Become an Assistant United States Attorney: A Career in the Middle District of Pennsylvania

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is looking for experienced, driven legal professionals to join our Civil Division as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). This is a rare opportunity to represent the interests of the United States in high-stakes, defensive civil litigation. If you possess a sharp legal mind, exceptional writing skills, and a dedication to public service, this role offers a career path like no other.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, you will manage a robust caseload. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Litigation Management: Handling all phases of civil litigation, from initial filings to final resolution.
Defensive Practice: Representing federal interests in inmate litigation, habeas corpus, personal injury, and medical malpractice cases.
Courtroom Advocacy: Conducting depositions, engaging in motion practice, and drafting high-quality, persuasive pleadings.
Collaboration: Working alongside investigators, paralegals, and other attorneys to develop case strategy.

Skills and Experience Comparison

Feature	Required	Preferred
Education	J.D. Degree	Superior Academic Record
Bar Status	Active/Any U.S. Jurisdiction	Significant Court Experience
Litigation	1+ Year Experience	Extensive Deposition Experience
Technology	Legal Research Proficiency	Electronic Filing Expertise

Requirements

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

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education: Possession of a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Licensure: Active member of the bar in good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal experience.
Background: Ability to pass a rigorous pre-employment background investigation, including drug testing and credit checks.

Salary and Benefits

Assistant United States Attorneys receive competitive federal compensation, with an annual salary range of $73,938 to $195,100, contingent upon experience. Beyond the paycheck, you will gain access to the federal benefits package, which includes:

Federal retirement planning (FERS).
Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Generous annual and sick leave policies.
Federal holiday observance.

Application Tips

Be Precise: Your resume must be two pages or fewer; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Specify Location: Clearly state which office (Harrisburg, Scranton, or Williamsport) you are targeting in your cover letter.
Follow the Links: Ensure you complete the specific Middle District of Pennsylvania supplemental questionnaire found on the district’s official website.
Apply Early: While the posting remains open until November 2026, priority review begins for applications submitted by December 8, 2025.

Serving as an AUSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the rule of law. With a challenging caseload and a supportive, professional environment, this position is ideal for an attorney looking to make a lasting impact in the federal legal system.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Launch a high-impact career in federal litigation as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is seeking a dedicated legal professional for a permanent Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) position within its Civil Division. This role involves handling complex defensive litigation, including inmate litigation, habeas corpus matters, medical malpractice, and employment discrimination cases. The position serves a diverse district encompassing 33 counties, requiring attorneys who are capable of managing independent research, drafting persuasive pleadings, and engaging in high-stakes courtroom advocacy.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

U.S. Citizenship
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction
At least one year of post-J.D. legal experience
Satisfactory background investigation including drug test, credit, and tax checks
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable)

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Proven experience in civil litigation, including depositions and witness interviews
Superior academic credentials and strong analytical judgment
Excellent oral advocacy and persuasive writing skills
Proficiency in electronic court filing and legal research technologies
Ability to work independently with minimal guidance in a high-demand environment

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Comprehensive health benefits
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for professional development and training

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Prepare a resume (maximum two pages) and a cover letter.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire via USAJOBS.
Download and complete the required Middle District of Pennsylvania supplemental questionnaire.
Submit all documents through the USAJOBS portal by the specified deadlines.
Ensure your application package includes proof of bar admission and, if applicable, veterans' preference documentation.

💡 General Tips

Specify your location preference (Harrisburg, Scranton, or Williamsport) clearly in your cover letter.
Adhere strictly to the two-page limit for your resume to avoid immediate disqualification.
Submit your application by the initial December 8, 2025, deadline for priority consideration.
Double-check that all professional experience is detailed with specific dates and hours worked.
Utilize the online application status tracker to monitor your progress after submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the geographic scope of the Middle District of Pennsylvania?

The district covers 33 counties, approximately 47% of Pennsylvania's land mass, with primary offices in Harrisburg, Scranton, and Williamsport.

Is this a remote or telework position?

This position requires working from one of the district offices. It is not listed as a remote position.

How is the salary determined for an AUSA?

Pay is administratively determined based on professional attorney experience and includes locality pay adjustments.

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for enforcing federal law across 33 counties in Pennsylvania. Managing a district that covers nearly half of the state, our office is at the forefront of criminal prosecution and civil enforcement. We maintain offices in Harrisburg, Scranton, and Williamsport, ensuring that justice is served throughout the region.