Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Western Michigan

Becoming an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) represents the pinnacle of public service for many legal professionals. If you are a litigator who thrives on high-stakes courtroom challenges and values the pursuit of justice, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is looking for you. This position offers a rare blend of professional autonomy, profound community impact, and an exceptional quality of life in the vibrant city of Grand Rapids.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA, you will manage a heavy and complex caseload. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Leading criminal investigations alongside federal, state, and local agencies.
Conducting grand jury proceedings and drafting indictments.
Arguing motions and trying cases before U.S. District Court judges.
Representing the government in appellate matters before the Sixth Circuit.
Engaging in various litigation areas including public corruption, cybercrime, violent crime, and drug trafficking.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Licensure: Current, active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Nationality: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Suitability: Ability to pass a rigorous background investigation, credit check, and drug test.

Candidate Comparison Table

Criteria	Required	Desired
Juris Doctor	Mandatory	Required
Bar Admission	Mandatory	Required
Litigation Experience	Minimum 1 year	3+ years preferred
Advocacy Skills	Necessary	Superior level

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is administratively determined based on the candidate's professional legal experience. The range is $76,748 to $180,078 per year, inclusive of locality pay.

Benefits

Federal service comes with industry-leading benefits, including:

Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Leave: Generous accrual of paid vacation and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance plans.
Forgiveness: Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Application Tips

Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Focus on high-impact litigation results rather than exhaustive history.
Clarity is Key: Use clear, professional formatting. Ensure all dates (month/day/year) are included to avoid rejection.
Tailor Your Narrative: Use the occupational questionnaire to emphasize your trial experience and your ability to work autonomously.

This is a unique opportunity to join an office where your work has a tangible impact on the safety and integrity of the community. With a culture rooted in mentorship and a region offering a high quality of life, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is an ideal destination for an aspiring federal prosecutor.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Open Continuous) Job Matters

Shape the future of justice in the Western District of Michigan as an Assistant United States Attorney—where meaningful trial experience meets a top-tier quality of life.

Assistant United States Attorney (Open Continuous) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join our team in Grand Rapids. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), you will serve on the front lines of the federal justice system, managing complex criminal litigation, representing the interests of the United States, and protecting our communities. We offer a collegial, mission-driven environment with the opportunity for significant autonomy in case strategy, trial work, and appellate advocacy.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Open Continuous)

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship.
Ability to pass a pre-employment suitability/security background investigation.
Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.
Registration with the Selective Service System (if applicable).
Must reside within 25 miles of the assigned district.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Open Continuous)

Superior oral and written advocacy skills.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
Proven track record of sound professional judgment.
Capacity to operate independently with minimal guidance in a high-pressure, complex environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching contributions.
✓Comprehensive health insurance options.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility.
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives upon approval.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Open Continuous) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit a resume not exceeding two pages, detailing your specific duties and accomplishments.
Provide a professional writing sample.
Submit veterans' preference documentation (SF-15 and DD-214) if applicable.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
Include specific start/end dates (month, day, year) for all positions listed in your resume.
Quantify your experience and highlight complex litigation achievements clearly.
Double-check that all required supporting documents are uploaded correctly before the closing date.
Use the 'Update Application' feature if you need to revise your submission prior to the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework-eligible position?

No, this position requires on-site work and is not eligible for full-time remote or telework arrangements.

What is the deadline for this application?

This is an open continuous announcement closing on November 19, 2026. Applicant lists are reviewed every two weeks starting June 1, 2026.

Do I need a security clearance?

Yes, appointment is contingent upon a successful background investigation and high-risk suitability adjudication.

How often is the applicant pool reviewed?

*A: The office reviews applications in two-week cycles starting June 1, 2026, until the position is filled.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Yes, recruitment or relocation incentives may be available upon approval by the Executive Office.*

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

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan is part of the Department of Justice. Our mission is to prosecute federal crimes, defend the United States in civil litigation, and ensure the equitable administration of justice. We are a collegial office that values mentorship, professional development, and collaborative legal work. Grand Rapids, our primary hub, is a top-rated city known for its cultural scene, family-friendliness, and proximity to the Great Lakes.