Become an Assistant United States Attorney: Civil Bankruptcy
Are you a litigator with a passion for public service? The Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a dedicated and experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Southern District of Florida. This position focuses on critical bankruptcy litigation, representing federal interests in courts across Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
Job Responsibilities
As a Bankruptcy AUSA, you will join a specialized team dedicated to protecting federal assets within the bankruptcy estate. Your primary duties include:
- Representing federal agencies such as the SBA, the IRS, and the Department of Education in Chapter 7, 11, and 13 proceedings.
- Litigating cases from the initial filing through final completion.
- Managing adversary proceedings in federal bankruptcy court.
- Developing litigation strategies to preserve claims for payment to the government.
- Adapting to increasingly complex assignments as your experience grows within the office.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Degree | J.D. Degree from an accredited law school |
| Bar Status | Active member of the bar (any US jurisdiction) |
| Experience | Minimum 1 year post-J.D. legal experience |
| Citizenship | United States Citizenship required |
All applicants must also successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, including credit and tax checks, as well as a pre-employment drug test.
Salary Overview
The base salary for this position ranges from $124,649 to $197,100 annually, depending on experience and locality pay adjustments. Additionally, a recruitment incentive of up to $15,000 may be available for qualified candidates.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a competitive federal benefits package, including:
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual, plus all federal holidays.
- Work-Life: Life insurance and stable federal career advancement opportunities.
Application Tips
Competition for AUSA positions is intense. Ensure your application stands out by:
- Strict Adherence to Formatting: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Failure to follow this will disqualify you automatically.
- Detail Your Experience: Clearly state your duties, employment dates (month/day/year), and average hours worked.
- Use the System: Apply through the official USAJOBS portal to track your status and confirm document submission.
This role offers a unique intersection of high-level litigation and public service. If you are ready to take on the challenges of federal bankruptcy practice while working in one of the nation's premier legal districts, we encourage you to submit your application before the September 23, 2026, deadline.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Bankruptcy) Job Matters
Advance your legal career with the Department of Justice: Represent the United States in high-stakes bankruptcy litigation within the Southern District of Florida.
Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Bankruptcy) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is recruiting skilled attorneys to join our Civil Division as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) focusing on bankruptcy proceedings. This role offers the unique opportunity to represent federal agencies—including the IRS, SBA, and the Department of Education—in complex Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy cases. You will litigate cases from inception through completion, playing a critical role in preserving the government's financial interests.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Bankruptcy)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of 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.
- Must be able to pass an extensive pre-employment background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and mandatory drug testing.
- Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Bankruptcy)
- Proven experience in bankruptcy litigation or federal creditor representation.
- Demonstrated ability to manage a complex caseload independently.
- Strong oral advocacy and sophisticated legal writing capabilities.
- Experience working with federal agency regulations or government insolvency proceedings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance options
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Recruitment incentive of up to $15,000 for qualified candidates
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Bankruptcy) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Bankruptcy) Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account and navigate to the job posting.
- Complete the required online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload a resume (strictly limited to two pages) detailing all relevant employment history, including full dates and specific duties.
- Submit a formal cover letter and a recent writing sample.
- Provide proof of active bar membership.
- Submit supporting documentation for Veterans' Preference, if applicable.
- Finalize and submit your application package by the September 23, 2026 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will result in immediate disqualification.
- Clearly outline your full employment history, including the hours worked per week for all positions.
- Use the 'Application Status' feature in your USAJOBS profile to ensure all documents have cleared the virus scan before the closing date.
- Explicitly mention your bar membership status and any applicable veterans' preference in your cover letter.
- Contact the HR office well before the deadline if you have questions regarding potential conflicts of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for multiple locations?
Yes, you may apply for one or all three locations (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach). Please indicate your preferences clearly during the application process.
What is the expected timeline for hiring?
The office aims to issue a final job offer within 120 days after the announcement closes, pending the completion of the required background investigation.
Is residency in the district required?
Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Florida is one of the most prominent districts in the country. Our office handles a wide variety of high-profile cases across multiple divisions, including Civil, Criminal, Appellate, and Asset Forfeiture. We are committed to justice, integrity, and the vigorous representation of the United States in civil matters, including statutory torts, civil rights enforcement, and debt collection.