Special Assistant U.S. Attorney

The City of Johnson City, in coordination with the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Eastern District of Tennessee, is seeking a qualified and motivated attorney to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA).

Stationed primarily out of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Greeneville, Tennessee, the SAUSA will work directly with the City of Johnson City Police Department (JCPD) to prosecute violent crime, firearms offenses, narcotics trafficking, and related federal offenses originating in, and/or affecting, the City of Johnson City and surrounding communities. The SAUSA will maintain offices in both Greeneville, Tennessee, and within JCPD.

While compensated by the City of Johnson City, the selected candidate will be detailed to the USAO, taking the federal oath of office and exercising federal prosecutorial authority under the direction of the United States Attorney. This is a non-federal position, and does not confer status as a federal employee.

SAUSA responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Evaluating, initiating, and prosecuting federal criminal cases originating from operations of JCPD Special Investigations Squad and federal law enforcement counterparts (ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI).

Handling all stages of criminal litigation, including grand jury presentments, initial appearances, detention hearings, plea negotiations, evidentiary hearings, jury trials, and assisting in appellate brief drafting/argument.

Providing legal advice, search warrant reviews, and investigative support to JCPD officers and federal agents during active criminal investigations. Training officers and department staff at roll call and in-service assemblies.

Serving as a primary liaison between the City of Johnson City, JCPD, local prosecutors, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee to maximize public safety impact.

Required Qualifications:

Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.

Bar Admission: You must be a U.S. citizen, possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years of active criminal prosecution or trial experience preferred. Prior experience in federal court or handling complex drug/firearms litigation is strongly favored.

Background Security Check: Appointment is contingent upon successful completion of an extensive DOJ background investigation (including drug screening, tax check, and fingerprinting) to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Residency: Must reside within the Eastern District of Tennessee or be willing to relocate upon appointment.

Application Submission and Salary/Benefit Information:

Applications will be received on-line at https://johnsoncitytn.applicantpro.com/jobs/4091457. Salary starts at $93,000 annually, depending on qualifications. The City offers an attractive benefit package that includes health, life, and long-term disability insurance, and a 401k retirement plan. Voluntary benefit plans such as dental, specific disease, and short-term disability are also available.

About the City of Johnson City:

The City of Johnson City, Tennessee, has a population of approximately 70,000 and offers an affordable cost of living, no state income tax, outstanding schools, parks, sports and fitness facilities. Johnson City is the home of East Tennessee State University, which has a current enrollment of approximately 15,000 students. The City operates under the Commission-Manager form of government with a City Manager appointed by a five-member City Commission.

EEO