Become a Special Assistant United States Attorney with the USPS OIG

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the United States Postal Service is looking for a skilled litigation professional to join their ranks as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) in Newark, New Jersey. If you are a dedicated federal employee with a background in criminal law and a commitment to public service, this role offers a significant opportunity to represent the interests of the United States in federal court.

Job Responsibilities

As a SAUSA, you will be detailed full-time to the United States Attorney's Office (USAO) in the District of New Jersey. Your primary duties will include:

Prosecuting criminal cases involving mail theft, narcotics, and public corruption.
Handling healthcare fraud investigations.
Conducting grand jury proceedings and trials in the U.S. District Court.
Representing the government in appellate court proceedings.
Providing expert legal guidance to federal agents during investigations.

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be current employees of the USPS OIG, USPS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or the Postal Regulatory Commission. Key requirements include:

At least 4 years of post-J.D. litigation experience.
A law degree from an ABA-accredited institution.
Active status in any U.S. state or territory bar.
Ability to secure a Top Secret clearance.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Experience	4+ Years Post-J.D.
Education	ABA Accredited Law Degree
Status	Active Member of the Bar
Work Location	Newark, NJ (Full-time detail)

Salary Overview

The salary for this position is competitive, ranging from $125,431 to $192,694 per year, depending on professional experience and education. Compensation is based on the OIG’s pay-banding system.

Benefits

Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:

Health Coverage: Enrollment in the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
Retirement: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and federal retirement plans.
Paid Leave: Generous accrual of sick and vacation time, plus 11 paid federal holidays.
Flexibility: Options for telework and family-friendly work schedules.

Application Tips

Your application is your first impression. Ensure your resume is exactly two pages—anything longer will result in disqualification. Be specific in your narrative responses; explain your relevant accomplishments thoroughly to demonstrate you meet every evaluation factor. Finally, convert all documents to PDF to ensure the formatting remains intact when reviewed by HR.

This role is an excellent chance to sharpen your litigation skills while supporting a critical federal agency. If you meet the criteria and are ready for the challenge, ensure your application is submitted by the September 1, 2026, deadline.

Why This Special Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Advance your legal career as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) and make a direct impact on the integrity of the U.S. Postal Service.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The USPS Office of Inspector General is seeking a dedicated legal professional to serve as a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) based in Newark, New Jersey. This role is a unique opportunity for qualified internal agency employees to litigate cases involving mail theft, healthcare fraud, and public corruption on behalf of the federal government.

Requirements for Special Assistant United States Attorney

Must be a current employee of the USPS OIG, USPS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, or Postal Regulatory Commission.
Minimum of 4 years of post-J.D. litigation and/or criminal law experience.
Graduate of an ABA-accredited law school.
Active, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for Special Assistant United States Attorney

Experience with postal statutes, healthcare fraud, narcotics investigations, or public corruption.
Prior experience as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) or SAUSA.
Demonstrated top academic credentials.
Proven history of creative legal thinking and team leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program coverage.
✓Comprehensive Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance options.
✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and federal retirement programs.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
✓Generous paid leave: 13 days of sick leave and 13–26 days of vacation annually, plus 11 paid holidays.

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

Application Steps for Special Assistant United States Attorney Job

Log into your USAJOBS account to start the application.
Prepare a resume that is exactly two pages or fewer.
Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire.
Upload all required documents, including a 5-10 page writing sample, cover letter, and proof of bar membership.
Submit your performance appraisal from the last 15 months.
Submit the application before the closing date of September 1, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume adheres strictly to the two-page limit; exceeding this will result in immediate disqualification.
Do not use 'See resume' in your narrative responses; every evaluation factor must be addressed explicitly.
Use a professional, readable font (such as Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica) at a size that ensures clarity.
Save and upload your documents as PDFs to preserve formatting.
Do not use AI tools to draft your responses during the interview process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position open to the general public?

No, this vacancy is restricted to current employees of the USPS OIG, USPS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Postal Regulatory Commission.

What is the term of this appointment?

This is a two-year term appointment with the potential for three one-year extensions.

Does the position require travel?

Yes, the position involves work in the District of New Jersey, and candidates must comply with local residency requirements.

What if I have foreign education?

You must provide documentation from a credentialing service verifying that your education is equivalent to a U.S. degree.

Is this a permanent role?

No, it is a term appointment that may be extended for up to five years.

Job from Office Of The Inspector General, Usps

The USPS OIG is an independent entity focused on ensuring the accountability, integrity, and efficiency of the U.S. Postal Service. With over 1,000 personnel across the country, the agency leverages data-driven insights to uncover fraud, waste, and abuse. Joining this team means contributing to a vital mission that protects one of the most trusted government institutions in the country.