Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Riverside

The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Central District of California represents one of the most high-stakes legal environments in the country. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division, you are not just practicing law; you are serving the public interest and defending the United States in its most critical legal battles. This role offers the opportunity to engage in complex litigation while working alongside the nation’s top legal professionals.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, your daily duties will be both rigorous and rewarding. You will:

Represent the U.S. government in trial and appellate court proceedings.
Manage diverse caseloads across sections such as Civil Rights, Civil Fraud, and Tax & Bankruptcy.
Conduct depositions, handle court hearings, and lead settlement conferences.
Perform meticulous legal research and draft compelling briefs.

Comparison Table: Why Choose the DOJ?

Feature	Private Practice	Department of Justice
Client Base	Corporate/Individual	United States Government
Mission	Profit/Billable Hours	Public Interest/Rule of Law
Impact	Client specific	National scale
Benefits	Firm-dependent	Standardized Federal Benefits

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must:

Possess a J.D. degree from an accredited institution.
Be an active member in good standing of any U.S. bar.
Be willing to obtain active California bar membership.
Demonstrate the ability to pass a high-level background investigation.
Reside in the district or within 25 miles of the appointment location.

Salary Overview

Salaries for AUSAs are determined through the administrative AD pay scale, which is heavily influenced by years of professional practice. Compensation typically ranges from $114,525 to $197,100 per year, depending on your experience level as a licensed attorney.

Benefits

Employees of the DOJ enjoy a competitive suite of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, participation in the federal retirement system (FERS), paid leave, and potential recruitment incentives.

Application Tips

Watch Your Length: The two-page resume requirement is absolute. Do not exceed this limit.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcript, cover letter, and references are ready before starting the application.
Use the Portal: All applications must flow through the official federal hiring portal to ensure they are tracked correctly.

Serving as an AUSA is a pinnacle for many legal careers. If you have the drive, ethical integrity, and litigation skills required to represent the United States, we encourage you to submit your application for this ongoing vacancy today.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Step into a high-impact legal career with the Department of Justice—represent the United States in the Central District of California and champion the rule of law.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California is actively seeking accomplished attorneys to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) within its prestigious Civil Division. This is a vital role for those dedicated to public service, as you will represent the government's interests across a wide spectrum of complex litigation, including civil rights, tax, bankruptcy, and appellate matters. You will join one of the nation's most active and impactful legal offices, serving nearly 20 million residents while upholding federal laws.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Must hold United States citizenship.
Willingness to pass the California bar exam and maintain active membership in the California bar.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug testing.
Ability to reside within the district of appointment or within 25 miles thereof.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Prior litigation experience in federal or state courts.
Superior academic record and demonstrated writing excellence.
A track record of public service commitment.
Professional ties to the Central District of California.
Experience as a judicial clerk.
Strong oral advocacy and interpersonal skills.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Potential for telework
✓Recruitment bonuses for eligible candidates
✓Relocation expense assistance for those meeting distance criteria

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Log in or create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
Upload a resume (strictly capped at two pages) that includes detailed employment history and duties.
Draft a professional cover letter and compile a writing sample.
Gather two professional references.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any document exceeding the two-page limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month, day, and year) for all listed positions to ensure proper credit for experience.
Be proactive in disclosing any previous or current status as a political appointee to avoid delays.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all supporting documentation, such as the DD-214 or SF-15, is attached to your submission.
Regularly monitor your application status through the online portal to track correspondence and document processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is California bar membership required at the time of application?

No, you must be an active member of any U.S. jurisdiction bar to apply. However, if selected, you will be required to take and pass the California bar exam.

How long will my application remain active?

Applications are valid for five months from the date of submission.

What is the travel requirement for this role?

The position requires travel ranging from 1 to 5 nights per month.

Can I apply if I don't live in California yet?

Yes, but you must be prepared to relocate to the district or within 25 miles of it upon appointment.

How is the hiring process conducted?

Applications are reviewed by an attorney panel. If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by the agency.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the primary law enforcement arm of the U.S. government. Within the Central District of California, the USAO handles federal cases across three major divisions: Criminal, National Security, and Civil. The Office is committed to protecting the life, liberty, and property of citizens by upholding the rule of law. AUSA positions are prestigious, challenging, and offer a unique career path for attorneys seeking to influence federal policy and legal standards.