Become an Assistant United States Attorney in San Diego
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California (SDCA) invites qualified, driven legal professionals to apply for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). This is a unique opportunity to serve the public interest, uphold the rule of law, and prosecute federal offenses in one of the most high-volume districts in the United States. If you are an attorney with exceptional litigation skills and a commitment to justice, we encourage you to review this opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA, you will join the Criminal Division. Key responsibilities include:
- General Crimes Litigation: Managing a caseload involving drug trafficking, smuggling, firearms violations, and fraud.
- Trial Advocacy: Representing the United States in federal court proceedings.
- Investigations: Working alongside federal agencies to develop proactive investigations using advanced law enforcement techniques.
- Professional Growth: Taking on progressively complex cases as your experience grows within the office.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet the following baseline criteria:
- Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Active standing as a member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to pass a high-risk security background investigation.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $87,671 - $197,100 (Locality Pay Included) |
| Appointment Type | Term (Not-to-exceed Sept 30, 2029) |
| Health Benefits | Comprehensive Federal Health Insurance |
| Retirement | FERS Participation |
Application Tips
- Respect Formatting: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced.
- Quality Samples: Your writing sample should demonstrate clear, logical, and persuasive legal analysis.
- Early Submission: Don't wait until the final deadline. Technical issues are not accepted as valid excuses for late submissions.
- Detail Work: Ensure your application accounts for every year of your employment history.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in San Diego is a challenging and rewarding career path. If you possess the required legal acumen and a desire to contribute to the mission of the Department of Justice, this is the perfect role for you.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters
Serve the rule of law as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California. Prosecute federal crimes and defend the government’s interests in one of the nation's most active districts.
Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview
The Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California is seeking dedicated legal professionals to join our Criminal Division. This pivotal role involves handling a high volume of federal cases, including drug trafficking, smuggling, firearms offenses, and fraud, while navigating the unique challenges of a major border district. You will work alongside a premier team of litigators to protect the safety and civil rights of our nation in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney
- Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
- Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction by the entry-on-duty date.
- United States citizenship.
- Ability to pass a comprehensive FBI background investigation, including credit and tax checks.
- Successful completion of a drug testing requirement.
- Residency within the district or within 25 miles of it upon appointment.
- Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney
- Superior oral advocacy and legal writing capabilities.
- Advanced legal research skills and proficiency with electronic filing systems.
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Experience with automated research tools, email systems, and word processing.
- Demonstrated good judgment and ability to manage complex legal matters effectively.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Life insurance coverage.
- ✓Accrual of paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and specialized DOJ training.
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job
- Create or sign into your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Prepare a two-page resume detailing your employment history and legal experience.
- Draft a cover letter and the required Criminal AUSA Application Form.
- Select a legal writing sample of 15 pages or fewer (e.g., brief or memorandum).
- Submit your complete application package via the online portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
- Double-check that your legal writing sample is substantive and relevant to the duties of a federal prosecutor.
- Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays, and allow time for document virus scanning.
- Clearly outline your dates of employment (month, day, year) and include hours worked per week for all previous positions.
- If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all required documentation, such as the SF-15 and DD-214, is uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cases will I handle as a new AUSA in the Criminal Division?
New AUSAs typically start in the General Crimes section, handling a high volume of reactive cases involving illegal border activity, drug importation, smuggling, and common criminal offenses before moving to more complex matters.
Is this a permanent position?
This is a term appointment not-to-exceed September 30, 2029. However, the position may be extended or converted to permanent status without further competition.
What if I cannot apply through the online portal?
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Southern District of California office at (619) 546-9474 or email [email protected] prior to the closing date to request an alternative method.
What is the residency requirement for this job?
*A: AUSAs must reside in the district of appointment or within 25 miles thereof.*
How long is the background investigation?
*A: The security process is comprehensive and occurs after a tentative job offer is extended.*
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the premier law enforcement agency in the country. Within the DOJ, the Office of the U.S. Attorneys works to enforce federal criminal and civil laws, protecting the life, liberty, and property of American citizens. The Southern District of California, headquartered in San Diego, covers a massive geographical area including a 141-mile border with Mexico, making it a critical hub for federal law enforcement and litigation.