Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Davenport
Are you a dedicated litigator seeking to serve the public interest? The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is currently seeking an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to work out of their Davenport, Iowa branch office. This is a rare opportunity to join the Department of Justice and take on a significant role in upholding federal law within the Quad Cities area.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will be responsible for the full lifecycle of complex federal cases. Your day-to-day work will include:
- Conducting grand jury investigations.
- Drafting pre-trial motions and complex litigation documents.
- Managing pre-trial proceedings.
- Representing the United States in federal criminal trials.
- Handling sentencing hearings and appellate matters.
Core Case Categories
| Case Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Violent Crime | Prosecuting firearms offenses and other violent acts. |
| Drug Trafficking | Managing complex narcotics investigations and prosecutions. |
| Fraud | Investigating and trying white-collar crime. |
| Child Exploitation | Protecting vulnerable populations through federal advocacy. |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Education: A J.D. degree is required.
- Licensure: You must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Experience: At least two years of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience is required. Three or more years of litigation experience is strongly preferred.
- Conduct: No disciplinary actions within the past three years.
- Clearance: Ability to pass a high-risk background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug testing.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive compensation structure commensurate with experience. The salary range is $77,974 to $197,100 per year. In addition to salary, employees receive:
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- Generous paid leave, including vacation and sick time
- Life insurance coverage
- Opportunities for professional growth and telework
Application Tips
Applying for a federal legal position requires meticulous attention to detail.
- Resume Precision: Your resume must be two pages or less. Do not exceed this limit, or you will be disqualified.
- Documentation: Be clear about your work history. Include official position titles, exact start and end dates (MM/DD/YYYY), and hours worked per week.
- Veterans Preference: If you are a veteran, ensure your DD-214 and SF-15 are included. The DOJ considers veterans preference as a positive factor in the selection process.
The position in Davenport, Iowa, offers the perfect blend of professional challenge and quality of life. If you possess the legal expertise and integrity required to represent the United States, apply via USAJOBS before the July 31, 2026, deadline.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters
Advance your legal career with the Department of Justice in the Quad Cities: Serve justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in Davenport, Iowa.
Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is seeking a dedicated and experienced litigator to join the Criminal Division in Davenport. This position offers the opportunity to handle a high-stakes caseload ranging from violent crime and drug trafficking to fraud and child exploitation. As an AUSA, you will serve as a representative of the federal government, guiding cases through every stage of the legal process, from grand jury investigations and pre-trial proceedings to trial and sentencing.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution.
- Active, good-standing membership in the bar of any jurisdiction.
- At least two years of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
- No disciplinary actions within the three years preceding the application date.
- Successful performance evaluations for the past year (for current government attorneys).
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including drug testing, credit, and tax checks.
- Selective Service registration for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney
- Three or more years of post-J.D. litigation experience.
- Extensive background in legal research and drafting complex motions.
- Superior oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently in high-pressure environments.
- Proven track record of integrity and sound judgment.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities in mentoring and evaluating legal staff.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
- ✓Life insurance coverage options.
- ✓Eligibility for agency telework programs.
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, ensuring all duties and dates are clearly formatted.
- Log into or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire online.
- Submit the full application package before the closing date of July 31, 2026.
- Verify the status of your submission via the USAJOBS applicant portal.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
- Clearly list your work history with exact start/end dates (month, day, and year) and average hours worked per week.
- For veterans' preference, ensure you upload your DD-214 and, if applicable, the SF-15 form to your application.
- Use the contact email provided if you have specific questions about the role before the closing date.
- Double-check your responses in the occupational questionnaire to ensure accuracy before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this appointment.
What is the residency requirement for an AUSA in the Southern District of Iowa?
Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles of that district.
Can I apply if I am a non-U.S. citizen?
Employment of non-citizens by the Department of Justice is rare and generally only possible if necessary to accomplish the mission, provided they meet strict security and legal requirements.
Is there a residency requirement for this role?
*A: Yes, AUSAs are expected to live within the district or within 25 miles of the district they serve.*
Can I apply if I am currently a federal employee?
*A: Yes, the position is open to the public and federal applicants.*
How is the salary determined?
*A: The salary is administratively determined based on your total years of professional legal experience.*
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 United States government. With over 100,000 employees nationwide, the agency is tasked with protecting civil rights, enforcing federal criminal and civil laws, and ensuring the safety of the country. AUSAs within the Southern District of Iowa work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment where they act as the face of the federal government in court.