Job Responsibilities
Act as lead prosecutor on white collar criminal cases throughout
U.S. Try approximately 2 cases per year (averaging 10-20 trial
days), and have an active caseload of approximately 6 cases. When
not in trial, I investigate cases and review proposed cases.
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Job Requirements
J.D. Good to understand finance in white collar fraud cases. The
better grasp one has of the rules of evidence, the better one
performs at trial. Clerks get hired a lot. DOJ Honors program is
a great way to get started.
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Uppers
Are you kidding! Trying big cases and sending criminals to jail. Arguing
points of law with judges, opening statements, closing arguments, destroying
witnesses on the stand, making your case, crafting the right questions to get
your case out. It's a Law & Order fantasy. Plus, your investigators (FBI/IRS)
are truly outstanding professionals, who often make your life easier.
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Downers
Travel all over the U.S. Long periods away from family. Knowing
that if you lose, you'll get that "failed the bar exam" look from
your colleagues.
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Lifestyle
Great for self-starter. Best for single self-starters, because as a single
person, the travel would not be as bad. Loads of autonomy. Hours: when not in
trial, it is a 9-5 job; when in trial, it is a 5-9 job.
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Compensation
I make about $110k (GS-15 on the Gov. scale) roughly half what I
made in the private sector, but the work is ten times better.
Plenty of frequent flyer/hotel miles/points. Can get cool
pictures with the Attorney General to hang on your wall.
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Advice to Jobseekers
No better place to get trial experience and authority early on.
Do this before getting used to making money at a law firm. Or
make the money, pay off loans, and do this until retirement.
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