Become an Assistant United States Attorney in Pennsylvania

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) is one of the most prestigious and challenging paths for a legal professional in the United States. If you are ready to apply your litigation skills toward upholding the rule of law, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is currently seeking experienced attorneys to join their Criminal Division.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA, you will handle a diverse range of complex cases. Your daily responsibilities will evolve as you grow in the role, eventually taking on the following:

Representing the United States in federal district court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Managing investigations into financial fraud, public corruption, human trafficking, and cyber-crimes.
Handling all facets of the litigation process, including grand jury work, pre-trial motions, trials, and sentencing.
Collaborating with federal and local law enforcement agencies to build airtight cases.

Feature	AUSA Responsibilities
Core Focus	Criminal Prosecution & Civil Litigation
Work Environment	Courtrooms, Grand Juries, and Agency Offices
Case Complexity	High (Multi-agency coordination)
Travel Required	Primarily District-wide with National training

Requirements

To be considered for this high-stakes role, you must meet several key criteria:

Education: A J.D. degree from an accredited institution.
Licensure: You must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by your start date.
Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Character: A successful background check and pre-employment drug test are mandatory.

Salary Overview

Compensation for AUSAs is administratively set based on experience. The pay range for this position is between $76,748 and $197,100 per year, which accounts for locality adjustments. As you gain more professional legal experience, your placement within this scale is reviewed.

Benefits

The DOJ provides a competitive federal benefits package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
Enrollment in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Access to specialized training and leadership development through the National Advocacy Center.

Application Tips

The competition for AUSA positions is intense. Ensure your application stands out by:

Keeping your resume to two pages or less. The system automatically rejects longer resumes.
Being specific about your duties. Use quantitative metrics where possible, such as the number of trials handled or case results.
Updating your profile. Ensure all contact information and bar status details are current.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the landscape of federal law in Pennsylvania. By joining the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s team, you are committing to a career of integrity, justice, and community protection. Prepare your application thoroughly and take the next step in your legal career.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Join the front lines of federal justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania is seeking dedicated legal professionals to prosecute federal crimes and represent the nation in court.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The Department of Justice is hiring Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) to serve within the Middle District of Pennsylvania. These pivotal roles involve managing a diverse and complex caseload, ranging from financial fraud and public corruption to violent crime and cyber-threats. Successful candidates will work out of offices in Harrisburg, Scranton, or Williamsport, upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of the United States.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
United States Citizenship.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Selective Service registration if applicable (for males born after Dec 31, 1959).

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Substantial experience in complex criminal litigation, including economic crimes, public corruption, or violent offenses.
Demonstrated expertise in all phases of prosecution: pre-trial, trial, sentencing, and appeals.
Superior oral and written communication skills.
Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision in a high-pressure environment.
Advanced technical literacy, including experience with electronic court filing and automated legal research tools.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Opportunities for telework
✓Professional training at the National Advocacy Center

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Create a profile on the official federal recruitment portal.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Download and complete the district-specific supplemental questionnaire.
Submit your resume, cover letter, and supplemental documents through the online portal.
Verify submission status via your account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Be precise with your employment history, including month, day, and year for all start and end dates.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, upload your DD-214 and any required SF-15 documentation explicitly.
Apply before the initial consideration date of August 12, 2026, for the best chance of early selection.
Clearly articulate your experience with specific types of federal litigation in your cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there residency requirements for this role?

Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside in the district of their appointment or within 25 miles of its borders.

Is this a remote position?

No, this role is not classified as remote. While telework may be available, the position requires an in-district physical presence.

How is the salary determined?

Pay is administratively determined based on your total years of professional legal experience, subject to the established locality pay scales.

What is the security clearance level?

*A: This position requires a Special-Sensitive background investigation.*

Is relocation assistance available?

*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) serves as the backbone of federal law enforcement. The Middle District of Pennsylvania USAO is tasked with prosecuting federal crimes, defending the government in civil litigation, and recovering taxpayer funds. With offices in Harrisburg, Scranton, and Williamsport, the agency offers a fast-paced, mission-driven environment for those committed to public service.