Become an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois

The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Northern District of Illinois represents one of the most dynamic and challenging environments for federal litigators. If you are a dedicated attorney with significant litigation experience, this is your opportunity to serve the public interest and represent the United States in high-stakes criminal matters.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), you will manage a heavy caseload involving:

Conducting complex criminal investigations.
Presenting cases to grand juries.
Litigating trials in U.S. District Court.
Managing appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Collaborating with federal and local law enforcement agencies.

Comparison: Legal Practice Environments

Feature	Private Practice	AUSA Role
Client	Individual/Corporate	The United States
Litigation	Varied	Primarily Criminal
Mission	Profit/Service	Public Interest/Justice
Caseload	Client-Driven	Investigation-Driven

Requirements

Academic: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Licensure: Active membership in any U.S. bar.
Experience: Minimum two years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Background: Ability to pass a high-risk security clearance and drug testing.

Salary and Benefits

Salaries for AUSAs are competitive and reflect the experience level of the candidate. The current range is $85,796 to $197,100 per year. In addition to salary, employees receive a robust benefits package, including:

Federal retirement contributions (FERS).
Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Paid annual and sick leave.
Opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply

To be considered, you must follow the submission instructions precisely. Applications require both a submission through USAJobs and a specific PDF document submission via email to the hiring office. Ensure your resume is capped at two pages to avoid automatic disqualification.

Serving as an AUSA is a career-defining experience. If you possess the trial skills and ethical foundation to uphold the mission of the Department of Justice, we encourage you to submit your application before the August 11, 2026, closing date.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters

Step into a premier litigation role at the Northern District of Illinois, where your legal expertise helps shape justice in one of the nation's busiest federal districts.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois is seeking highly motivated attorneys to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Criminal Division. This is a challenging, fast-paced environment where you will represent the United States in complex investigations and high-stakes courtroom proceedings. You will handle a diverse portfolio of cases, ranging from violent crime and public corruption to sophisticated cyber-crime and white-collar fraud.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Current active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of two years of post-J.D. legal experience.
U.S. Citizenship.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including drug testing, credit, and tax checks.
Registration with the Selective Service System (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Substantial experience in criminal litigation.
Strong legal research and writing capabilities.
Proven track record in high-stakes court proceedings.
Dedication to public service and ethical legal practice.
Prior experience with federal criminal prosecution in the Northern District of Illinois.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Telework opportunities (where applicable)

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job

Submit your resume and cover letter through the USAJobs portal.
Email a PDF copy of your resume, cover letter, law school transcripts, a recent writing sample, three professional letters of recommendation, and a completed AUSA Questionnaire to the designated email address provided by the agency.
Ensure all five required documents are received by the hiring team to complete your application package.
Monitor your application status through your USAJobs account.
Participate in the multi-stage interview process if selected.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; exceeding this limit will disqualify your application.
Ensure all email attachments are in PDF format for compatibility.
Clearly articulate your litigation experience and why you are suited for the AUSA role in your personal statement.
Verify your status on USAJobs to confirm all documents have cleared the virus scan.
Double-check your email addresses and contact information for your professional references.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

This is an open continuous announcement to fill multiple positions within the Northern District of Illinois. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Do I need to be a resident of Chicago to apply?

Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles of that district.

How is the salary determined?

Pay is administratively determined based on your total years of professional legal experience, subject to federal pay scales and locality pay.

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

The Northern District of Illinois, with offices in Chicago and Rockford, serves a critical role in the U.S. federal justice system. Our Criminal Division is responsible for prosecuting an expansive range of offenses, including public corruption, cyber-crime, violent crime, narcotics trafficking, and complex white-collar fraud. We value integrity, trial excellence, and a deep commitment to the rule of law.