Launch Your Legal Career: Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery)

The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is currently seeking dedicated and highly qualified legal professionals to join the Civil Division as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). This position offers a unique path to contribute to the nation’s pursuit of justice by serving in the Asset Recovery Unit. If you have a passion for litigation, financial law, and protecting the interests of the United States, this role provides an unparalleled professional environment.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Asset Recovery Unit, you will handle diverse responsibilities, including:

Asset Forfeiture: Managing the legal process for seizing proceeds and instruments of criminal activity, with a primary goal of victim restitution.
Financial Litigation: Enforcing judgments to collect debts owed to the United States.
Bankruptcy Matters: Protecting the government's financial interests in complex bankruptcy proceedings.
Civil Litigation: Managing cases from initial investigation through trial, including discovery, motions practice, and depositions.

Comparison: Sacramento vs. Fresno

Feature	Sacramento	Fresno
Region	Central California (River access)	San Joaquin Valley (Agricultural hub)
Culture	Urban, Ballet, Opera, Pro Sports	National Parks (Yosemite, Sequoia)
Cost/Growth	Established Metropolitan	Rapidly growing city

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Educational Credential: A J.D. degree or equivalent is mandatory.
Bar Status: Must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience: Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
Background: Successful completion of a comprehensive security, tax, and credit background check.

Salary Overview

Salaries for Assistant United States Attorneys are administratively determined based on professional legal experience. The Eastern District of California offers locality pay: Sacramento includes 29.76%, while Fresno includes 17.65%, making the potential range for this position between $77,135 and $197,100 per year.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package:

Comprehensive Health, Vision, and Dental insurance.
Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid sick leave, vacation, and federal holidays.
Access to telework options (subject to office policy).

Application Tips

Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced.
Clarity is Key: Clearly state your case management experience.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the final date; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in late August 2026.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a calling for those dedicated to public service. With competitive compensation, significant litigation experience, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the community, this role represents a premier career choice. Prepare your application materials carefully and join a mission that matters.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job Matters

Protect justice and public resources as an Assistant United States Attorney specializing in high-stakes asset recovery within the Eastern District of California.

Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job Overview

The Department of Justice, specifically the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California, is seeking highly skilled attorneys to join the Civil Division's Asset Recovery Unit. Based in either Sacramento or Fresno, successful candidates will manage complex litigation related to asset forfeiture, financial litigation, and bankruptcy, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of investigators, auditors, and fellow legal professionals. This role offers a unique opportunity to serve the public interest by enforcing federal laws and ensuring restitution for crime victims.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery)

Possess a J.D. degree or equivalent.
Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year post-J.D. legal or relevant experience.
Must be a United States citizen.
Must pass a pre-employment suitability and security background investigation.
Must be willing to undergo drug testing.
Ability to manage legal research and drafting independently.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery)

Three to five years of litigation experience with responsibility for discovery, trials, and appeals.
Experience in bankruptcy, commercial, creditor's rights, tax, or property litigation.
Demonstrated ability to handle complex federal civil cases from investigation through trial.
Superior oral advocacy and legal writing skills.
High level of computer literacy, including electronic filing systems and automated research tools.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary based on attorney experience level
✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance options
✓Opportunities for professional development and training

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job

Log in or create a profile on the official federal recruitment portal.
Submit a two-page maximum resume detailing relevant duties, hours worked, and specific dates.
Provide a compelling cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications.
Include a high-quality writing sample demonstrating legal analysis.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application before the closing date to be considered in the periodic referral cycles.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages; exceeding this limit will result in immediate disqualification.
Clearly define your experience level in your resume, including specific case types and responsibilities.
Highlight experience in federal court or complex civil litigation as it directly aligns with the mission.
Verify that all supporting documentation is uploaded correctly and passes the system virus scan well before the deadline.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure all relevant documentation is included in the initial submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of the Asset Recovery Unit?

The unit focuses on the forfeiture of criminal proceeds, enforcement of judgments, victim restitution, and protecting the government's interests in bankruptcy and tax litigation.

Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?

The Department of Justice typically requires U.S. citizenship for employment. Non-citizens are only considered under extremely rare circumstances that require mission-critical exceptions.

How often are candidates referred to the hiring manager?

Qualified applicants are referred at one-week intervals starting after the initial August 2026 cut-off date.

What is the security level for this role?

*A: This is a special-sensitive, high-risk position requiring rigorous background investigations.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for these positions.*

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 law enforcement agency of the federal government. The United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of California upholds the rule of law through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil statutes. Working here means joining a team of over 100,000 professionals nationwide committed to ensuring safety and civil rights for all citizens.