Launch Your Career: Assistant United States Attorney Opportunities in New Jersey

Are you a dedicated attorney looking to advance your career while serving the public interest? The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of New Jersey is seeking talented, driven individuals to join their ranks as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). This is a premier opportunity to engage in high-level federal litigation and represent the interests of the United States.

Job Responsibilities

AUSAs are responsible for a wide array of federal legal matters. Depending on your division, your responsibilities may include:

Criminal Division: Investigating and prosecuting complex federal crimes such as narcotics trafficking, public corruption, financial fraud, and organized crime.
Civil Division: Representing federal agencies in litigation, including tort claims, employment discrimination, environmental disputes, and constitutional law matters.
Special Programs: Focusing on priority litigation needs, including post-conviction relief motions and habeas corpus petitions.

Division Comparison Table

Feature	Criminal Division	Civil Division
Primary Focus	Prosecuting Federal Crimes	Representing U.S. Interests
Case Types	Fraud, Narcotics, Corruption	Tort, Employment, Civil Rights
Litigation Nature	Prosecution & Trial	Defensive & Affirmative Litigation

Requirements

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

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Licensure: An active, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
Security: Ability to pass a high-level background investigation, including drug testing.

Salary Overview

Compensation for AUSAs is competitive and administratively determined based on your professional experience. The base salary range is $84,570 to $197,100, which includes local market adjustments for the New Jersey area.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a robust benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health insurance
Paid leave (Vacation, Sick, and Federal Holidays)
Federal Retirement System (FERS) participation
Potential for telework based on operational requirements

Application Tips

Watch the Resume Length: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. This is a strict requirement; exceeding it will disqualify you.
Specify Location: Clearly state whether you prefer Newark, Trenton, or Camden in your cover letter.
Highlight Experience: Clearly outline your litigation experience, even if acquired through volunteer or pro bono service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often are applications reviewed? A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as vacancies occur throughout the open period.

Q: Is relocation assistance offered? A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Joining the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey is a significant step forward for any legal professional. With the opportunity to work on cases of national importance, you will build a career defined by integrity, public service, and legal excellence. Apply today to start your journey.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Launch a high-impact legal career with the Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of New Jersey.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey is recruiting dedicated legal professionals to serve in its Criminal and Civil Divisions. This is a unique opportunity to represent the federal government in high-stakes litigation, protect the rule of law, and address significant national issues. Whether you are an early-career attorney or an experienced litigator, this role offers the chance to make a tangible impact on public safety and civil rights across the state, with offices located in Camden, Newark, and Trenton.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active membership in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
United States citizenship.
Successful completion of a rigorous pre-employment background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug testing.
Residency within the District of New Jersey or within 25 miles of the assigned office location.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Experience in federal litigation, case assessment, and trial preparation.
Knowledge of federal criminal statutes or civil litigation procedures.
1 to 3 years of professional legal experience for Special Programs Unit roles.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and the mission of the Department of Justice.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Access to life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
✓Opportunities for telework based on office operational needs.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages).
Attach a formal cover letter expressing your interest and location preference.
Submit a high-quality writing sample demonstrating legal analysis.
Submit documentation for Veterans' Preference if applicable.
Verify the status of your application through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer; longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
Clearly indicate your office location preference (Camden, Newark, or Trenton) in your cover letter.
Double-check that all federal employment history includes specific start/end dates and hours worked per week.
Start the application process well before the closing date to account for potential technical issues.
Contact the provided HR email if you are unable to apply via the online portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for an Assistant United States Attorney?

The salary ranges from $84,570 to $197,100 annually, depending on the specific location's locality pay and your professional legal experience.

Can I apply if I live outside of New Jersey?

Generally, you must reside in the district to which you are appointed or within 25 miles of it. You may apply if you are willing to relocate to meet these requirements.

Is this a permanent position?

This is an open continuous announcement to fill immediate and future vacancies as they arise.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of the federal legal system. As part of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, you will work in an environment dedicated to upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and ensuring public safety. Our team operates across three key locations in New Jersey, providing a diverse range of legal experiences.