Advance Your Career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Iowa

The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Iowa is currently seeking two motivated and experienced legal professionals to join our Civil Division in Des Moines. This role provides a unique opportunity to serve the public, represent the interests of the United States, and work on high-stakes litigation that impacts the community and the nation. If you are an attorney with a passion for justice and a desire to work in one of the Midwest's most rapidly growing metropolitan hubs, this could be your next career move.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division, you will manage a heavy and varied caseload. Responsibilities include:

Defending claims brought under the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Handling employment discrimination statutes and commercial litigation.
Managing affirmative litigation related to fraud, debt collection, real estate foreclosures, and bankruptcy.
Representing federal agencies in administrative appeals.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree is mandatory.
Licensure: You must be an active member of the bar in any jurisdiction.
Experience: At least one year of post-J.D. legal experience is required.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Security: Ability to pass comprehensive background checks (fingerprinting, credit, and tax verification) and a drug test.

Salary and Benefits

Category	Detail
Salary Range	$77,371 - $197,100
Health Coverage	Federal Health Benefits Program
Retirement	Federal Employees Retirement System
Leave	Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays

Why Des Moines?

Des Moines offers a rare combination of professional legal opportunities and an outstanding quality of life. With a low cost of living, vibrant arts scene, and excellent school districts, it is an ideal location for legal professionals looking for a family-friendly environment with short commute times.

Serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney is a challenging and deeply rewarding role. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to contribute to the mission of the Department of Justice, we encourage you to submit your application package through the official portal before the closing date.

Why This Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous Job Matters

Launch a high-impact legal career with the Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the heart of the Midwest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is seeking two dedicated and experienced legal professionals to join our Civil Division in Des Moines. You will represent the United States in a diverse range of complex litigation, including Federal Tort Claims Act matters, employment discrimination, fraud, and bankruptcy proceedings. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape federal law while enjoying the vibrant, family-friendly culture of Iowa's capital.

Requirements for Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active member of the bar in any jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment background investigation, including drug, credit, and tax screenings.
Must be able to maintain residency within the district or within 25 miles of it.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous

At least three years of post-J.D. litigation experience.
Extensive background in legal research and writing.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
Proven ability to function with minimal supervision in high-pressure environments.
Record of integrity, good judgment, and strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead legal teams.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Federal Employees Retirement System participation.
✓Telework opportunities where applicable.
✓Professional development and mentorship programs.

💡 How to Apply Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous Job

Create a profile on the USAJOBS platform.
Review the position requirements and ensure your resume is limited to two pages.
Complete the mandatory Online Occupational Questionnaire.
Submit your application and required supporting documents before the closing date.
Verify receipt and status of your application through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly follows the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Be specific about your litigation experience; include hours worked and specific duties for each role.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, upload your DD-214 and any required SF-15 forms as soon as possible.
Address any potential conflict of interest regarding current clients in your cover letter.
Do not wait until the final hour; allow time for the document virus scan process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the residency requirement for this position?

Assistant U.S. Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

How is the salary determined for this role?

The pay is administratively determined based on your total years of professional attorney experience, within the established range of $77,371 to $197,100.

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 for the Southern District of Iowa is committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and ensuring the safety of our citizens. Our offices in Des Moines, Davenport, and Council Bluffs work collaboratively to enforce federal criminal and civil laws across the district.