Become an Assistant United States Attorney: Protecting Justice in South Florida
The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Florida is currently seeking experienced legal professionals to join one of the most high-impact divisions in the nation. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) focusing on Asset Forfeiture, you will play a critical role in the Department of Justice's mission to uphold the rule of law. This position offers the rare opportunity to combat organized crime by identifying, seizing, and forfeiting the proceeds of illegal activities.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will be more than just a lawyer; you will be an investigator and a strategist. Key duties include:
- Leading financial investigations to identify illicit assets.
- Coordinating with Criminal Division AUSAs to integrate forfeiture strategies into ongoing prosecutions.
- Filing and litigating civil forfeiture cases in district court.
- Providing legal counsel throughout the seizure and disposition process.
Comparison: Role Requirements
| Requirement Type | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Juris Doctor (J.D.) | Mandatory |
| Experience | 3+ Years Post-J.D. | Preferred |
| License | Active Bar Membership | Mandatory |
| Security | Background & Drug Test | Mandatory |
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious position, candidates must meet all minimum criteria, including active bar membership and U.S. citizenship. Because this is a high-security role, applicants must also be prepared to undergo comprehensive background checks, including credit and tax verification.
Salary Overview
Positions are compensated based on the Department of Justice attorney pay scale. The current salary range is between $124,649 and $197,100 per year, which includes locality pay for the South Florida region. Final salary determinations are based on years of professional legal experience.
Benefits
Federal service comes with an exceptional suite of benefits, including:
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- Comprehensive medical and life insurance options.
- Generous leave accrual for sick time and vacation.
- Potential recruitment incentives for top-tier candidates.
Application Tips
- Keep your resume concise: It must be exactly two pages or less.
- Detail your experience: Clearly define your duties in past roles with specific dates.
- Prepare your writing sample: Choose a document that demonstrates your legal research and drafting prowess.
If you are an experienced attorney seeking a challenging environment where your work directly contributes to national security and community safety, we invite you to apply. Join the Southern District of Florida and help us take the profit out of crime.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Job Matters
Take the profit out of crime: Join the Southern District of Florida as an Assistant United States Attorney specializing in high-stakes Asset Forfeiture.
Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida is seeking talented, experienced attorneys to join its Asset Forfeiture Division. As one of the nation's largest divisions of its kind, you will lead complex investigations and litigate both criminal and civil forfeiture cases to dismantle criminal enterprises and provide restitution to victims.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture)
- Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Pass a rigorous pre-employment security background check, including fingerprinting, credit checks, and tax audits.
- Successfully pass a mandatory drug screening test.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if applicable).
- Residency within the district or within 25 miles thereof upon appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture)
- At least 3 years of post-J.D. legal experience.
- Proven track record in white-collar fraud litigation.
- Direct experience in conducting asset forfeiture investigations and prosecutions.
- Strong academic background and credentials.
- Superior oral and written communication capabilities.
- Proven ability to work independently in high-pressure environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with locality adjustments.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Potential for recruitment bonuses up to $15,000.
- ✓Telework opportunities where applicable.
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Forfeiture) Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Submit a resume not exceeding two pages in length.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Provide a professional legal writing sample (5-10 pages).
- Attach proof of active bar membership.
- Upload additional documents (e.g., SF-15, DD-214) if claiming Veterans' Preference.
- Submit all materials via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
- Double-check that your employment dates include the month, day, and year to ensure full consideration.
- Ensure your writing sample showcases your analytical and legal drafting abilities.
- Use the 'Application Status' feature in your dashboard to monitor for any correspondence from the HR office.
- Apply well before the deadline to account for potential system delays or virus scan processing time for your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
While the Department of Justice generally requires U.S. citizenship, rare exceptions exist for non-citizens under specific appropriation laws if necessary for the mission. However, appointments of non-U.S. citizens are extremely uncommon.
What is the residency requirement for this role?
Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district of their appointment or within 25 miles of the district boundary.
Is there a specific format required for the resume?
Yes, your resume must be two pages or fewer and must include official job titles, employer contact information, precise start/end dates, and a clear list of duties performed.
Are there multiple locations available?
Yes, this announcement covers positions in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce.
What is the security clearance level?
This position is classified as Special-Sensitive/High Risk, requiring a thorough background investigation.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the primary federal agency responsible for enforcing the law and defending the interests of the United States. Within the Southern District of Florida—a jurisdiction covering over 15,000 square miles—the USAO is a hub of complex litigation. From Key West to the northern reaches of the district, our attorneys handle sophisticated cases involving drug trafficking, human smuggling, and transnational criminal organizations.