Launch Your Legal Career: Become an Assistant United States Attorney in D.C.

Few legal roles offer the prestige, challenge, and societal impact of serving as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) is currently accepting applications for talented attorneys to join its Criminal Division. Whether you are a seasoned litigator or an attorney with specialized investigative experience, this role serves as a cornerstone for those committed to the rule of law and public service.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will manage a heavy docket of cases. Assignments may include:

Federal Major Crimes: Focusing on high-tempo, arrest-driven prosecutions such as firearms offenses and violent crime.
Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights: Investigating and litigating complex white-collar crimes, election fraud, and civil rights violations.
National Security: Prosecuting terrorism, espionage, and cyber threats targeting the U.S. government.
Violent Crime and Narcotic Trafficking: Dismantling criminal networks and large-scale drug cartels through intelligence-driven investigations.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must meet rigorous standards, including:

U.S. Citizenship.
Active bar membership (any U.S. jurisdiction).
Completion of at least one year of post-J.D. legal experience.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$87,815 - $197,100
Schedule	Full-Time, Excepted Service
Location	Washington, D.C.
Benefits	Comprehensive Health, Life, Retirement, Transit Subsidy

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Exceeding this limit leads to immediate disqualification.
Detailed History: Include specific dates for every position and mention whether roles were part-time or full-time.
Writing Matters: Provide a high-quality writing sample that showcases your ability to analyze complex factual and legal issues.

Serving as an AUSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the integrity of the American justice system. If you are prepared to handle the demands of one of the most critical legal offices in the country, apply today and contribute to the vital mission of the Department of Justice.

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

Join the front lines of justice in the nation's capital as an Assistant United States Attorney with the Department of Justice.

Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is seeking highly qualified, dedicated attorneys to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). As the federal and local prosecutor for Washington, D.C., our office handles a high-stakes, diverse caseload that touches every major area of federal criminal law. From complex white-collar fraud and public corruption to national security threats and violent crime, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to serve the public interest while sharpening your litigation and investigative skills.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must possess a J.D. degree or equivalent.
Active membership in good standing in any U.S. bar.
Minimum of one year post-J.D. legal or relevant experience.
Must successfully pass a background investigation, including credit, tax, and fingerprint checks.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
Must reside within 25 miles of the district of appointment.

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

Minimum of three years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Substantial experience as a prosecutor, including jury trial management.
Experience in complex investigations and high-level legal research and writing.
Prior experience as a judicial clerk.
Demonstrated expertise in cryptocurrency, cyber-crimes, or asset forfeiture.
Exceptional advocacy skills and the ability to work independently in a demanding environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Transit subsidy programs for commuting.
✓Access to on-site exercise and weight training facilities at no cost.

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

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

Prepare your resume (maximum 2 pages), cover letter, law school transcript, and a writing sample (max 15 pages).
Log into or create a USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload all required documentation, ensuring no files are password-protected.
Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Include dates (month, day, and year) for all employment history to ensure full credit for experience.
Clearly outline your litigation experience, including specific types of cases and court experience.
Veterans should explicitly state their preference eligibility and include all required supporting documents like the DD-214.
Submit your application early to avoid potential technical issues during high-traffic periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

Initial appointments are generally for a 14-month temporary period pending a full background investigation. These positions may be extended or converted to permanent status without further competition.

How often is the application pool reviewed?

This is an open continuous announcement. The agency pulls application lists on the first of every month until the closing date of September 30, 2026.

Do I need a security clearance?

Yes, all successful candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance, often with SCI eligibility requirements.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the primary federal law enforcement agency in the United States. Within the DOJ, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is unique in its breadth. Because it serves as both the local and federal prosecutor for the nation's capital, AUSAs here gain experience that is simply unavailable anywhere else in the country. Working from a location central to the Smithsonian museums and the heart of D.C. governance, employees enjoy a collaborative environment focused on protecting the property, liberty, and safety of citizens.