Pursue Justice in Paradise: Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) in Hawaii

Are you a dedicated litigator ready to transition your career to the federal level? The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii is currently seeking experienced and motivated attorneys to join the Criminal Division. This is a rare opportunity to serve the public interest while working in one of the most unique jurisdictions in the nation.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Criminal Division, you will be on the front lines of federal law enforcement. Your responsibilities include:

Leading investigations into complex crimes including drug trafficking, violent crime, firearms offenses, and fraud.
Representing the United States in all stages of federal court proceedings.
Managing grand jury investigations and preparing witnesses for trial.
Litigating detention hearings, suppression motions, and sentencing hearings.
Drafting appellate briefs and presenting oral arguments before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Comparison of Legal Roles

Feature	Assistant U.S. Attorney	Private Practice Attorney
Client	The United States	Private Individuals/Corps
Focus	Public Interest / Justice	Billable Hours / Profit
Courtroom	Frequent Federal Trials	Varies (often transactional)
Benefits	Federal FERS/Health	Varies by firm

Requirements

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

Education: A J.D. degree or equivalent is mandatory by your start date.
Licensure: You must be an active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Citizenship: Only United States citizens are eligible for this position.
Security: Successful completion of a high-risk security background check, including drug testing and tax/credit verification.

Salary Overview

The pay for this position is administratively determined based on your professional legal experience. The current salary range is $79,469 to $197,100 per annum, which includes the 21.21% locality pay applicable to the Honolulu area.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Insurance: Competitive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Retirement: Inclusion in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous accrual of annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays.

Application Tips

Format Your Resume: Do not exceed the two-page limit. Federal resume standards require specific data, such as hours worked per week and full dates of employment.
Highlight Litigation: Ensure your resume emphasizes your trial, investigative, and appellate experience.
Use the Portal: All applications must be submitted through the official USAJOBS portal to be considered.

Serving as an AUSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of American democracy. If you have the passion, integrity, and legal acumen to handle high-stakes federal prosecutions, we encourage you to submit your application by the July 24, 2026, deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters

Advance your legal career in paradise by serving justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the beautiful District of Hawaii.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii is seeking dedicated, results-driven litigators to join our Criminal Division. This high-impact role offers the opportunity to prosecute complex federal cases, including violent crime, drug trafficking, and national security matters, while making a tangible difference in the safety and integrity of our nation. You will work within a collaborative team environment, handling the full lifecycle of litigation from initial investigation through to appellate proceedings.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Must be a United States citizen.
Possession of a J.D. degree or equivalent by the entry-on-duty date.
Active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
Ability to pass a rigorous background investigation including credit, tax, and fingerprint checks.
Must successfully pass a mandatory pre-employment drug screening.
If male and born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
Must reside within the District of Hawaii or within 25 miles thereof.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Prior litigation experience, including successful courtroom trial work.
Demonstrated experience practicing in federal court systems.
Exceptional legal analysis, writing, and verbal communication skills.
High moral character and the ability to exercise mature judgment under pressure.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment alongside law enforcement partners.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Life insurance benefits.
✓Professional development and ongoing training via the Department of Justice.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire provided during the online application process.
Upload a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit, detailing specific duties and employment dates.
Submit all required documentation, including veterans' preference forms if applicable.
Verify your submission status through the USAJOBS portal to ensure all materials were received.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume adheres strictly to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Include month, day, and year for all employment history to ensure full credit for your experience.
Clearly highlight your trial and litigation experience in your resume to stand out to the interview panel.
Monitor your email for notifications regarding interview scheduling, as the application status will update throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary is administratively determined based on experience and ranges from $79,469 to $197,100, which includes 21.21% locality pay for Hawaii.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Can law students apply?

Current law students who will complete their degree and be admitted to the bar by the July 2026 examination period may be considered.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the legal arm of the United States government. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Hawaii plays a vital role in enforcing federal laws, protecting civil rights, and maintaining the safety of the local community. Joining the DOJ means becoming part of a highly respected team dedicated to upholding the rule of law through integrity, impartiality, and excellence.