Launching Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney

Are you an experienced attorney seeking a role that combines intellectual challenge with the opportunity to serve the public good? The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma is currently accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) within their Civil Division. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to enforcing federal law and defending the interests of the United States.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, you will not just sit behind a desk—you will be an active litigator. Your responsibilities will grow in complexity as you gain experience, but your core duties will include:

Investigation and Prosecution: Investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in government healthcare and procurement programs.
Defensive Litigation: Representing the United States in tort claims, including medical malpractice and property damage cases.
Employment and Administrative Law: Handling employment discrimination cases and challenges to agency actions.
Trial and Appellate Advocacy: Taking depositions, filing motions, participating in trials, and arguing cases before the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Comparison of Requirements

Criteria	Requirement
Degree	J.D. Degree Required
Licensing	Active Bar Membership (Any U.S. Jurisdiction)
Experience	Min. 1 Year post-J.D. legal experience
Citizenship	U.S. Citizen
Background	Must pass security & drug testing

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $76,748 to $197,100, depending on professional experience. Beyond the salary, the DOJ provides a world-class federal benefits package:

Comprehensive Insurance: Top-tier health, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement Security: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which includes a pension and the Thrift Savings Plan (a federal 401k equivalent).
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, as well as paid federal holidays.

Application Tips

To ensure your application is successful, keep these pointers in mind:

Format Matters: Your resume must be two pages or less. This is a strict administrative filter; if you exceed it, your application will not be considered.
Documentation: Ensure all dates (month/day/year) are included for every job listed. If you have been a political appointee in the last five years, include your SF-50.
Clarity: When describing your experience, emphasize cases or legal projects where you served as lead counsel or played a critical role in litigation strategy.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is one of the most prestigious paths an attorney can take. If you are ready to apply your legal talents to cases that protect the citizens of the Northern District of Oklahoma, submit your application before the September 20, 2026, deadline. Ensure your documents are prepared early to account for potential system delays.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Division Job Matters

Protect the rule of law and serve the Northern District of Oklahoma as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division.

Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Division Job Overview

The Department of Justice is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney to join the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As an AUSA, you will handle a diverse caseload including fraud investigation, defensive torts, employment discrimination, and complex civil litigation. This is an opportunity to play a vital role in upholding justice while working alongside federal partners in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Division

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship.
Ability to pass a rigorous background investigation, including credit, tax, and fingerprint checks.
Willingness to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Must reside within 25 miles of the district of appointment.
Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after 1959.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Division

Demonstrated ability to work independently in a high-pressure environment.
Exceptional research, writing, and analytical skills.
Experience navigating complex electronic discovery (e-discovery) platforms.
Proven capacity for sound decision-making in litigation strategy.
Strong interpersonal communication skills for both courtroom advocacy and client coordination.
Proficiency in automated legal research, electronic court filing, and modern office software.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for telework.
✓Life insurance coverage.
✓Ongoing professional development and legal training.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Division Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney - Civil Division Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account and navigate to the vacancy announcement.
Complete the mandatory Online Occupational Questionnaire.
Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages) detailing all relevant experience, including dates and hours worked.
Include a professional writing sample.
Submit your complete application package via the 'Submit My Answers' button before the deadline.
Monitor your status via the 'Application Status' link in your account.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/day/year) for all employment entries.
Veterans claiming preference must upload supporting documentation, such as a DD-214, alongside their application.
If you require a reasonable accommodation, notify the HR point of contact immediately.
Review your application status frequently to ensure all documents have cleared the virus scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pay structure for this position?

Pay is administratively determined based on your years of professional legal experience, with a salary range between $76,748 and $197,100 per year.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

How does the selection process work?

Applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications, followed by a recommendation for interviews by an attorney panel. Final selection involves a comprehensive background investigation.

Is this a remote position?

*A: No, this position is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and requires residency within 25 miles of the district.*

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

*A: Employment with the Department of Justice is strictly restricted to U.S. citizens except in extremely rare and narrow circumstances.*

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 the American legal system. The Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys represent the United States in virtually all federal litigation. In the Northern District of Oklahoma, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases and managing a robust civil docket that safeguards government programs and ensures the rule of law is upheld.