City Prosecutor/Special Assistant United States Attorney (Sausa)

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.

Essential Job Functions

• 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.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
• Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in the use of Microsoft Office 2000 preferred, utilizing Outlook, word processing and database software programs;
• Ability to develop new approaches or methodologies to solve problems not previously encountered by analyzing, synthesizing or evaluating data or information using unconventional or untried methods;
• Ability to negotiate, exchanging ideas, information and opinions with others to formulate policy and programs or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions or solutions;
• Ability to handle or use machines, requiring moderate instruction and experience such as computers, and software programs such as word processing, spreadsheets or custom applications;
• Ability to perform work involving the application of broad principles of professional management and leadership to solve new problems for which conventional solutions do not exist;
• Ability to read professional literature and technical manuals; speaking to groups of employees, other public and private groups; writing manuals and complex reports;
• Ability to perform advanced professional-level work methods and practices in the analysis, coordination or interpretation of work of a professional, engineering, fiscal, legal, managerial or scientific nature and the ability for formulate important recommendations or make technical decisions that have an organization-wide impact. Requires sustained, intense concentration for accurate results and continuous exposure to sustained and unusual pressure;
• Ability to make decisions, affecting entire organization and surrounding population; works in an unstable environment with frequent and significant changes in conditions; responsible for long-range goals, planning and methodologies.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.
To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/