Become an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C.
Are you a motivated legal professional looking to serve the public interest? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is currently seeking skilled attorneys to join the Superior Court Division. This role offers the unique opportunity to serve as both a federal and local prosecutor in the nation’s capital.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), your primary focus will be managing a high-volume docket in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. You will handle serious criminal matters including:
- Homicides and violent crimes
- Sexual assaults and domestic violence
- Carjackings and robberies
- Narcotics and weapons offenses
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Possess a J.D. degree.
- Be an active, good-standing member of any U.S. jurisdiction bar.
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to clear a Top Secret security investigation.
Comparison of Applicant Focus
| Feature | Preferred Candidate | Competitive Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Litigation Experience | Significant Experience | Foundational Experience |
| GPA | 3.0+ | General Academic Record |
| Writing Ability | Superior/Published | Strong/Academic |
| Advocacy Skills | Proven Trial Record | Strong Potential |
Salary and Benefits
Compensation is determined by the Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale, ranging from $87,815 to $197,100 annually. Employees are eligible for federal health benefits, retirement systems, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less.
- Include Details: Clearly list your employment history, including specific dates and hours worked.
- Writing Sample: Submit a piece that is strictly yours and under 15 pages.
Joining the USAO in D.C. is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the rule of law. We invite qualified candidates to apply and contribute to the essential mission of justice in the United States.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous Job Matters
Serve as a premier litigator at the heart of the nation’s capital as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.
Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia represents a unique and high-impact environment in the federal legal system. Serving as both the federal and local prosecutor for Washington, D.C., our office handles a diverse and significant caseload. We are seeking talented attorneys for the Superior Court Division, where you will manage a wide array of criminal litigation, ranging from misdemeanor offenses to complex felonies including homicides, sexual assaults, and narcotics trafficking. Join a team dedicated to justice and the rule of law.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Must be a United States Citizen.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must reside within the District of Columbia or within 25 miles of the district.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, credit check, and drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous
- Prior litigation experience.
- Law school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Superior legal research, writing, and analytical abilities.
- Demonstrated skill in managing high-volume dockets.
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with law enforcement, staff, and victims.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance.
- âś“Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- âś“Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- âś“Transit subsidies for commuting.
- âś“Access to on-site exercise and weight training facilities.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) Open Continuous Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
- Write a legal writing sample (maximum 15 pages).
- Obtain an unofficial or official law school transcript.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire via USAJOBS.
- Submit your full application package before the closing date.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Strictly follow the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Include specific details in your resume, such as dates of employment (month, day, year), hours worked per week, and a clear list of accomplishments.
- Ensure your writing sample reflects your original, substantive work.
- Review your application status frequently via your USAJOBS account dashboard.
- If you are claiming veterans' preference, ensure all supporting documentation like the DD-214 is included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
This is an excepted service attorney appointment under an Administratively Determined pay scale. It is an open continuous announcement used to fill current and future vacancies.
What is the salary range?
The basic pay range is $87,815 to $197,100 per year, which includes a 33.94% locality pay component, determined by experience.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the legal arm of the United States government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia is one of the most prominent offices in the country. We provide a collaborative environment where attorneys work alongside investigative agencies, victim advocates, and court staff to enforce federal and D.C. criminal laws.