Launch Your Legal Career as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA)

Are you ready to take the next step in your legal career by representing the federal government in the nation's highest-profile litigation? The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is currently seeking talented, driven, and analytical attorneys to join our Civil Division as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). This open continuous announcement offers a unique path to public service within the Department of Justice.

Job Responsibilities

Civil Division AUSAs act as the voice of the United States government in both defensive and affirmative litigation. You will handle a diverse array of cases throughout their entire lifecycle—from the initial filing through trial and potential appeals. Key responsibilities include:

Litigation Management: Identifying legal issues, developing case strategies, and managing discovery.
Courtroom Advocacy: Presenting oral arguments, taking depositions, and conducting trials.
Documentation: Drafting high-quality motions, briefs, and other legal filings under tight deadlines.
Collaboration: Working effectively with federal agencies, opposing counsel, and support staff.

Approximately 80% of our defensive docket focuses on cases involving the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Administrative Procedure Act, federal employment discrimination, and immigration law.

Comparison of Potential Legal Paths

Feature	Private Practice	AUSA (Civil Division)
Client Base	Varied / Private	The United States Government
Primary Focus	Revenue Generation	Public Service / Rule of Law
Courtroom Experience	Variable	High (Lead counsel opportunities)
Caseload Diversity	Client Dependent	Wide range of Federal Litigation

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A J.D. degree or equivalent.
Bar Status: Active membership in any U.S. jurisdiction bar.
Experience: A minimum of 1 year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Security: Ability to pass a background check and obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Salary Overview

The Department of Justice utilizes an Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale for attorney positions. The starting salary for this role ranges from $87,815 to $197,100, which includes a 33.94% locality pay component. Your final salary placement is based upon your years of professional legal experience.

Benefits

Federal employment comes with a robust package designed to support your long-term success and work-life balance:

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts.
Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
Flexible scheduling and telework options.
Transit subsidies for D.C. commuters.

Application Tips

Format Your Resume: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less. Include the start and end dates (month/day/year) and the hours worked per week for every position listed.
Writing Sample: Your sample should showcase your independent legal analysis. Ensure it is less than 15 pages and formatted correctly.
Use Official Links: Always apply through the official federal portal to track your application status in real-time.
Veterans' Preference: If applicable, clearly indicate your preference and upload all necessary supporting documentation, such as a DD-214.

Becoming an Assistant United States Attorney is a calling for those who value justice and the rule of law. With a constant need for motivated legal talent, the District of Columbia office offers a place where your work will have a tangible impact on the nation. Prepare your materials, review the requirements, and submit your application to be part of our dedicated legal team.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job Matters

Shape the future of justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the nation's capital. If you are a dedicated legal professional seeking a high-stakes, rewarding career protecting civil rights and upholding the rule of law, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia wants to hear from you.

Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is actively seeking experienced attorneys to join its Civil Division. In this role, you will represent the United States in complex defensive and affirmative civil litigation. From Freedom of Information Act cases to federal employment discrimination and tort claims, you will manage a diverse, fast-paced docket in both trial and appellate courts. This position offers a unique opportunity for early-career growth, allowing you to act as lead counsel, conduct trials, and develop comprehensive legal strategies within one of the most prestigious legal offices in the country.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous

Must be a United States Citizen or National.
Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of 1 year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Subject to mandatory pre-employment drug testing and background investigations.
Residency within the district or within 25 miles of it is typically required.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous

1 to 5 years of experience handling complex civil litigation.
Proven experience as lead attorney in court proceedings, including trials and depositions.
Strong background in drafting substantive briefs and motions.
Expertise in Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Appellate Procedure, and Evidence.
Superior communication and persuasive oral advocacy skills.
Demonstrated ability to function independently and manage high-pressure, large-scale caseloads.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance and flexible spending accounts.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Transit subsidies for commuting.
✓On-site fitness facility access at no cost.
✓Life insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job

Ensure your resume does not exceed two pages and covers all required work history details.
Create or log into your account on the official federal hiring portal.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Upload your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a writing sample (max 15 pages).
Submit your application and monitor your status via the portal dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Your writing sample should be your original work, such as a brief or memo, and must not exceed 15 pages.
Be precise with dates; ensure your resume lists the month, day, and year for all previous employment.
If claiming veterans' preference, provide your DD-214 and any required SF-15 documentation explicitly.
Verify that your uploaded documents are not password-protected or encrypted to avoid processing errors.
Apply early; candidate lists are pulled regularly on the first of each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this AUSA position?

The salary range is $87,815 to $197,100 per year, which includes locality pay. Actual compensation is determined based on professional attorney experience.

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires a Top Secret security clearance. You will also be subject to fingerprinting, credit and tax checks, and mandatory drug testing.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Generally, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment within the Department of Justice. Non-citizen appointments are extremely rare and limited to specific mission-critical exceptions.

What happens after I apply?

Applications are reviewed regularly. If your qualifications match our needs, an interview panel will review your file and you may be invited to interview.

Can I use volunteer experience?

Yes, we count both paid and unpaid/volunteer legal experience toward your qualifications.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of our nation’s legal system, working tirelessly to protect civil rights, enforce federal laws, and ensure the safety of our country. Working as an AUSA in the D.C. District is an unparalleled experience. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., our office offers more than just professional challenges; it provides a vibrant work environment. Employees benefit from being steps away from major landmarks, Smithsonian museums, and a variety of dining and retail options, as well as access to an on-site fitness facility.