Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney in Hawaii
Are you a litigator seeking a position that combines high-stakes casework with the unparalleled lifestyle of Hawaii? The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii is currently seeking experienced legal professionals to join its Criminal Division as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). This role offers the chance to represent the United States in a diverse range of complex federal criminal prosecutions.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will be responsible for every phase of federal prosecution. Your daily duties will include:
- Investigation and Strategy: Partnering with federal, state, and local law enforcement to develop cases.
- Grand Jury and Pre-Trial: Conducting grand jury proceedings, managing discovery, and litigating detention and suppression issues.
- Trial and Appellate: Trying complex cases before juries and briefing/arguing appeals in the Ninth Circuit.
- Diverse Caseloads: Prosecuting matters related to drug trafficking, public corruption, financial crimes, cybercrime, and national security.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Educational Attainment: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Bar Admission: Active standing in any U.S. jurisdiction bar.
- Professional Experience: At least one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant experience.
- Citizenship: Proof of United States citizenship.
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Mandatory U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | Min. 1 Year post-J.D. |
| Education | J.D. Required |
| Residency | Within 25 miles of the district |
Salary Overview
Compensation for this role is administratively determined based on the attorney's level of experience and expertise. The current salary range is set between $79,469 and $197,100, which incorporates 21.21% locality pay for the Hawaii area.
Benefits
The Department of Justice provides an excellent benefits package to support its workforce, including:
- Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
- Paid federal holidays and opportunities for ongoing legal training.
Application Tips
Ensure your application stands out by adhering strictly to the formatting guidelines. Most importantly, your resume must not exceed two pages. Additionally, be proactive by submitting your application before the September 30, 2026, priority date to ensure your file is reviewed during the first cycle.
Serving as an AUSA in the District of Hawaii is more than just a job; it is a commitment to justice. If you possess the integrity, analytical skills, and litigation drive required for this role, we encourage you to start your application today.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact legal career in paradise: Serve justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii is seeking motivated, results-oriented legal professionals to join its Criminal Division. This is a unique opportunity for experienced litigators to manage complex federal criminal cases, ranging from national security and public corruption to violent crime and financial fraud, while working within a collaborative team dedicated to upholding the rule of law.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree by the start date
- Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction
- Minimum of one year post-J.D. legal or relevant experience
- United States citizenship
- Satisfactory completion of pre-employment background adjudication, including credit/tax checks, fingerprinting, and drug testing
- Maximum two-page resume format
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
- Prior federal criminal prosecution experience
- Significant litigation experience with a demonstrated ability to learn quickly
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- Advanced legal research and analytical capabilities
- Proficiency with electronic discovery and modern litigation tools
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary range with locality pay adjustments
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance coverage
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave policies
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional training through the Department of Justice
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job
- Create a profile on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application and all required supporting documentation before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the 'Application Status' link in your USAJOBS account.
- Ensure all documentation clears the virus scan process upon upload.
💡 General Tips
- Submit your application before the priority deadline of September 30, 2026, for best consideration.
- Double-check your resume length; exceeding two pages will result in immediate disqualification.
- Clearly detail your litigation experience, including types of cases handled and stages of proceedings.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure all required forms (such as SF-15) are attached.
- Contact the HR representative listed if you encounter technical issues or require an alternative application method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this appointment.
What level of security clearance is required?
The position requires a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk adjudication, including a thorough background investigation.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply?
Generally, only U.S. citizens are eligible for Department of Justice positions. Exceptions are extremely rare and only considered if mission-critical.
What is the security clearance process like?
*A: The role involves a 'Special-Sensitive' background investigation, including credit and tax checks, fingerprinting, and mandatory drug testing.*
Can I apply if I don't have federal experience?
*A: Yes. While federal criminal experience is a plus, the office strongly encourages highly capable litigators with a proven track record to apply.*
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 entity responsible for upholding the rule of law in the United States. Within this structure, U.S. Attorneys' Offices are the frontline of federal law enforcement. The District of Hawaii office is a close-knit, highly professional team committed to protecting the property, liberty, and rights of the public. Joining this team means contributing to the safety and integrity of the federal judicial system.