Department of
Legal Affairs
About the Office: The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) represents the executive branch of the Government of American Samoa (“ASG”) in all matters, criminal and civil in which the government has an interest.
About American Samoa: American Samoa is an island territory of the United States located approximately six hours flight from the State of Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean, roughly halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. The Territory has a population of approximately 55,000 residents, who largely speak both English and Samoan. The territory follows both U.S. federal law as well as local territorial law
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Criminal Attorney I & II
Description: Assistant Attorney Generals represent the American Samoa Government in criminal matters. This position is responsible for prosecuting crimes in the territory and such duties include reviewing police reports, preparing pleadings, interviewing victims and witnesses, meeting with police officers and investigators, negotiating pleas and preparing for and conducting judicial hearings (including first appearances, probable cause hearings, motion hearings, status conferences, trials, and sentencings).
ASG is currently seeking attorneys with all levels of experience. ASG will consider recent graduates for Criminal I positions (traffic & misdemeanor division), but preference will be given to attorneys with mock trial, moot court, clinical, and/or competition experience. Nevertheless, all applicants are encouraged to apply. Criminal II attorneys (felony division) should have one (1) to three (3) years of prosecutor, public defender, or government attorney experience (with an emphasis on litigation). The Criminal Division will also consider civil attorneys who wish to transition to criminal law, and have a strong litigation background (particularly, in insurance defense).
Requirements for all applicants: All applicants must have passed the bar in a U.S. State prior to the start date of their employment. Applications may be submitted by applicants with pending bar applications, but no offers will be conveyed until the applicant has provided proof of bar passage.
Requirements for all applicants: All applicants must have passed the bar in a U.S. State prior to the start date of their employment. Applications may be submitted by applicants with pending bar applications, but no offers will be conveyed until the applicant has provided proof of bar passage.
Pay Scale and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience. ASG will furnish transportation for the Attorney, and Attorneys’ dependents, and will provide a capped reimbursement for the shipment of household goods and personal effects, pursuant to the schedule set forth in A.S.A.C. 4.1004(d), to American Samoa. The Attorney and the Attorney’s dependents will be entitled to medical, dental and hospital services in American Samoa to be furnished by ASG (such services may be subject to a nominal service charge to be paid by the Employee). Attorneys shall accrue Annual Leave at the rate of one working day for each full bi-weekly pay period and will accrue Sick Leave at the rate of one-half day per full bi-weekly pay period. Furnished government living quarters will be made available to Attorneys by ASG for a nominal fee of $50 withheld from each bi-weekly paycheck and ASG will also pay a reasonable amount for utilities (water, electric and internet). Attorneys who are not living in government provided housing will be paid a housing stipend of up to $1,000 per month. Attorneys will receive a $5,000 service bonus to be paid before the end of their first year of service, and a second $5,000 service bonus before the end of their second year of service.
Civil Attorney I & II
Description: Assistant Attorney Generals represent the American Samoa Government in a variety of civil matters and act as both general counsel to government departments and represent the territory in litigation. This position is responsible for initiating and defending civil actions, which includes preparing pleadings, interviewing clients and witnesses, preparing for, and conducting administrative and judicial hearings, as well as legal research and writing. This position is also responsible for providing guidance to government agencies, handling departmental requests for legal opinions, reviewing, editing, and drafting contracts, statutes, and administrative rules.
ASG is currently seeking attorneys with all levels of experience. ASG will consider recent graduates for Civil I positions, but preference will be given to attorneys with mock trial, moot court, clinical, and/or competition experience. Nevertheless, all applicants are encouraged to apply. Civil II attorneys should have two (2) or more years of government, in-house counsel, litigation, or contract review experience.
Requirements for all applicants: All applicants must have passed the bar in a U.S. State prior to the start date of their employment. Applications may be submitted by applicants with pending bar applications, but no offers will be conveyed until the applicant has provided proof of bar passage
Pay Scale and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000, commensurate with experience. ASG will furnish transportation for the Attorney, and Attorneys’ dependents, and will provide a capped reimbursement for the shipment of household goods and personal effects, pursuant to the schedule set forth in A.S.A.C. 4.1004(d), to American Samoa. The Attorney and the Attorney’s dependents will be entitled to medical, dental and hospital services in American Samoa to be furnished by ASG (such services may be subject to a nominal service charge to be paid by the Employee). Attorneys shall accrue Annual Leave at the rate of one working day for each full bi-weekly pay period and will accrue Sick Leave at the rate of one-half day per full bi-weekly pay period. Furnished government living quarters will be made available to Attorneys by ASG for a nominal fee of $50 withheld from each bi-weekly paycheck and ASG will also pay a reasonable amount for utilities (water, electric and internet). Attorneys who are not living in government provided housing will be paid a housing stipend of up to $1,000 per month. Attorneys will receive a $5,000 service bonus to be paid before the end of their first year of service, and a second $5,000 service bonus before the end of their second year of service.