Civil & Criminal Divisions

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Department of Legal Affairs | Office of the Attorney General
American Samoa Government

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The Office of the Attorney General of American Samoa is accepting applications for full-time Assistant Attorney General (AAG) positions in both its Civil and Criminal Divisions.

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This is a unique opportunity to practice law in the South Pacific while handling meaningful government litigation and public-service matters. Assistant Attorneys General receive substantial responsibility and courtroom experience while representing the American Samoa Government and the people of the Territory.

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Location: Pago Pago, American Samoa
Status: Full-Time, In Person

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SALARY & BENEFITS

• $65,000–$80,000 annually, depending on experience.

• $1,500 monthly housing allowance.

• $500 monthly utility allowance.

• $5,000 bonus upon satisfactory completion of the first year of a two-year contract.

• $5,000 bonus upon satisfactory completion of the second year of a two-year contract.

• Up to $10,000 in criminal prosecutor student loan repayment assistance through the John R. Justice Grant Program, subject to grant eligibility.

• Travel allowance for selected candidates and eligible dependents.

• Household shipping allowance.

• 26 days paid annual leave.

• 13 days sick leave annually.

• Medical and dental benefits for employees and dependents through the Lyndon B. Johnson Tropical Medical Center and/or American Samoa Department of Health.

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CRIMINAL DIVISION

Assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Criminal Division prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the American Samoa Government before the High Court and District Court of American Samoa.

Responsibilities include:

• Reviewing police reports and investigative materials;

• Preparing complaints, informations, motions, briefs, and other pleadings;

• Interviewing victims and witnesses;

• Working closely with police officers and investigators;

• Negotiating plea agreements and resolving cases;

• Conducting first appearances, probable cause hearings, motion hearings, status conferences, trials, and sentencings; and

• Handling misdemeanor and felony prosecutions from charging through final disposition.

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The Criminal Division welcomes attorneys at all experience levels. Recent law school graduates and newer attorneys may be considered for misdemeanor and traffic assignments. Attorneys with greater litigation experience may be assigned felony prosecutions and more complex criminal matters.

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CIVIL DIVISION

Assistant Attorneys General assigned to the Civil Division serve as legal counsel to the American Samoa Government, executive departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and government officials.

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Responsibilities may include:

• Representing ASG agencies and officials in civil litigation;

• Conducting legal research and preparing motions, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents;

• Providing legal advice to government departments, boards, and commissions;

• Reviewing and drafting contracts, leases, memoranda of understanding, regulations, and other government documents;

• Handling administrative proceedings and judicial review matters;

• Advising agencies regarding compliance with territorial and federal law;

• Assisting with legislation, rulemaking, and government policy matters; and

• Appearing before the High Court of American Samoa and other tribunals as required.

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Civil AAGs have an opportunity to work on a broad range of matters affecting the Territory, including government operations, land, immigration, employment, procurement, contracts, regulatory matters, and constitutional and administrative law.

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

• Hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school;

• Be licensed and in good standing to practice law in a U.S. state, territory, or other qualifying U.S. jurisdiction before beginning employment;

• Possess excellent legal research, writing, analytical, and oral communication skills;

• Demonstrate the ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines;

• Be willing to assume significant responsibility and work independently; and

• Demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to public service.

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American Samoa does not administer its own bar examination. Attorneys admitted and in good standing in another qualifying U.S. jurisdiction may seek admission to practice before the courts of American Samoa in accordance with local requirements.

Recent graduates and experienced attorneys are encouraged to apply.

Trial advocacy, moot court, law school clinic, judicial clerkship, prosecution, public defense, government, or other litigation experience is preferred but not required for entry-level applicants.

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EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

• Full-time contractual position.

• Two-year commitment preferred.

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APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Step 1 – Application & Initial Interview

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Applicants should submit:

• Cover letter identifying interest in the Civil Division, Criminal Division, or both;

• Current résumé;

• Three (3) professional references, including names, telephone numbers, and email addresses; and

• Optional letters of professional reference.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Step 2 – Offer & Screening

Candidates selected following the interview process may be required to provide:

• Proof of graduation from an ABA-accredited law school;

• Law school transcript;

• Certificate of good standing from the applicant's licensing jurisdiction; and

• Any additional documentation required to complete the American Samoa Government hiring and local admission process.

 

PRACTICE LAW IN AMERICAN SAMOA

Join a small, dynamic Attorney General's Office where attorneys have the opportunity to obtain significant courtroom and government-law experience while serving a unique U.S. Territory in the heart of the South Pacific.

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Office of the Attorney General
Department of Legal Affairs
American Samoa Government
Pago Pago, American Samoa