Assistant District Attorney - SAUSA

DO YOUR CAREER JUSTICE! Each and every day, North Carolina's courts help provide safety for our communities, prosperity for our economy, and protection for the rights, liberties, and freedoms that sit at the foundation of our state and federal constitutions. Consider an exciting and rewarding career with us and join the more than 7,000 elected officials and employees who make up our workforce and help us ensure that justice is administrated without favor, denial, or delay.

The District Attorney’s Office for Prosecutorial District 37 is seeking a highly skilled and motivated attorney to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA). This position offers a rare and unique opportunity to remain a state employee of a North Carolina District Attorney’s Office while prosecuting cases in federal court within the Middle District of North Carolina. Start date will be January 1, 2027.

The SAUSA will be based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and will prosecute federal criminal cases arising in multiple counties, working in close coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina and the District Attorneys serving the counties in which cases are handled.

This position blends the strengths of state and federal prosecution, providing meaningful public service, complex litigation experience, and the stability and benefits of state employment.

• Licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina and in good standing

• at least 1-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience

• Strong trial advocacy, legal writing, and analytical skills

• Significant experience prosecuting criminal cases, preferably including felony or complex litigation

• Ability to manage a caseload independently and exercise sound prosecutorial judgment

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with law enforcement, prosecutors, and court personnel across jurisdictions

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.

State employee of the District Attorney’s Office for Prosecutorial District 37

• Eligible for all applicable State of North Carolina employee benefits

• Appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney pursuant to federal authorization and agreement

• Serves at the pleasure of the District Attorney, subject to the terms of the SAUSA appointment

The SAUSA will be responsible for the prosecution of assigned federal criminal cases, focusing on prosecuting drug and violent crimes, from intake through resolution, including:

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  Reviewing and evaluating criminal investigations for legal sufficiency and charging decisions

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  Collaborating closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies during investigations

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  Coordinating case referrals and charging decisions with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina

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  Prosecuting federal criminal cases in United States District Court, including:

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    Grand jury presentations

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    Motion Practice & Hearings

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    Trials

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    Sentencings

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  Handling all aspects of case preparation, including discovery review, witness preparation, and legal research and writing

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  Working collaboratively with District Attorneys in the counties from which cases originate to ensure alignment with prosecutorial priorities

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  Advising law enforcement on investigative strategies, legal standards, and evidentiary issues

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  Ensuring compliance with all ethical obligations, DOJ policies, and applicable state and federal laws

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  Participating in trainings, meetings, and coordination efforts required by the SAUSA appointment

The SAUSA will work closely and collaboratively with:

• Assistant United States Attorneys and leadership within the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina

• District Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys in the counties where cases are generated

• Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in assigned investigations

• This position requires strong communication skills and the ability to navigate dual-sovereign partnerships while maintaining clarity of role and responsibility as a state employee.

This SAUSA position offers a distinctive career opportunity that is rarely available:

• State employee benefits and stability, including retirement and leave benefits

• Hands-on federal courtroom experience prosecuting cases in the Middle District of North Carolina

• Direct involvement in significant federal investigations impacting communities across North Carolina

• A collaborative role bridging state and federal prosecutorial efforts

• The ability to serve the public at both the state and federal level while remaining rooted in North Carolina’s prosecutorial system

This position is ideal for a lawyer seeking to expand their professional experience, develop federal litigation expertise, and serve in a role that strengthens partnerships across jurisdictions.

Applicants must complete an on-line application by clicking the above APPLY link. Mailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Before applying, please read the Online Employment Application Guide for instructions on creating your profile and applying for specific postings.

It is important your application includes all of your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application to receive proper credit. Résumés are not accepted in lieu of fully completed applications.

*NOTE* Many job postings require certain documents be attached to an application. Verify your application is complete and uploaded documents are attached to your application before submitting it. Applications may not be altered after they have been submitted.
 

All NC Judicial Branch agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

HumanResources@nccourts.org