Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Attorney's Office

The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) is the principal federal law enforcement organization in the country, tasked with prosecuting federal crimes and representing the interests of the United States in civil litigation. The Western District of New York is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled attorney to join the Asset Recovery Division in Buffalo. This is a prestigious position that places you at the intersection of justice, financial regulation, and civil enforcement.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Asset Recovery Division, you will undertake a variety of critical duties, including:

Representing federal agencies in civil litigation and bankruptcy proceedings.
Pursuing the forfeiture of assets derived from illegal criminal conduct.
Litigating fraud matters related to government programs and health care.
Coordinating with client agencies during financial investigations.
Drafting complex motions, conducting discovery, and managing trial preparation.
Representing the U.S. government in appellate court proceedings.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Bar Status: Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen.
Suitability: Must pass a high-risk security background check and a mandatory drug test.

Salary Overview

Compensation for AUSAs is determined by professional experience and tenure. The current pay range for this position is:

Position	Salary Range	Interval
Assistant United States Attorney	$65,563 - $171,487	Per Year

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, which includes:

Competitive health insurance and life insurance options.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Accrual of sick leave, annual leave, and paid federal holidays.
Opportunities for telework and flexible scheduling where business needs allow.

Application Tips

Respect the Page Limit: The two-page resume requirement is strictly enforced. Focus on high-impact accomplishments.
Include Detail: Federal HR specialists require specific dates (month/day/year) and hours worked per week to calculate service credit.
Use the Questionnaire: Ensure your responses to the online occupational questionnaire are accurate, as these drive the initial screening process.
Check Your Status: Use the USAJOBS portal regularly to check for updates on your application package.

Serving as an AUSA is an unparalleled opportunity to hone your litigation skills while performing a vital public service. If you have the experience, drive, and commitment to join a world-class legal team, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application package before the deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery Division) Job Matters

Protect the integrity of the judicial system and serve the public interest as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of New York.

Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery Division) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) for the Asset Recovery Division in Buffalo, NY. In this pivotal role, you will represent the United States in a variety of complex civil and criminal litigation matters, including asset forfeiture, fraud investigations, and financial litigation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served at both trial and appellate levels.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery Division)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of 1 year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
United States citizenship.
Must be able to pass a rigorous suitability/security background investigation.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Selective Service registration for male applicants born after 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery Division)

Experience in criminal prosecution and trial practice.
Exceptional analytical, oral, trial, and written communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with judicial staff and client agencies.
Proficiency with modern legal research tools, electronic court filing systems, and standard word processing software.
Capacity to manage complex case files with minimal supervision in a high-demand environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Telework opportunities where applicable.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery Division) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery Division) Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload a resume that does not exceed two pages and includes all required employment details.
Submit all required supporting documentation, including veterans' preference forms if applicable.
Monitor your application status through the online portal.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
Be sure to list the full month, day, and year for all employment dates.
Clearly indicate if your past experience was full-time or part-time, including hours per week.
If claiming veterans' preference, provide the SF-15 and all required discharge documentation upfront.
Double-check your email and phone number for accuracy so the agency can reach you regarding interviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an AUSA in the Asset Recovery Division do?

You will handle affirmative civil enforcement in fraud cases, pursue asset forfeiture from criminal proceeds, collect federal debts, and represent federal agencies in bankruptcy and civil rights litigation.

Is residency in Buffalo required?

AUSAs are generally expected to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Are relocation expenses covered?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

What if I cannot apply online?

*A: If you have technical difficulties, contact the Western District of New York office at 716-843-5876 or via email before the closing date to request an alternative submission method.*

Is this a remote position?

*A: This position is not remote; however, it is telework-eligible according to agency policy.*

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains a workforce of over 100,000 dedicated professionals committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the civil rights of all citizens. The Western District of New York office covers 17 counties and manages a diverse caseload across both Buffalo and Rochester. Joining this office means becoming part of a tradition of integrity, efficiency, and excellence in the federal judicial system.