Job Title: Attorney General
Department/Agency: Department of Legal Affairs (DLA)
Closing Date: December 13, 2024
Type of Position: Political Appointee
Posting Type: Employment Opportunity/Open to the Public
Pay Grade and Salary Range: GS-18/$65,000 - $85,000 p.a.
Email Your Resume, Cover Letter and References to: OfficeGovElectASG@gmail.com
Your Resume - Attach your updated resume in either a txt, Word document, or PDF format. Confirm the subject line includes the position you are applying for: Department of Legal Affairs (DLA)
Submit a Cover Letter and Headshot - Include a personalized cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for the role. Be sure to include a recent headshot photo.
Provide Professional References - Send a list of at least three professional references. Include their names, phone numbers, and email addresses. You are welcome to include letters of reference if available.
General Description
The Attorney General of American Samoa serves as the Territory's chief legal officer and primary legal advisor to the American Samoa Government (ASG). This executive role encompasses overseeing all legal matters, including criminal prosecution, civil litigation, policy development, and ensuring compliance with federal and territorial laws. As the primary law enforcement official, the Attorney General fosters fair, transparent, and impartial administration of justice while protecting the legal interests of American Samoa and its residents.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Legal Advisory and Representation:
Provide legal counsel to the Governor, all ASG departments, agencies, offices, and the Legislature on various legal issues.
Represent the ASG in court cases and legal proceedings, including civil, criminal, administrative, and appellate matters.
Serve as the primary legal representative for ASG in cases of public interest or concern, and uphold the legal and constitutional framework of American Samoa.
Review proposed legislation, executive orders, and agency policies to ensure legal compliance with territorial and federal law.
Criminal Division Oversight:
Supervise all criminal matters in the Territory, including developing, enforcing, and applying local criminal laws to promote a safer American Samoa.
Provide oversight and training to local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and staff involved in criminal justice.
Develop and implement strategic criminal justice initiatives, focusing on crime prevention, public safety, and victim support services.
Civil Division Oversight:
Oversee civil litigation involving the ASG, ensuring effective legal defense of government interests and pursuing claims that uphold the rights of American Samoa residents.
Represent ASG in disputes related to contracts, land use, environmental regulations, public utilities, and other civil matters.
Negotiate settlements, conduct hearings, and represent ASG in administrative law proceedings.
Policy Development and Legislative Affairs:
Advise on policy development in areas including public safety, environmental protection, land use, and labor law.
Work with the ASG Legislature to propose, draft, and review new laws and amendments to ensure they align with legal standards.
Facilitate communication between the legal and legislative branches, ensuring all proposed policies comply with legal frameworks and constitutional rights.
Interagency Collaboration:
Foster strong working relationships with local, federal, and international law enforcement and governmental agencies.
Collaborate with federal entities like the Department of Justice (DOJ) and law enforcement agencies to ensure coordinated responses to national security issues, criminal investigations, and international legal matters.
Lead multi-agency task forces in addressing emerging legal and societal issues impacting the Territory.
Public Protection and Consumer Rights:
Safeguard public interest by ensuring effective enforcement of consumer protection laws and regulations, including fraud, consumer rights, and business practices.
Manage the review and filing of land title claims, deeds, and other property-related documents to ensure proper legal documentation and property ownership rights.
Ensure legal protections for vulnerable populations in the Territory, including children, women, and economically disadvantaged groups.
Leadership and Department Management:
Manage and oversee the Department of Legal Affairs, which includes the criminal, civil, and administrative divisions.
Supervise and mentor attorneys and legal staff, ensuring they have the resources and support to perform at the highest standards.
Ensure the department’s budget aligns with operational needs and manage legal resources efficiently.
Establish and maintain a professional culture of accountability, transparency, and legal integrity within the department.
Strategic Vision and Reform:
Lead reforms in the legal and criminal justice systems to address evolving legal challenges and improve accessibility and fairness for the people of American Samoa.
Stay informed of national and international legal trends and issues to advocate for improvements that align with the best interests of the people of American Samoa.
Encourage continuous improvement through legal education and professional development for ASG attorneys and staff.
Immigration Oversight:
Oversee the Immigration Office, ensuring lawful entry and exit of individuals into and from American Samoa.
Administer and enforce immigration laws, including the Entry Permit Waiver Program and residency petitions.
Protect the borders of the Territory from illegal immigration and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Develop and implement policies related to immigration, including entry permits, OK Boards, and residency applications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Comprehensive Legal Expertise:Â In-depth knowledge of U.S. federal law, territorial laws of American Samoa, and international law, with the ability to interpret and apply legal concepts across various domains.
Leadership and Management:Â Strong leadership capabilities to direct the Department of Legal Affairs, manage legal teams, and influence the effective application of laws across government functions.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to analyze complex legal issues, propose long-term solutions, and contribute to policy development while maintaining a strategic vision for the territory’s legal framework.
Ethical Judgment and Integrity:Â A high standard of ethical conduct and personal integrity, ensuring public trust and maintaining the dignity of the office.
Communication and Negotiation:Â Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively represent the Territory in legal proceedings, media, and public forums.
Cultural Competence:Â A deep understanding and respect for the cultural and societal values of American Samoa, with the ability to navigate issues in a sensitive and inclusive manner.
Academic and Experience Requirements
Education:Â
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Licensing:Â Must be a member in good standing of the Bar in any U.S. state or territory. Admission to the American Samoa Bar is required within six months of appointment.
Experience:
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as a practicing attorney in a government or public sector legal capacity, with extensive exposure to litigation, legal advisory, and public policy.
At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or managerial role in a legal department or government entity.
Proven experience in overseeing immigration law enforcement or related areas, with expertise in both federal and territorial immigration law, is required.
Experience in managing large teams, budget oversight, and developing legal strategies for both public safety and policy is preferred.
Additional Qualifications:
Experience in intergovernmental collaboration, particularly with federal agencies, is highly desirable.
Proven track record of reform and innovation in legal systems or government departments is an asset.
Strong knowledge of territorial laws governing immigration and the associated bureaucratic processes for issuing visas, permits, and residency applications.
Salary
The salary is competitive and based on experience and qualifications. Specific compensation details will be provided upon request.
Additional Information
For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact the Office of the Governor-Elect directly via email at officegovelectASG@gmail.com
*The American Samoa Government is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will be considered for political appointments without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and territorial laws. Appointments will be made based on qualifications, experience, and the ability to serve effectively in alignment with the policies and goals of the administration.
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