Become an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Illinois
The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Illinois is seeking a motivated, experienced legal professional to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in our Fairview Heights office. If you are passionate about upholding the Constitution, protecting citizens, and litigating complex federal criminal cases, this position offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a tangible difference in the justice system.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA, your responsibilities will grow alongside your experience. You will:
- Manage and litigate a diverse federal criminal caseload.
- Conduct legal research and draft complex legal pleadings.
- Represent the United States in federal court proceedings.
- Collaborate with law enforcement agencies, support staff, and fellow attorneys.
- Potentially rotate between the Criminal and Civil Divisions as office needs evolve.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Education: A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
- Bar Membership: Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Skillset: Proven proficiency in legal writing, research, and courtroom advocacy.
- Background: Ability to pass a high-risk security clearance and drug test.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $78,695 - $184,647 per annum |
| Position Type | Permanent, Full-Time |
| Benefits | Health, Life, Retirement, Paid Time Off |
| Location | Fairview Heights, IL |
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a hard limit; exceeding it will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Documentation Matters: Ensure all bar certifications, writing samples, and veteran documentation are uploaded clearly.
- Early Submission: The first round of consideration is April 20, 2026. Applying before this date is highly recommended.
Serving as an AUSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the rule of law. We invite qualified, high-integrity attorneys to join our team in the Southern District of Illinois. Apply today via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters
Join the front lines of justice. The U.S. Attorney's Office is seeking experienced, high-impact attorneys to shape federal law in the Southern District of Illinois.
Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois is looking for a dedicated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to join our Criminal Division in Fairview Heights. This role is perfect for a litigation-focused professional who is ready to handle complex criminal prosecutions, ranging from fraud and violent crime to drug-trafficking cases. Serving as an AUSA provides a unique opportunity to represent the interests of the United States while working in a fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven environment near the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- U.S. citizenship is strictly required.
- Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation.
- Must pass a drug urinalysis test.
- Demonstrated ability to perform legal research and draft pleadings independently.
- Excellent computer literacy, including electronic court filing and legal research platforms.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney
- Three or more years of post-J.D. litigation experience.
- Current admission to the Illinois state bar.
- Proven track record in high-stakes criminal litigation.
- Experience in fraud, corruption, violent crime, or drug-trafficking prosecution.
- Superior communication, courtroom advocacy, and analytical skills.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
- ✓Structured, collaborative work environment
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job
- Review the full job announcement on USAJOBS.
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a concise resume (max 2 pages) detailing your employment history and duties.
- Draft a professional cover letter and select a writing sample (max 20 pages).
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal before the deadline.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
- Complete the occupational assessment questionnaire.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page limit for your resume; applications exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Include specific start/end dates (month/day/year) for all employment entries.
- Highlight your litigation-specific experience and accomplishments clearly.
- If claiming veterans' preference, ensure all supporting documentation, such as the DD-214 or SF-15, is attached.
- Apply by the initial priority consideration date of April 20, 2026, to maximize your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay range for this position?
The salary range is between $78,695 and $184,647 per year, depending on your experience and professional qualifications.
Is residency in Illinois required to apply?
You must be a member of a U.S. bar, but admission specifically to the Illinois bar is only preferred, not required. However, you must be capable of working in the Fairview Heights office.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. Employment with the Department of Justice in this capacity requires U.S. citizenship.
What type of cases will I handle?
AUSAs in our division handle a variety of matters, including white-collar crime, drug trafficking, immigration offenses, and violent crimes.
Is there remote work?
The position is not remote; however, the Department offers telework options where applicable.
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 U.S. government. The USAO-SDIL is a dynamic, fast-paced office representing the federal government in the Southern District of Illinois—a region spanning 38 counties and home to approximately 1.2 million people. Our office is a collegial environment where teamwork is paramount to our success in the units of Fraud and Corruption, Violent Crimes, and Dangerous Drugs.