Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Chicago
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled attorney to join the Financial Litigation Program (FLP) in Chicago. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the public interest while navigating the complex intersection of financial enforcement, debt recovery, and federal litigation.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA in the Financial Litigation Program, you will serve as a guardian of the government’s interests. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Conducting in-depth asset investigations to identify hidden funds and properties.
- Pursuing aggressive collection strategies, including wage garnishments and turnover orders.
- Litigating cases to unwind fraudulent asset transfers.
- Collaborating with other AUSAs in the Civil and Criminal Divisions to ensure maximum recovery for crime victims and the federal treasury.
Salary and Comparison Table
Compensation for AUSAs is based on professional experience and internal scale guidelines.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $85,796 - $197,100 |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Employment Type | Full-Time, Excepted Service |
| Security Level | High Risk / Special-Sensitive |
Requirements and Qualifications
To be considered for this high-stakes role, candidates must demonstrate a strong legal foundation.
Core Requirements
- J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
- Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of two years of relevant post-J.D. experience.
- U.S. Citizenship.
Preferred Attributes
- Exceptional academic record.
- Significant experience in litigation, specifically in bankruptcy or complex financial matters.
- Superior ability to communicate complex legal arguments in writing.
Benefits
The Department of Justice provides an excellent benefits package to support its employees, including health insurance, federal retirement programs, and generous paid time off. These benefits reflect the agency’s commitment to the long-term well-being of its legal staff.
Application Tips
The application process for the DOJ is rigorous. Avoid common pitfalls by ensuring your resume is exactly two pages long. Use your personal statement to convey not just your professional history, but your passion for trial law and your specific motivation for joining the NDIL. Double-check that all five required items—resume, cover letter, transcripts, writing sample, and questionnaire—are included in your final submission.
This position represents an extraordinary chance to participate in the highest levels of federal legal practice. If you are prepared to tackle complex financial cases and contribute to the mission of the Department of Justice, we encourage you to submit your application before the closing date.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact legal career with the Department of Justice by joining the Northern District of Illinois Financial Litigation Program.
Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois is seeking a dedicated attorney to join the Civil Division as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) within the Financial Litigation Program (FLP). This role is critical to the mission of recovering criminal and civil debts owed to the federal government and victims of crime. You will handle complex litigation, perform asset investigations, and pursue enforcement actions while collaborating with experienced colleagues in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program)
- Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of two years of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory for employment.
- Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment background adjudication, including drug testing, credit, and tax checks.
- Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
- Ability to comply with residency requirements (within 25 miles of the district).
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program)
- Demonstrated excellence in academic performance.
- Extensive experience in litigation, specifically within financial or bankruptcy law.
- Superior legal writing, research, and analytical capabilities.
- A profound commitment to the mission of public service and federal law enforcement.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive health insurance plans
- âś“Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- âś“Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- âś“Life insurance coverage
- âś“Opportunities for professional development and training
- âś“Potential for telework depending on office policy
đź’ˇ How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program) Job
- Create or update your profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Prepare a resume (strictly limited to two pages) and a formal cover letter.
- Draft a personal statement explaining your interest in the AUSA role and your trial law aspirations.
- Compile your law school transcripts and a recent legal writing sample.
- Submit your resume and cover letter through the federal portal while simultaneously emailing the complete 5-item package to the designated recruitment email address.
- Monitor your application status through your online applicant account.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Ensure your writing sample was authored solely by you within the last three years.
- Verify that your application includes all five required components; incomplete packages will not be processed.
- Clearly document your specific duties, hours worked, and achievements for each position listed on your resume.
- Highlight your veteran status in your cover letter if applicable to receive consideration for veterans' preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the Financial Litigation Program?
The FLP is responsible for the collection of criminal and civil debts owed to the United States and victims of federal crimes, including asset tracing and enforcement of turnover orders.
Can I submit my entire application through the federal job portal?
No, you must submit your resume and cover letter via the portal, but the remainder of your application package must be emailed directly to the Northern District of Illinois hiring office in PDF format.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses will not be paid for this appointment.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) is one of the most prominent districts in the federal system. With over 160 Assistant United States Attorneys, the office maintains a robust presence in both criminal and civil arenas. From public corruption and cyber-crimes to civil rights and health care fraud, the NDIL handles matters of national significance. Joining this office means working alongside elite legal professionals committed to the rule of law.