter to:
U. S. Attorney’s Office
District of Puerto Rico
ATTN: Pura López,, HR Officer
Torre Chardón, Suite 1201
350 Chardón Street
San Juan, PR 00918
No telephone calls please.