We, the staff of the United States Attorney's Office, are accountable to the citizens of the Western District of Michigan for pursuing justice, ensuring public safety, enforcing the law, protecting the interests of the United States, and exercising stewardship over the government's resources. To accomplish our mission, we will discharge our duties with professionalism, diligence, and integrity. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence and to the highest standards of ethical conduct in an environment of mutual respect. See more at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi
If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.
The Western District of Michigan includes the western half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula, a total of more than 35,000 square miles with a population in excess of 3.5 million. The main office is located in Grand Rapids, a mid-sized and growing city that is a short distance from iconic sandy beaches, state parks, and quaint coastal towns. Grand Rapids is situated geographically along Interstate 96 just three hours from Chicago, two hours from the Detroit Metro Area, four hours from Indianapolis, and approximately five hours from each of Ohio's major metropolitan areas (Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati). Gerald R. Ford International Airport, also in Grand Rapids, serves 24 major market destinations with nonstop flights. The area is noted for its cultural amenities including the world famous ArtPrize, an international art competition held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The district has approximately 37 Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs), most of whom are located in the Grand Rapids office. Three AUSAs are located in a branch office in Marquette, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. The district includes 11 federally-recognized Indian tribes, which together comprise the largest Native American population in a district east of the Mississippi River.
We, the staff of the United States Attorney's Office, are accountable to the citizens of the Western District of Michigan for pursuing justice, ensuring public safety, enforcing the law, protecting the interests of the United States, and exercising stewardship over the government's resources. To accomplish our mission, we will discharge our duties with professionalism, diligence, and integrity. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence and to the highest standards of ethical conduct in an environment of mutual respect. See more at https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi
If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.
The Western District of Michigan includes the western half of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula, a total of more than 35,000 square miles with a population in excess of 3.5 million. The main office is located in Grand Rapids, a mid-sized and growing city that is a short distance from iconic sandy beaches, state parks, and quaint coastal towns. Grand Rapids is situated geographically along Interstate 96 just three hours from Chicago, two hours from the Detroit Metro Area, four hours from Indianapolis, and approximately five hours from each of Ohio's major metropolitan areas (Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati). Gerald R. Ford International Airport, also in Grand Rapids, serves 24 major market destinations with nonstop flights. The area is noted for its cultural amenities including the world famous ArtPrize, an international art competition held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The district has approximately 37 Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs), most of whom are located in the Grand Rapids office. Three AUSAs are located in a branch office in Marquette, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. The district includes 11 federally-recognized Indian tribes, which together comprise the largest Native American population in a district east of the Mississippi River.
The district is soliciting applications for a Criminal Division Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) position in the Grand Rapids, Michigan office. This position arises from a special allocation from the Attorney General to address violent crime. Candidates should expect assignments to prosecute drug and firearm offenses committed in particular neighborhoods or perpetrated by individuals or groups that fuel violent crime rates. Candidates also should be capable of handling the prosecution of all manner of federal charges, such as for financial crimes that may support violent criminal activity, and federal actions to make sure crime does not pay. Western District of Michigan Criminal Division AUSAs are responsible for substantial legal research and writing at the trial and appellate levels as well as on collateral review.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Background Investigation, credit and tax checks, and drug test required.
You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
Travel: Occasional travel within the district will be required. Limited travel outside the district, such as to the court of appeals, is likely.
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.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: 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.
Selective Service: 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.
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 3 years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
United States citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants should be able to demonstrate the following qualities.
--Intelligence and aptitude, measured by professional experience/growth potential, academic record, the writing sample and any interview performance.
--Commitment to excellence, strong work ethic and drive, as may be demonstrated through successful team work, leadership, obstacles overcome and personal, academic and professional achievement.
--Sound judgment and good character.
--Balance, both professionally and personally, in terms of interests and abilities.
--Desire to work as a Criminal Division AUSA in the Western District of Michigan.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $65,775 to $143,639
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Department of Justice Policies
Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability (physical or mental), age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a parent, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice.
Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities: The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with targeted/severe disabilities are encouraged to register for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Shared List of People with Disabilities (the Bender Disability Employment Registry) by submitting their resume to resume@benderconsult.com (link sends e-mail) and referencing "Federal Career Opportunities" in the subject line. Additional information about the Bender Registry is available at www.benderconsult.com (link is external). Individuals with disabilities may also contact one of the Department's Disability Points of Contact (DPOC). See list of DPOCs.
* * *
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Evaluation Method: Once your complete application package is received, it will be reviewed to ensure you meet all job requirements. An attorney interview panel will then review all qualified applicants and make recommendations for invitation to interview. You will be notified if selected for an interview.
Veterans' Preference: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must indicate their preference in response to the appropriate question in their assessment questionnaire (it is also recommended that information is included in their cover letter or resume) and they must submit supporting documentation (e.g., DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) which verifies their eligibility for preference. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service-connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that his or her retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that he/she was transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Required - Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire (online).
Required - Your Responses to this Candidate Questionnaire (as an attachment) (download here: Candidate Questionnaire)
Required - Your resume showing relevant experience and dates of employment (include day/month/year). (cover letter optional).
Required - Writing Sample (such as an appellate brief, substantive district court brief or memorandum of points and authorities). The writing sample should reflect your own work and not exceed a total of 25 pages.
Required, if applicable - A recent copy of an 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 get 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/14/2018 to receive consideration.
There are three ways to apply for this vacancy: You are encouraged to apply online.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)
*To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Apply by email (see below for details) .
Send a cover letter, resume, completed questionnaire (download here) and writing sample (such as an appellate brief, substantive district court brief or memorandum of points and authorities). The writing sample should reflect your own work and not exceed a total of 25 pages.
Submit the application package by e-mail to: USAMIW.personnel@usdoj.gov
Please scan all materials into one .pdf file. List the vacancy announcement number on your resume and in the subject line of all emails.
The application package may also be mailed to:
Raphael Trujillo, Human Resources Officer
United States Attorney's Office, WDMI
P.O. Box 208
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-0208
*You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. However, should you not be able to apply online, please contact Western District of Michigan at (616) 808-2080 or email at Raphael.Trujillo@usdoj.gov, prior to the closing date of this announcement.
Western District of Michigan
330 Ionia Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
US
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation, to include a credit and tax checks, and a drug test by urinalysis. We expect to make a final job offer within 120 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee's Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates who have lived outside the United States for two or more of the past five years will likely have difficulty being approved for appointments by the Department Security Staff. The two-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
Required - Your responses to the Occupational Questionnaire (online).
Required - Your Responses to this Candidate Questionnaire (as an attachment) (download here: Candidate Questionnaire)
Required - Your resume showing relevant experience and dates of employment (include day/month/year). (cover letter optional).
Required - Writing Sample (such as an appellate brief, substantive district court brief or memorandum of points and authorities). The writing sample should reflect your own work and not exceed a total of 25 pages.
Required, if applicable - A recent copy of an 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 get 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.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 02/14/2018 to receive consideration.
There are three ways to apply for this vacancy: You are encouraged to apply online.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.)
*To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
Apply by email (see below for details) .
Send a cover letter, resume, completed questionnaire (download here) and writing sample (such as an appellate brief, substantive district court brief or memorandum of points and authorities). The writing sample should reflect your own work and not exceed a total of 25 pages.
Submit the application package by e-mail to: USAMIW.personnel@usdoj.gov
Please scan all materials into one .pdf file. List the vacancy announcement number on your resume and in the subject line of all emails.
The application package may also be mailed to:
Raphael Trujillo, Human Resources Officer
United States Attorney's Office, WDMI
P.O. Box 208
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501-0208
*You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. However, should you not be able to apply online, please contact Western District of Michigan at (616) 808-2080 or email at Raphael.Trujillo@usdoj.gov, prior to the closing date of this announcement.
Western District of Michigan
330 Ionia Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
US
Next steps
We will notify you of the outcome after each step of the recruitment process has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation, to include a credit and tax checks, and a drug test by urinalysis. We expect to make a final job offer within 120 days after the closing date of the announcement.
Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee's Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates who have lived outside the United States for two or more of the past five years will likely have difficulty being approved for appointments by the Department Security Staff. The two-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
