Pursue Justice: Become an Assistant United States Attorney in Maine

The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maine is a cornerstone of federal law enforcement, committed to protecting the integrity of the judicial system. We are currently seeking an experienced, motivated attorney to join our Criminal Division. This is more than just a job; it is a profound commitment to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Maine.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, your core responsibility involves the investigation and prosecution of federal offenses. You will focus heavily on:

Leading the prosecution of opioid trafficking cases.
Conducting legal research and drafting complex motions.
Presenting cases to grand juries.
Representing the United States in hearings and trials.
Collaborating with law enforcement agencies to build airtight cases.

Comparison of Potential Work Environments

Feature	Portland Headquarters	Bangor Branch Office
Role Focus	Criminal Division Litigation	Criminal Division Litigation
Statewide Scope	Yes	Yes
Court Attendance	Required in both cities	Required in both cities

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Education: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Licensure: Active member in good standing of the bar in any jurisdiction.
Experience: A minimum of three years of post-J.D. legal practice.
Clearance: Successful completion of a high-risk background investigation and drug screening.

Salary Overview

The salary for an AUSA is administratively determined based on professional experience. The current pay range for this position is between $82,459 and $197,100 per year, inclusive of locality pay.

Benefits

Working for the Department of Justice comes with a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health and Life Insurance.
Federal Retirement programs.
Generous leave accrual, including paid vacation and sick time.
Federal holidays.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Over-length resumes result in immediate disqualification.
Clarity: Clearly label your employment history with dates, hours worked, and specific duties.
Disclosure: If you have potential conflicts of interest, address them proactively in your cover letter as requested in the vacancy announcement.

Serving as a federal prosecutor is one of the most rewarding paths a legal professional can take. If you possess the integrity, analytical rigor, and passion for justice required to represent the United States, we invite you to submit your application by September 17, 2026.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters

Step into the front lines of federal justice—the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine is seeking a dedicated prosecutor to combat the opioid crisis and uphold the rule of law.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine is accepting applications for a Criminal Division Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). This role is centered on the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses, with a primary focus on statewide opioid trafficking cases. Whether based in our Portland headquarters or the Bangor branch, the selected candidate will play a pivotal role in protecting the community and upholding federal laws across Maine.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Possess a J.D. degree from an accredited law school.
Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of any jurisdiction.
Minimum of three years of post-J.D. legal experience.
Proven excellence in trial advocacy and legal writing.
U.S. citizenship required.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Must undergo and successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

At least five years of overall legal experience.
Minimum of three years of federal or state prosecutorial experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases from investigation through trial.
Superior legal research, writing, and analytical skills.
Significant criminal trial experience and courtroom competency.
Commitment to professionalism, ethics, and public service.
Proficiency with electronic discovery and litigation software.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Professional development and training opportunities.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job

Log into or create a USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Submit your application package before the deadline on September 17, 2026.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit to avoid automatic disqualification.
Be sure to detail the month, day, and year for all employment history.
Explicitly state your veterans' preference in your cover letter if applicable.
Review the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct regarding conflicts of interest before applying.
Verify your documents via the portal after uploading, as they may take time to clear the security scan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Generally, only U.S. citizens are eligible for Department of Justice employment. Appointments of non-citizens are extremely rare and limited to specific, mission-critical circumstances.

Is relocation assistance offered for this position?

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

Will I have to travel?

*A: Yes, occasional travel within and outside the district is expected (typically 1-5 days per month).*

Is this position permanent?

*A: Initial appointments are subject to a two-year probationary period, after which the position may be made permanent.*

Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys

The Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains a workforce of over 100,000 professionals dedicated to upholding the rule of law. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in Maine, you will operate within a branch of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. The District of Maine represents the entire state, offering a unique opportunity to engage in high-impact federal litigation across diverse communities.