Pursuing a Career as an Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)
Becoming an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) is a pinnacle achievement for many litigators. Serving in the Civil Division of the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) represents a commitment to the rule of law and an opportunity to handle some of the most complex and consequential litigation in the country. This role is not merely a job; it is a vital public service.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA in the Civil Division, your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied and intellectually demanding. You will represent the U.S. government, its agencies, and its employees in federal court.
| Litigation Type | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Defensive | Medical malpractice, employment discrimination, FOIA, immigration |
| Affirmative | Civil rights, healthcare fraud, environmental, food and drug |
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline standards:
- Educational Credential: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Bar Membership: Must be an active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: A minimum of 2 years of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
- Security & Background: Must pass comprehensive background checks, credit/tax checks, and mandatory drug testing.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation is structured based on experience levels. The current salary range is $85,796 to $197,100 annually, including locality pay for the Chicago area. The Department of Justice provides an industry-leading benefits package, including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and generous leave policies.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. This is a hard limit.
- Follow Instructions Exactly: The application process is split between the USAJobs portal and a direct email submission. Failing to follow the bifurcated process will result in an incomplete application.
- Tailor Your Statement: Use your personal statement to highlight your passion for public service and your capabilities as a trial lawyer.
Serving as an AUSA in Chicago is a career-defining opportunity. If you have the required litigation experience and a desire to serve the public, we encourage you to carefully follow the application requirements to ensure your submission is considered.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact legal career representing the United States in the Northern District of Illinois.
Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Civil Division in Chicago. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage diverse defensive and affirmative litigation, protecting federal interests in federal court. AUSAs handle complex cases including civil rights, fraud, medical malpractice, and immigration, working in a demanding and rewarding environment that shapes the future of federal justice.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
- Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction
- Minimum of 2 years of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience
- Must be a United States citizen
- Must satisfy pre-employment suitability and background investigation requirements
- Registration with the Selective Service System (if applicable for males born after 1959)
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)
- Superior academic credentials
- Substantial experience with litigation and civil law
- Exceptional legal research and writing proficiency
- Proven dedication to public service and ethical practice
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Opportunities for telework based on agency policy
- ✓Professional development and career growth in federal service
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job
- Create or update your account on USAJobs
- Prepare a resume (strictly limited to 2 pages) and a formal cover letter
- Complete the mandatory AUSA Questionnaire and Personal Statement
- Collect official law school transcripts and a recent legal writing sample
- Submit your resume and cover letter via USAJobs
- Email the complete package (including items 2-5) to [email protected] as PDF attachments
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit; submissions over two pages will be disqualified immediately.
- Submit items 2 through 5 exclusively via the provided email address; do not upload these to the USAJobs portal.
- Verify your eligibility for Veterans' Preference early and gather necessary documentation (such as SF-15 or DD-214) to include with your application.
- Double-check that all five required items are included in your email submission to prevent an incomplete application status.
- Review your writing sample thoroughly as it will be evaluated for clarity, legal logic, and technical proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for an AUSA?
Salaries for Assistant United States Attorneys are administratively determined based on experience, ranging from $85,796 to $197,100 per year, which includes locality pay.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Generally, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Department of Justice. Appointments of non-citizens are extremely rare and occur only under narrow, mission-critical exceptions.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is a powerhouse of legal activity. With over 160 AUSAs across both Criminal and Civil Divisions, the office manages a massive caseload that impacts the entire region. The Chicago office is a dynamic environment where attorneys are encouraged to take initiative, conduct thorough research, and represent the interests of the United States with distinction.