Become an Assistant United States Attorney: A Career in Federal Prosecution

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California is looking for ambitious legal professionals to serve in its Criminal Division. This is more than just a job; it is a commitment to public service and the enforcement of federal laws that safeguard the nation’s security and prosperity. If you possess sharp litigation skills and a dedication to justice, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Job Responsibilities

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, your day-to-day work is complex and fast-paced. You will be expected to:

Lead federal criminal investigations in collaboration with law enforcement partners.
Represent the United States in hearings, trials, and appeals.
Draft search warrants, motions, and trial briefs.
Present evidence to grand juries.
Address a diverse portfolio of crimes, including cybercrime, corruption, and financial fraud.

Salary and Benefits Comparison

Feature	Details
Salary Range	$103,085 - $197,100 (Annually)
Job Grade	AD (Attorney)
Retirement	Federal Employees Retirement System
Benefits	Comprehensive Health, Life, and Leave Packages

Requirements

To be eligible for this role, you must:

Hold a J.D. degree.
Be a member of a U.S. bar in good standing.
Have at least three years of professional experience.
Maintain U.S. citizenship.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submitting a longer document will lead to immediate disqualification.
Advocacy Writing: Choose a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to argue a point effectively. Avoid general articles.
Rolling Basis: The office reviews applications on a rolling basis; do not wait until the November 30 deadline to submit your package.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a pinnacle experience for many in the legal profession. If you are prepared to handle the rigors of federal litigation in Northern California, we encourage you to submit your application and begin the journey to a rewarding federal career.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Matters

Launch a high-impact legal career serving justice in the heart of Northern California with the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California is seeking dedicated and experienced attorneys to join the Criminal Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to litigate complex, high-stakes federal cases—ranging from national security and cybercrime to financial fraud and public corruption. You will work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment across Oakland and San Francisco, protecting the rights and safety of the 9 million residents in this diverse district.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed attorney (or post-graduation judicial clerkship experience).
Must be a United States citizen.
Ability to pass a pre-employment suitability/security background check, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug testing.
Residency within the district of appointment (or within 25 miles thereof) generally required.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Superior academic credentials and intellectual ability.
Exceptional legal research and advocacy writing skills.
Demonstrated organizational and analytical capabilities.
Prior courtroom litigation and trial experience.
A strong commitment to ethics, civility, and professional public service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Federal Employees Retirement System participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Professional development and telework opportunities

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Prepare a resume (strict two-page limit) and cover letter addressed to Craig H. Missakian.
Select an advocacy-focused writing sample (under 20 pages preferred).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
Monitor application status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Apply early as positions are considered on a rolling basis.
Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
Focus your writing sample on advocacy work rather than internal research memos.
Clearly document your hours worked per week for all positions to ensure experience is accurately counted.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure all required supporting documents are included in the upload.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are relocation expenses covered?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.

Can I work remotely?

While the DOJ offers telework flexibility, these positions are based in Oakland or San Francisco and require residency in or near the district.

What is the salary based on?

Compensation is administratively determined and based on your years of professional attorney experience, inclusive of locality pay.

What type of background investigation is required?

You will undergo a comprehensive suitability/security investigation, including fingerprinting, credit checks, tax reviews, and mandatory drug testing.

Do I need to be a California bar member?

You must be a member of any U.S. jurisdiction's bar, though you must adhere to all applicable ethical rules regarding conflicts of interest.

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

The Northern District of California encompasses a vast region from the North Bay to Monterey, including major hubs like San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley. With nearly 9 million residents, the district presents a dynamic legal landscape. As an AUSA, you will work alongside elite federal law enforcement agencies to combat a wide spectrum of criminal activities, ranging from white-collar fraud to national security threats.