Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Asset Forfeiture

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) is seeking a highly skilled attorney to join its Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU). This is a rare opportunity to represent the United States in a jurisdiction that acts as both a local and federal prosecutor for the nation's capital. If you are an experienced litigator looking to specialize in the intersection of finance, criminal law, and asset recovery, this role offers unparalleled professional growth.

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work within the Criminal Division under the direction of the Asset Forfeiture Coordinator. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Litigation: Engaging in criminal, civil, and administrative forfeiture proceedings.
Investigations: Assisting in proactive money laundering investigations.
Strategy: Drafting complex pleadings, motions, and managing discovery.
Advisory: Providing training and guidance to other AUSAs on forfeiture issues.

Requirements

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

Education: A J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Experience: A minimum of three years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Bar Admission: Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.

Comparison: General Attorney Roles vs. AFU AUSA

Feature	General AUSA	AFU AUSA
Focus	Broad Criminal Litigation	Asset/Financial Focus
Litigation Type	Criminal Trials	Civil, Criminal, Admin
Financial Scope	Varies	$13 Billion Portfolio
Training Requirement	Standard	Specialized (Forfeiture/Crypto)

Salary Overview

Compensation for this position is administratively determined, reflecting your years of professional legal expertise. The pay scale ranges from $94,350 to $197,100 per year, which includes locality pay for the District of Columbia area.

Benefits

Employees at the Department of Justice enjoy a premier federal benefits package, including:

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Comprehensive medical and life insurance options.
Paid leave, including vacation and sick time.
Transit and telework incentives.

Application Tips

Ensure your application stands out by following these guidelines:

Formatting: Stick strictly to the two-page resume limit.
Clarity: Clearly detail your experience with specific dates and hours worked.
Quality: Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your analytical writing capabilities (max 15 pages).

If you are driven by the pursuit of justice and possess the experience to manage complex financial litigation, this Assistant United States Attorney role is a premier career move. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply before the September 30, 2026, deadline to be considered.

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

Join the front lines of justice in the nation's capital and play a critical role in dismantling criminal enterprises by managing high-stakes asset forfeiture and financial litigation for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Open Continuous Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney to join the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) within the Criminal Division. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in complex federal litigation involving criminal, civil, and administrative law. The AFU is responsible for a massive portfolio of assets, managing approximately $13 billion in property subject to forfeiture. In this role, you will lead proactive investigations, combat money laundering, and support various criminal sections by utilizing legal tools to strip criminals of their ill-gotten gains and ensure victims are compensated.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Open Continuous

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution.
Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
At least three years of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship is mandatory.
Must be able to successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including credit and tax checks, and a mandatory drug test.
Must adhere to all professional conduct rules regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Open Continuous

Demonstrated expertise in asset forfeiture litigation.
Direct experience in investigating and prosecuting cryptocurrency seizures.
Substantial experience in complex financial investigations and white-collar litigation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary with locality pay
✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Flexible work schedule options and telework eligibility
✓On-site exercise and weight training facility at no cost
✓Transit subsidy program

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Open Continuous Job

Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
Prepare your required documents, specifically your two-page resume and a writing sample not exceeding 15 pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire as prompted during the application process.
Submit your full application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
Verify your submission status through the 'Application Status' link in your user account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
Clearly list your employment history, including official job titles, agency/firm names, specific dates (month/day/year), and hours worked per week.
Ensure your writing sample is your original work and remains under the 15-page limit.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure you submit your DD-214 or SF-15 with your initial application.
Monitor your account dashboard to ensure all uploaded files have cleared the system virus scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the public?

Yes, this position is open to the public under the hiring path for all qualified candidates who meet the educational and experience requirements.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is between $94,350 and $197,100 per year, which is administratively determined based on your professional legal experience.

Can I request a reasonable accommodation?

Yes, the agency provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Please notify the hiring office directly if you require assistance during the application or interview process.

What type of security clearance is required?

*A: This position requires a Top Secret security clearance, including thorough background, credit, and tax checks.*

Are relocation expenses covered?

*A: No, 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 Department of Justice (DOJ) is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and protecting the civil rights and property of all citizens. Working in the USAO-DC provides a unique environment, located centrally in Washington D.C., near the Capital One Arena and the Smithsonian museums. The office fosters a collaborative culture, offering employees modern fitness facilities, flexible work schedules, and a robust transit subsidy.