A Career in Justice: Becoming an Appellate AUSA in California

Few legal roles offer the professional fulfillment and intellectual challenge of serving as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is currently recruiting for an Appellate AUSA to join its prestigious team. If you are a polished legal writer with a passion for appellate advocacy, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the law within the Ninth Circuit.

Job Responsibilities

As an Appellate AUSA, your primary responsibility is ensuring that the government’s positions are articulated clearly and persuasively before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Daily tasks include:

Writing and editing complex legal briefs.
Leading and participating in moot court sessions.
Advising trial attorneys on procedural and strategic challenges.
Engaging in district-level motions practice as necessary.

Comparison: Sacramento vs. Fresno

Feature	Sacramento	Fresno
Lifestyle	Urban, State Capital	Central Valley, Agricultural Hub
Proximity to Nature	Near Lake Tahoe/Sierra Nevada	Near Yosemite/Sequoia Parks
Culture	Opera, Ballet, Pro Sports	Rapidly Growing, Central Access

Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must:

Hold a J.D. from an accredited institution.
Be a member of a state bar in good standing.
Have at least two years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Undergo a background investigation, including drug testing.

Salary Overview

Salaries are administratively determined based on experience and geographic locality.

Sacramento: $85,075 to $197,100 per year (includes 29.76% locality pay).
Fresno: $77,135 to $180,986 per year (includes 17.65% locality pay).

Benefits

Employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including health insurance, life insurance, FERS retirement, and generous paid time off.

Serving as an Appellate AUSA is a career-defining role. If you are prepared to contribute your skills to the federal justice system, submit your application before the September 30, 2026, deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate) Job Matters

Elevate your legal career by representing the Department of Justice in the Ninth Circuit—join the Appellate Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking dedicated and skilled attorneys to join its Appellate Unit in either Sacramento or Fresno. This role focuses on high-stakes appellate litigation, including drafting and editing briefs for the Ninth Circuit, conducting moot courts, and providing critical legal counsel on complex criminal and civil matters. Appellate AUSAs serve as key strategic partners, influencing trial-level procedure and handling challenging issues ranging from constitutional law and Sentencing Guidelines to evolving immigration regulations.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active, good-standing bar membership in any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
Minimum of two years of professional post-J.D. legal experience.
United States citizenship.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including drug testing and fingerprinting.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)

Prior appellate experience in either criminal or civil law.
Strong legal research and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality briefs.
Experience in appellate clerkships.
Collaborative spirit for team-based projects and legal moots.
A balance of independent analytical ability and willingness to participate in spontaneous professional consultation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance plans.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
✓Federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework options.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Upload a two-page maximum resume, a cover letter, and a professional writing sample.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the closing date of September 30, 2026.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal to ensure all documents were processed.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Be specific regarding your employment history, including exact start/end dates and average hours worked per week.
Clearly indicate your interest in either Fresno, Sacramento, or both in your application.
Ensure your writing sample highlights your ability to analyze and argue complex legal issues.
Include any veterans' preference documentation early if applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I only have experience in civil law?

Yes. While the role involves both civil and criminal appellate work, the office welcomes candidates with strong foundational experience in either area.

Is relocation assistance provided?

No, relocation expenses will not be authorized for this position.

What is the initial cut-off date for applicants?

The first review of applications is scheduled for August 21, 2026, with ongoing referrals made at one-week intervals thereafter.

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 Eastern District of California covers a vast geographic area, encompassing major cities like Sacramento and Fresno. Employees here work on some of the most significant legal issues facing the nation today, including civil regulatory disputes and complex criminal constitutional challenges.