JOB TITLE:

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL – CRIMINAL DIVISION

The Office of the Attorney General of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is currently seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Attorney General. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a government in political union with the United States of America consisting of several islands in the Pacific Ocean located north of Guam, including the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. With a population of approximately 45,000 people, Saipan offers both a close-knit community and the professional opportunities of a capital city. The Commonwealth judiciary consists of five Superior Court judges and a Supreme Court consisting of three justices. The U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands has one justice and one magistrate, and appeals are heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

The successful applicant must be admitted to practice before a state or territorial bar association and in good standing, making him or her eligible for up to eight-years of temporary admission to the Commonwealth Bar as a government attorney, or pass the CNMI Bar examination. Applicants must possess strong academic credentials from an ABA-accredited law school, demonstrate excellent writing and advocacy skills, and have a proven record of creative thinking and working effectively in a team environment. Starting salaries begin at $65,000 and increase commensurate to the successful applicant’s date of admission to a bar. The term of the initial contract for the Assistant Attorney General is two-years and is renewable at the employer’s discretion.

NATURE OF WORK:

This position is located at the CNMI Office of the Attorney General Criminal Division and is under the direct supervision of the Attorney General and/or his designee.

DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES:

• Responsible for criminal cases, including juvenile cases, prosecution, appeals, felony, misdemeanor and traffic cases, and other matters as assigned by the Attorney General and the Chief Prosecutor;

• Draft motions, pleadings, answers complaints and other legal documents common to criminal law practice and appears on behalf of the government of the Northern Mariana Islands;

• Investigates cases to ensure adequate prosecution, reviews the police investigation and reports to ensure that the gathering of evidence, interviewing, etc. are performed appropriately;

• Handle all phases of the prosecution of felony cases. This includes assisting police officers secure arrest and search warrants, and handle preliminary hearings, pretrial motions and final disposition of felony cases;

• Perform such acts as may be incidental to the exercise of the functions, powers, and duties set forth in the Commonwealth constitution and statutes; and

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits include expatriation and repatriation benefits including round-trip airfare for the employee and the employee’s legal spouse and dependents, a relocation assistance stipend of $3,000-$5,000; affordable health insurance, life insurance, competitive retirement benefits, including an employer match; and paid holidays, paid vacation days, and paid sick leave. In addition, CNMI residents are not required to file income tax returns with the federal government and typically pay taxes at significantly lower rates under CNMI tax laws, which provide for an income tax rebate of up to 90%. Employees also qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Outside of the office, the CNMI offers warm weather year-round; beautiful beaches with crystal-clear blue waters; world-famous scuba diving; and affordable direct flights to Guam, Japan and South Korea. As a Commonwealth of the United States, the primary language is English, the currency is the U.S. dollar, and there are no visa restrictions or residency limitations for U.S. citizens. Its cultural diversity, rich World War II history, competitive schools, and work-life balance make Saipan an ideal place to develop your career, raise a family, and contribute meaningfully to the Office and the Commonwealth.

CONTACT:

Attorney General Email: employment@cnmioag.org ****Please send a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, a list of three (3) references and a date of availability should an offer be extended.