Advance Your Career: Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is currently seeking high-caliber attorneys to join their Civil Division. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) specializing in Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE), you will be at the forefront of protecting the financial and legal interests of the United States. This role offers unparalleled experience in complex federal litigation and the chance to contribute to the nation’s most significant civil legal matters.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, your responsibilities will evolve with your experience, but will primarily involve:
- Leading Investigations: Independently managing complex matters from inception through settlement or trial.
- Litigating Fraud: Representing the government in False Claims Act cases involving health care, procurement, and cybersecurity fraud.
- Legal Advocacy: Drafting sophisticated legal memoranda, conducting depositions, and presenting cases at trial and on appeal.
- Collaboration: Partnering with federal law enforcement, state prosecutors, and internal DOJ divisions to build robust cases.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Maintain an active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Demonstrate at least three years of post-J.D. legal or related professional experience.
- Hold U.S. citizenship.
- Satisfy all security and background check requirements, including drug testing.
Comparison of Professional Requirements
| Requirement Type | Essential Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | J.D. Degree |
| Bar Status | Active/Good Standing |
| Experience | 3+ Years Post-J.D. |
| Residency | District or 25-mile radius |
Salary Overview
Compensation for this role is administratively determined based on professional experience. The annual salary range for this position is $94,350 to $197,100, which includes the applicable locality pay for the Washington, D.C. area.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous paid leave, including vacation, sick time, and federal holidays.
- Flexible scheduling and telework arrangements.
- Transit subsidies and access to on-site fitness facilities.
Application Tips
- Watch the Clock: Use the online portal to track your application status.
- Resume Polish: Keep your resume to a strict two-page limit to ensure it is reviewed.
- Detail Matters: When listing experience, include clear dates, hours worked, and specific accomplishments.
- Documents: Ensure your writing sample is under 15 pages and truly reflects your analytical skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is a security clearance required? A: Yes, the position requires a high-risk, special-sensitive security clearance, including credit and tax checks.
Q: Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen? A: No, employment with this component of the Department of Justice is strictly limited to U.S. citizens.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and the rule of law. With the opportunity to handle groundbreaking cases and work alongside the nation's top legal minds, this position is an ideal next step for an accomplished attorney.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (Ace) Open Continuous Job Matters
Protect the integrity of the United States by serving as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, leading high-stakes Affirmative Civil Enforcement litigation.
Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (Ace) Open Continuous Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is seeking dedicated, highly motivated attorneys to join the Civil Division as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). In this pivotal role, you will represent the United States in affirmative civil actions, tackling significant matters involving the False Claims Act, health care fraud, cybersecurity procurement fraud, and civil rights enforcement. As part of a prestigious legal team in the nation's capital, you will work on complex investigations, manage multi-agency collaborations, and represent the government in federal court.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (Ace) Open Continuous
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
- Active membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of three years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant professional experience.
- U.S. citizenship is strictly required.
- Must be able to pass a rigorous pre-employment security background investigation, including credit and tax checks, and a drug urinalysis test.
- Must reside within the district or within 25 miles of it upon appointment.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (Ace) Open Continuous
- Demonstrated experience in complex litigation.
- Superior oral and written communication skills.
- Proven capacity to manage multiple investigations or litigations simultaneously.
- Experience working with whistleblowers or qui tam litigation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Life insurance programs
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities
- ✓Transit subsidy for commuting
- ✓Access to on-site exercise and weight training facilities
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (Ace) Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (Ace) Open Continuous Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your resume (strict 2-page limit), cover letter, law school transcript, and writing sample (max 15 pages).
- Ensure all documents are uploaded and formatted correctly to avoid disqualification.
- Click 'Submit My Answers' to finalize your application package.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must not exceed two pages; verify this before uploading.
- Clearly outline your duties and include specific employment dates (month/day/year).
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all required documentation, such as the DD-214 or SF-15, is included in your package.
- Double-check your writing sample to ensure it reflects your individual work and adheres to the page limit.
- Apply well before the deadline to ensure your documents pass the system virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of an ACE AUSA?
ACE stands for Affirmative Civil Enforcement. Attorneys in this role investigate and litigate civil cases on behalf of the government, including False Claims Act violations, healthcare fraud, and government contract fraud.
Is relocation assistance available?
No, relocation expenses will not be authorized for this position.
How often are applications reviewed?
This is an open continuous announcement. Applicant pools are typically reviewed on the first of every month until the position is filled or the announcement closes.
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 federal law enforcement in the United States. Working within the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C., you will operate in a dynamic environment that handles both local and federal mandates. The office provides a unique blend of professional challenge and logistical convenience, situated in the heart of D.C. near major transit hubs, museums, and commerce.