Become an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of California
Are you a seasoned legal professional driven by the pursuit of justice and the public interest? The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking dedicated attorneys to join its Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to impact federal policy and protect the nation’s interests.
Key Responsibilities
As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, your daily work will be varied and intellectually demanding. Key duties include:
- Complex Litigation: Managing federal civil cases from the initial investigative stage through to trial and appeal.
- Investigations: Conducting thorough investigations into fraud involving grants, pharmaceuticals, wildlife, and procurement.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Arguing motions, conducting depositions, and examining witnesses in a federal court setting.
- Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams, including investigators, auditors, and paralegals.
Comparison of Office Locations
| Feature | Sacramento Office | Fresno Office |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | State Capital/Urban | Central Valley/Agricultural Hub |
| Proximity | Near Lake Tahoe/Bay Area | Near Yosemite/National Parks |
| Cost of Living | Moderate | Moderate to Low |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must:
- Hold a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Possess at least one year of post-J.D. legal experience.
- Undergo a comprehensive background check and drug screening.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation for this role is administratively determined based on experience and location. Salaries range from approximately $77,135 to $197,100 per year, inclusive of locality pay. Employees receive a robust federal benefits package, including retirement, health insurance, and leave accrual.
Serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service. If you possess the litigation experience and analytical rigor required, apply through the USAJOBS portal today.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job Matters
Shape the future of federal law and hold wrongdoers accountable in the heart of California as an Assistant United States Attorney.
Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking motivated, high-caliber legal professionals to join the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit. Based in either Sacramento or Fresno, you will lead complex investigations and litigation, tackling significant issues ranging from healthcare and financial fraud to civil rights enforcement and pharmaceutical diversion. This is a unique opportunity to represent the interests of the United States in federal court while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of investigators, auditors, and fellow attorneys.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent from an accredited law school.
- Active, good standing membership in the bar of any U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
- Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
- United States citizenship.
- Ability to pass a rigorous pre-employment background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug screening.
- Compliance with residency requirements for Department of Justice employees.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)
- Three to five years of litigation experience with direct responsibility for discovery, trial, and appellate phases.
- Demonstrated track record of handling complex civil cases in federal court.
- Expertise in motion practice, document production, and witness examination.
- Superior research, analytical, and persuasive writing capabilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and clearly outlines your professional legal history.
- Prepare a cover letter and a substantive legal writing sample.
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit all required documents via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Verify receipt of your application through the Application Status page.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must clearly specify your hours worked per week for all positions, especially if part-time.
- Proofread your writing sample carefully as it is a key indicator of your professional competence.
- Ensure your resume highlights specific, high-stakes litigation accomplishments.
- If claiming veterans' preference, attach all necessary forms and supporting military service documentation immediately.
- Submit well before the deadline to ensure your documents pass the mandatory system virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I am not currently based in California?
Yes, but you must be prepared to work from either the Sacramento or Fresno offices. No relocation expenses are authorized for this position.
What is the focus of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit?
The ACE unit focuses on civil investigations and litigation to recover federal funds lost to fraud, including healthcare, financial, grant, and procurement fraud, as well as enforcing civil rights.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice serves as the backbone of the American legal system. Within the Eastern District of California, you will work alongside experienced colleagues to uphold the rule of law. The ACE unit is a dynamic environment where attorneys handle cases that directly affect the integrity of federal programs, including healthcare, financial systems, and civil rights.