Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of New York
Are you a legal professional with a passion for justice and a desire to serve the public interest? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York (NDNY) is currently offering an exceptional opportunity for skilled attorneys to join its Criminal Division. This is more than just a job; it is a chance to uphold the rule of law at the highest level.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), you will be at the forefront of legal action. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Investigative Support: Working closely with federal law enforcement agencies to build cases.
- Litigation: Representing the United States in federal court, including hearings, trials, and appeals.
- Legal Research: Drafting complex motions, search warrants, and legal briefs.
- Case Oversight: Managing cases involving narcotics, violent crime, immigration, public corruption, and white-collar fraud.
Requirements
To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet the following criteria:
- Education: Hold a J.D. degree.
- Licensure: Be an active member in good standing of any state bar.
- Experience: At least one year of post-J.D. legal experience.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Residency: Ability to relocate to or live within 25 miles of the assigned district.
Salary and Locality Overview
Salary is determined based on your professional experience and the specific location of your office. Locality pay is a significant component of your compensation package.
| Location | Total Salary Range (Incl. Locality Pay) |
|---|---|
| Albany, NY | $79,180 - $197,100 |
| Binghamton, Plattsburgh, Syracuse | $76,748 - $197,100 |
Benefits of Federal Service
Working for the Department of Justice comes with a suite of federal benefits, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Work-life balance through telework policies where applicable.
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Ensure your resume highlights your litigation experience, specifically your courtroom history. Always tailor your cover letter to the specific office location you are targeting, and never exceed the two-page resume limit, as this is a strict technical disqualifier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is there a travel requirement? A: Yes, the position requires occasional travel between district court sites, including Utica, Auburn, Watertown, and Malone.
Q: Is this a high-risk security position? A: Yes, the position is designated as Special-Sensitive/High Risk, requiring a thorough background investigation.
This role as an AUSA is a prestigious career path for those dedicated to public service. With a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the safety and integrity of the nation, we encourage all qualified legal professionals to review the full requirements and apply before the deadline.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters
Advance the rule of law as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. Serve your community while tackling complex federal criminal cases in a high-impact, mission-driven legal environment.
Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York (NDNY) is currently seeking dedicated, justice-oriented attorneys to join the Criminal Division. Based in Albany, Binghamton, Plattsburgh, or Syracuse, these positions offer the unique opportunity to represent the United States in federal court. Successful candidates will manage diverse caseloads, ranging from public corruption and white-collar crime to violent offenses and the opioid epidemic, working alongside federal law enforcement partners to ensure public safety.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
- Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 1 year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must pass a pre-employment security adjudication including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug testing.
- Must meet the district residency requirement (reside in the district or within 25 miles).
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney
- Three or more years of post-J.D. experience.
- Significant experience with federal criminal practice and courtroom litigation.
- Expertise in electronic discovery and modern litigation technology.
- Proven ability to collaborate with federal law enforcement, court personnel, and internal staff.
- Demonstrated self-motivation, organization, and a strong sense of integrity.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Structured career growth and advancement
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job
- Create a profile on the official federal hiring portal.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit a cover letter (maximum 1 page) addressed to First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III, specifying preferred work locations.
- Submit a resume (maximum 2 pages) detailing professional history and dates of J.D. and bar admission.
- Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your legal advocacy skills, along with a cover sheet explaining the sample's origin and editing history.
- Upload any applicable supporting documents, such as SF-50 forms or proof of veterans' preference.
💡 General Tips
- Review your resume carefully to ensure it does not exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes will result in automatic disqualification.
- Be specific in your cover letter about which office location(s) interest you.
- Ensure all dates (month/year) are included for all employment periods and educational milestones.
- Submit your package well before the closing date to account for potential technical delays or the document virus scan process.
- If claiming veterans' preference, double-check that your supporting documentation (such as your DD-214) is correctly attached.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely in this position?
No, these positions are not eligible for remote work and require residency within the district or within 25 miles of the appointed office.
What is the interview process like?
The NDNY leadership team selects candidates for in-person interviews following a review of all submitted applications.
How is the salary determined?
Salaries are administratively determined based on the number of years of professional attorney experience, adjusted by locality pay for the specific office location.
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 American legal system. Within this framework, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York covers 32 counties. With a dedicated team of approximately 55 attorneys, the office handles a heavy caseload of federal criminal and civil matters. Joining this team means working alongside some of the brightest legal minds in the country to safeguard the citizens of New York.