Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Philadelphia

Are you a dedicated litigator seeking to apply your skills on a national stage? The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a motivated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Civil Division in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This role is a cornerstone of the federal justice system, offering an unparalleled opportunity to represent the interests of the United States in complex, high-stakes legal proceedings.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA, you will handle a diverse docket of civil matters. Responsibilities include:

Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE): Investigating and litigating cases involving the False Claims Act, whistleblower actions, and violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
Defensive Litigation: Representing the United States in immigration, tort, and employment discrimination lawsuits, as well as matters involving the Administrative Procedures Act.
Legal Advocacy: Managing cases from investigation through trial, including discovery, motions practice, and oral argument.
Negotiation: Engaging with opposing counsel to reach settlements where appropriate or preparing cases for court.

Qualifications

Requirement Type	Specification
Education	Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree
Bar Status	Active member of any U.S. jurisdiction bar
Experience	Min. 1 year post-J.D. legal experience
Citizenship	United States Citizen

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary based on experience, ranging from $84,570 to $197,100 per year (including Philadelphia locality pay). Federal employment provides an exceptional benefits package, including:

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Comprehensive health, life, and dental insurance programs.
Accrued paid leave and federal holidays.

Application Tips

To ensure your application stands out:

Respect the Resume Limit: Your resume must be strictly limited to two pages. Failure to adhere to this will result in immediate disqualification.
Be Precise: Include dates (month, day, year) and hours worked for all relevant professional experience.
Tailor Your Content: Highlight specific experience in discovery, trial work, and complex litigation to match the requirements for senior-level responsibilities.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is more than a job; it is a commitment to public service and the integrity of the American legal system. If you are ready to join a team of top-tier legal professionals in Philadelphia, submit your application via USAJOBS today.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Matters

Shape the future of federal litigation in Philadelphia as an Assistant United States Attorney—a career defined by justice, integrity, and impactful civil advocacy.

Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is seeking dedicated legal professionals for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (Civil). This role offers a unique opportunity to represent the United States in a broad spectrum of affirmative and defensive civil litigation. Join a mission-driven organization committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and safeguarding federal programs against fraud and misconduct.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of 1 year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship.
Ability to pass a pre-employment security, credit, tax, and drug screening.
Registration with the Selective Service System (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

Three or more years of post-J.D. experience managing all aspects of civil litigation.
Strong academic credentials and superior legal writing/research abilities.
Demonstrated expertise in discovery management and courtroom advocacy.
Exceptional organizational and analytical skills.
A proven track record of ethical professional conduct and sound judgment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Life insurance programs
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation and sick leave
✓Paid federal holidays

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your legal experience.
Upload required documentation, including bar membership proof and veteran preference forms if applicable.
Submit your application package through the USAJOBS portal by the specified deadline.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page limit for your resume; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
Ensure your resume includes clear start and end dates (month/day/year) for all positions.
Clearly outline your specific duties and accomplishments in previous legal roles.
Highlight your bar admissions and professional memberships prominently.
Monitor your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard to ensure all files have cleared the system's virus scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Civil Division?

The Civil Division handles affirmative civil enforcement (ACE), such as False Claims Act and whistleblower cases, as well as defensive litigation including torts, employment discrimination, and immigration matters.

Is residency in the district required?

Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district of their appointment or within 25 miles thereof.

Will I receive feedback if I am not selected?

The agency will notify applicants of the outcome after each stage of the recruitment process is completed.

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

The Department of Justice serves as the primary federal law enforcement agency, dedicated to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is responsible for all federal litigation within the district. Attorneys in this office are entrusted with defending the government against lawsuits, pursuing civil fraud, and enforcing federal statutes that protect the public.