Pursuing a Career as an Assistant United States Attorney: A Guide to the Eastern District of California

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California stands at the forefront of federal litigation. We are currently accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) to join our Defense Litigation Unit. This role is ideal for experienced attorneys who are passionate about upholding the rule of law and defending federal agencies, programs, and employees in a fast-paced environment.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Defense Litigation Unit, your responsibilities will be diverse and challenging. You will manage a heavy caseload involving:

Civil Litigation: Representing the U.S. in employment discrimination and tort actions.
Administrative Law: Defending federal agencies in cases governed by the Administrative Procedure Act.
Environmental Law: Litigating challenges under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Federal Programs: Managing disputes regarding Medicare, Social Security, and other governmental benefits.

Comparison of Office Locations

Feature	Sacramento	Fresno
Setting	State Capital/Urban	Central Valley/Agricultural Hub
Proximity to Nature	90 miles from Lake Tahoe	Near Yosemite & Sequoia Parks
Growth	Cultural & Historical	Fast-growing, diverse economy

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be active members of any U.S. jurisdiction bar and possess a Juris Doctor degree. One year of post-J.D. legal experience is the minimum threshold, though ideal candidates will have three to five years of specialized federal litigation experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a high-level background investigation.

Salary Overview

Compensation is determined by experience level and location-based locality pay. Salaries for these positions range from approximately $77,135 to $197,100 per year, reflecting the specialized nature of federal attorney work.

Benefits

The DOJ provides a top-tier benefits package designed to support both professional and personal well-being, including health insurance, federal retirement contributions (FERS), paid leave, and structured career growth.

Application Tips

Respect the Limits: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Over-length resumes result in immediate disqualification.
Be Specific: Detail your experience in motions practice, depositions, and courtroom trials.
Use the Portal: All applications must be processed through USAJOBS to ensure your data is tracked correctly.

If you are a driven attorney looking to transition into a career of significant public service, this position in the Eastern District of California offers unparalleled experience. Prepare your application materials carefully and apply before the September 2026 deadline.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation) Job Matters

Step into a pivotal role as an Assistant United States Attorney and defend the integrity of federal agencies in the heart of California.

Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Defense Litigation Unit. Based in either Sacramento or Fresno, you will represent the federal government in high-stakes civil litigation, including employment discrimination, tort claims, and complex environmental cases. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape federal policy and protect public interests through diligent advocacy.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent.
Active member in good standing of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience.
United States citizenship.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including credit and tax checks.
Successful completion of a drug screening.
Adherence to residency requirements for Department of Justice employees.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation)

Three to five years of experience litigating federal civil cases.
Demonstrated ability to manage cases from initial investigation through trial.
Experience with discovery, document production, motions practice, and depositions.
Superior research, analytical, and courtroom presentation skills.
High proficiency in electronic filing systems and automated legal research tools.
Proven capability to work collaboratively with paralegals, investigators, and client agencies.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
✓Paid federal holidays
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Telework opportunities where applicable
✓Professional development and training

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation) Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Upload a two-page maximum resume detailing your legal experience.
Prepare and upload a professional cover letter and a substantive writing sample.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Monitor your status through the 'Application Status' link in your account.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Quantify your experience by listing specific duties and accomplishments for each role.
Clearly indicate any veterans' preference eligibility and attach necessary documentation (SF-15/DD-214).
Double-check that all professional contact information for past employers is accurate.
Submit early to ensure your documents pass the system's virus scan process.
Clearly state your preferred office location (Sacramento or Fresno) in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for relocation expenses?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

What is the pay structure for this role?

Salaries are administratively determined based on years of professional experience and the office location's specific locality pay.

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

Generally, only U.S. citizens are eligible for Department of Justice employment, though narrow exceptions exist under specific appropriations law.

What is the security clearance level?

This position is classified as Special-Sensitive (High Risk), requiring a full suitability and background adjudication.

Will I need to travel?

Occasional travel is required for court proceedings and investigative matters.

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 legal arm of the U.S. government. Joining the Eastern District of California means becoming part of a prestigious team of legal professionals dedicated to justice. Whether you are based in the state capital of Sacramento or the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in Fresno, you will collaborate with experienced investigators, auditors, and fellow attorneys to ensure the interests of the United States are protected.