Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Marquette

Are you a dedicated legal professional looking for a position that combines high-stakes litigation with the unique lifestyle of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan is currently accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to serve in their Marquette branch office.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA, you are the backbone of the Department of Justice. You will manage cases from initial intake through grand jury investigations, trial, and appeals. Responsibilities include:

Leading criminal investigations into complex matters such as national security, cybercrime, and drug trafficking.
Representing the government in federal court hearings and trials.
Collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Developing litigation strategy and managing discovery.

Comparison of Professional Requirements

Requirement	Essential Standard
Educational Degree	Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Bar Status	Active, any U.S. jurisdiction
Experience	1+ year post-J.D. legal experience
Security Clearance	Top Secret / Special Sensitive

Requirements

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and members of the bar in good standing. You must possess the analytical aptitude to handle complex federal litigation and the professional maturity to work with significant autonomy. Given the nature of the role, a successful pre-employment security background check and drug test are mandatory.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation for AUSAs is based on experience, ranging from $76,748 to $180,078 per year. Beyond the salary, the Department of Justice offers a premier federal benefits package, including:

Federal pension program (FERS).
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Paid leave and federal holidays.
Access to the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program.

Application Tips

To succeed in this process, your resume must be crisp and clear. Do not exceed two pages—applications exceeding this limit are automatically excluded. Be sure to list your duties and indicate your full-time or part-time status clearly. If you have experience with tribal justice or victim-centered cases, highlight these in your cover letter to stand out.

This position is a rare opportunity to practice high-level law in one of the most beautiful small towns in America. If you are ready to serve the public, protect the community, and sharpen your trial skills, apply to join the Western District of Michigan team today.

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

Launch a high-impact legal career with the Department of Justice in the scenic heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Assistant United States Attorney (Open/Continuous) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan is seeking a dedicated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to join their branch office in Marquette. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the public interest, handle complex criminal litigation, and work within a region known for its natural beauty and community spirit. You will represent the United States in federal court while upholding the highest standards of justice.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Open/Continuous)

U.S. Citizenship
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience
Successful completion of background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug screening
Residency within the district or within 25 miles of the appointment location

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Open/Continuous)

Five years of litigation experience
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal guidance
Prior experience with victim-centered cases (domestic violence, human trafficking, etc.)
Experience working within tribal justice systems
Strong record of leadership, professional achievement, and sound judgment
Ability to travel to federal courthouses in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching
✓Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance programs
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility
✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives

💡 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.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Attach a formal writing sample.
Submit your application package by the specified closing date.
Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes detailed dates of employment and hours worked per week.
Verify your resume length is exactly two pages or fewer to avoid automatic disqualification.
Highlight specific litigation experience and examples of complex case handling.
Clearly indicate your interest in the Marquette location in your cover letter.
Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential system delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of an AUSA in the Marquette office?

You will handle criminal division cases, including investigations, indictments, and trials, often dealing with complex subject matter like firearms offenses, drug trafficking, and public corruption.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, you must be willing to occasionally travel to federal courthouses in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo.

How is the salary determined?

Pay is administratively determined based on your total years of professional attorney experience, within the established $76,748 - $180,078 range.

What if I have less than 5 years of litigation experience?

*A: While 5 years is the ideal, the office will consider qualified candidates with less experience who demonstrate significant aptitude and commitment.*

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*

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 represents the interests of the United States in all criminal, civil, and appellate matters within the district. With a main office in Grand Rapids and a specialized branch in Marquette, the office is committed to justice, integrity, and the safety of our communities. The district is notable for having the largest Native American population of any district east of the Mississippi, offering a complex and rewarding legal landscape.