Career Opportunity: Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Virginia

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia (USAO-WDVA) is currently seeking talented, committed legal professionals to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) within their Civil Division. This is a unique opportunity to represent the United States in high-stakes litigation, protecting the nation's interests while upholding the rule of law. Whether you are an experienced litigator or looking to pivot your career toward federal service, this role offers unparalleled professional growth and public impact.

Job Responsibilities

As a Civil AUSA, your duties will be diverse and intellectually rigorous. You will manage a personal caseload that alternates between affirmative and defensive roles:

Affirmative Litigation: Lead investigations into federal offenses, including False Claims Act violations.
Defensive Litigation: Represent federal agencies and employees in cases involving the Federal Tort Claims Act, Title VII, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act.
Courtroom Presence: Represent the United States in mediations, settlement conferences, and bench or jury trials.
Discovery: Interview witnesses, manage expert witness testimony, and handle complex written discovery requests.

Comparison of Roles

Feature	Affirmative Litigation	Defensive Litigation
Primary Role	Plaintiff/Enforcement	Defendant/Representation
Case Types	Fraud, False Claims Act	Torts, Discrimination, APA
Goal	Recover government funds/enforce law	Protect government interests/employees

Requirements

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

Education: A J.D. degree from an accredited institution.
Licensure: Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Citizenship: You must be a United States citizen.
Integrity: Successful completion of a high-risk security background investigation.

Salary Overview

The salary for an AUSA is determined administratively based on years of professional attorney experience, ranging from $76,748 to $197,100 per year. This scale includes a 17.06% locality adjustment, reflecting the standard of living and expertise required for these critical roles.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice are eligible for a robust federal benefits package:

Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Competitive retirement plans via the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Life insurance and flexible spending accounts.

Application Tips

Priority Deadline: Apply by September 6, 2026, to receive primary consideration.
Resume Formatting: Keep your resume to exactly two pages. Excess length will result in immediate disqualification.
Detail is Key: Include full dates (month, day, and year) for every job listed.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is more than a job; it is a commitment to the integrity of the American legal system. With a challenging caseload, supportive colleagues, and a clear mission, you will find that the work you do in the Western District of Virginia leaves a lasting mark on your community and the nation. Apply today to begin your journey.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Shape the future of justice in the Western District of Virginia as a Civil Assistant United States Attorney, where your legal expertise directly defends the nation's interests.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia (USAO-WDVA) is seeking motivated, highly skilled attorneys to join its Civil Division in Roanoke or Charlottesville. As a Civil AUSA, you will manage a diverse, high-impact caseload representing the United States in complex affirmative and defensive litigation. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead investigations, handle dispositive motions, and represent the government in federal court trials, all while ensuring the fair and impartial administration of justice.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

J.D. Degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
United States Citizenship.
Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including credit and tax checks.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Experience litigating in federal court.
Completion of a federal judicial clerkship.
A record of strong academic achievement.
Superior legal research and advanced writing capabilities.
Proven track record of sound professional judgment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
✓Comprehensive sick leave policies
✓Federal health insurance programs
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Opportunities for telework based on agency policy

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your full employment history and duties.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Verify receipt of your application through the Application Status link in your account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Submit your application by September 6, 2026, for priority consideration.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Include specific start/end dates (month, day, and year) for every position listed.
If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all supporting documentation, such as your DD-214 and SF-15, is included.
Directly address the agency if you require reasonable accommodations during the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Civil Division in the Western District of Virginia?

Civil AUSAs handle a broad spectrum of affirmative and defensive litigation, including False Claims Act investigations, medical malpractice claims, employment discrimination cases (Title VII/ADEA), and prisoner-related litigation.

Can I hold an outside job while working as an AUSA?

The Department of Justice generally prohibits compensated outside practice of law, with limited exceptions for law professors.

What is the selection process after the initial application?

Qualified candidates are screened by an attorney interview panel. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview before a tentative offer is made, followed by a background investigation.

How long is the hiring process?

*A: We aim to finalize offers within 120 days after the announcement closing date.*

Is relocation assistance provided?

*A: No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.*

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the cornerstone of the American legal system. With a workforce exceeding 100,000, the DOJ is dedicated to preventing and reducing crime, enforcing federal law, and defending the constitutional rights of all citizens. The Western District of Virginia plays a vital role in this mission, covering 60% of the state and serving over 2.2 million residents. Working here means joining a collaborative environment where excellence is expected and justice is the primary objective.