Experience as a federal prosecutor is usually required, as well as a number of years as a trial attorney with strong litigation skills. Federal prosecutors, also known as U.S. attorneys, are appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate, and approved by Congress. Because assistant positions are not appointed, working as an assistant U.S. attorney may assist a lawyer in becoming a federal prosecutor. For law students interested in becoming federal prosecutors, the Department of Justice offers an honors program.
Assistant federal prosecutors work in a variety of departments within the federal government, including immigration, drug enforcement, taxation, and health. The United States Congress has passed over 4,000 federal laws. Criminals who break these laws are prosecuted by federal prosecutors.
To gain experience, some attorneys who want to be federal prosecutors start as assistants working on misdemeanor cases or in the appellate division. They establish a track record of success in criminal or civil litigation, which is required to become a federal prosecutor. The length of time spent on trial work may differ by district.
The Attorney General of the United States represents the country’s chief prosecutor and supervises 94 U.S. attorneys serving in various districts. A minimum of one year of experience and active membership in the American Bar Association are required to become a US prosecutor in one of these regions. When a candidate is hired, the position is usually assumed to be permanent.
Candidates for the position of federal prosecutor must pass a thorough background investigation. Investigators may speak with former neighbors and coworkers from the past ten years. As part of the background check, they may contact former spouses, educational institutions, and former landlords.
A review of an applicant’s credit history, criminal record, and tax information is also part of the process. Other requirements for becoming a federal prosecutor include fingerprinting and a drug test. Only citizens of the United States who have not lived outside the country for two of the preceding five years are eligible. Candidates who served in the military overseas may be granted an exception.
The attorney general’s honor program is open to entry-level graduate students who want to work as federal prosecutors. A two-year clerkship or fellowship in a federal prosecutor’s office could be offered to them. The honors program is the only way for an inexperienced lawyer to become a federal prosecutor.
Most federal prosecutors have a large caseload and deal with a variety of people, including witnesses and victims. They must have strong interrogation skills as well as the ability to plan a trial strategy. A federal prosecutor’s effectiveness in the job is enhanced by strong organizational and legal research skills. Before deciding whether to seek justice on behalf of citizens, he or she must weigh the facts of each case.