Prosecutor​/Special Assistant Attorney; Sausa

Overview

The City of Columbia is seeking applications from motivated attorneys to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses. The position offers an excellent yet challenging opportunity for an attorney seeking greater criminal litigation experience and experience in federal court. The attorney selected to fill the position will be employed by the City of Columbia and will be cross-designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) through a partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Columbia.

Salary and benefits will be paid by the City of Columbia. Although employed by the City, the SAUSA will primarily work in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and will benefit from the mentoring and training of experienced federal prosecutors. Prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office enjoy a genuine camaraderie in an encouraging, supportive work environment. The SAUSA will be expected to demonstrate initiative and ability sufficient to independently manage all phases of a federal criminal case, from investigation to post-conviction litigation.

Among other duties pertaining to this position as an attorney for the City, the SAUSA will be expected to assist and advise officers of the Columbia Police Department, and review their cases for potential federal charges.

• Respond to legal questions and offer legal advice to law enforcement officers;
• Supervise and/or direct investigations which are expected to result in federal prosecution;
• Prepare cases for federal indictment and present cases to a federal grand jury;
• Prepare for and handle all pretrial hearings, draft pretrial motions, research and respond to defense motions;
• Negotiate pleas in compliance with the standards of the U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Try all cases not resolved by plea in a manner consistent with the standards of the U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Research and respond to all post-conviction matters including appeals to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals;
• Prepares legal opinions and offers legal advice;
• Recommends action on complaints and claims by or against the City;
• Attends meetings, training, conferences, seminars, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Juris doctorate degree;
• 1 year of post JD experience;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License;
• Licensed to practice law in South Carolina and a member in good standing with the South Carolina Bar;
• Must be admitted to practice before and in good standing with the U.S. Federal Courts;
• United States citizenship is required; and
• Must be able to pass a federal background check.

This position requires exceptional interpersonal skills conducive to working with federal and state law enforcement agents, defense attorneys, judges, and court staff; have superb oral and written communication skills for presenting cases to a federal grand jury; represent the government in court hearings; prepare and respond to pretrial motions; try cases; and write trial and appellate briefs. Superior character is a must.

(Designation as a SAUSA is contingent upon a) the successful completion of a federal background investigation and b) satisfactory performance of duties as required by the U.S. Attorney. If at any time the U.S. Attorney is not satisfied with the performance of the SAUSA, that designation may be terminated.)

Preferred candidates will have a strong academic background and superb research and writing skills. In addition, preferred candidates will possess a strong work ethic, exhibit good organizational skills, exercise fair and sound judgment, be attentive to facts and details, work well both independently and on a team, have leadership skills, be ready and willing to volunteer to assist others, possess excellent negotiation skills, and effectively represent the Government's interests at hearings and trials before the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Preferred candidates will also have criminal trial experience (federal or state) or commensurate civil trial experience. Experience or expertise in addressing Fourth Amendment…