Become an Assistant United States Attorney in San Francisco
The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Northern District of California invites accomplished legal professionals to apply for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA). This is a rare opportunity to join one of the country's most active legal offices, focusing on high-impact criminal prosecution and financial litigation. If you are passionate about public service and possess the courtroom acumen to represent the United States, this role offers unparalleled experience.
Job Responsibilities
Illicit Finance and Money Laundering
Attorneys in this section manage complex investigations into financial crimes. Responsibilities include:
- Investigating drug trafficking and cybercrime operations.
- Leading prosecutions involving banking and corporate fraud.
- Drafting search warrants and appearing before grand juries.
- Representing the government in federal trials and appeals.
Financial Litigation Program
This role focuses on the critical post-judgment phase of criminal cases:
- Identifying and recovering assets for victims of crime.
- Litigating writs of garnishment and liens.
- Negotiating payment agreements for court-ordered restitution.
Requirements
- Education: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Experience: A minimum of three years of licensed legal practice, preferably in litigation.
- Bar Membership: Active status in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is strictly required.
- Background: Ability to pass comprehensive security, drug, and credit checks.
Comparison: Role Focus
| Feature | Illicit Finance Section | Financial Litigation Program |
|---|---|---|
| Core Objective | Criminal Prosecution | Asset Recovery |
| Primary Venue | Courtroom/Grand Jury | Enforcement/Civil Proceedings |
| Daily Work | Indictments/Trial prep | Garnishment/Asset Investigation |
Salary and Benefits
Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $103,085 to $197,100. Actual compensation is determined based on professional experience and includes locality pay adjustments.
Benefits Package
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Federal retirement contributions (FERS).
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and 11 federal holidays.
- Opportunities for flexible scheduling and telework.
Application Tips
- Submit Early: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Waiting until the November 30 closing date is not advised.
- Quality Writing: Provide a real piece of advocacy writing that demonstrates your ability to build a legal argument, not a theoretical article.
- Follow Formatting: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a calling for the most dedicated legal minds. By joining the Northern District of California, you will protect the integrity of the federal government and ensure victims receive the justice they deserve. Prepare your materials today and take the next step in your professional journey.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Illicit Finance And Money Laundering Section) Job Matters
Launch a high-impact career in federal prosecution with the Northern District of California's elite Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Section.
Assistant United States Attorney (Illicit Finance And Money Laundering Section) Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California is seeking experienced legal professionals to join the Criminal Division. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), you will litigate high-stakes cases ranging from complex white-collar fraud and cybercrime to financial litigation and restitution enforcement, serving the public interest within one of the nation's most dynamic legal districts.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Illicit Finance And Money Laundering Section)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
- Active, good standing bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction
- Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed attorney
- Extensive experience in litigation at federal, state, or local levels
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation, including credit, tax, and drug screenings
- Must reside within the district or within 25 miles of the appointment location
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Illicit Finance And Money Laundering Section)
- Superior legal research and analytical skills
- Demonstrated excellence in written and oral advocacy
- Outstanding organizational capabilities and sound professional judgment
- High level of commitment to ethics, civility, and public service
- Proven experience in complex criminal or financial litigation
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Opportunities for telework
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Illicit Finance And Money Laundering Section) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Illicit Finance And Money Laundering Section) Job
- Create or log into a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume (maximum two pages).
- Draft a cover letter addressed to U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
- Select a high-quality piece of original advocacy writing as your sample.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package via the USAJOBS portal.
- Monitor application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Apply as soon as possible, as the office reviews applications on a rolling basis.
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; non-compliant resumes will be disqualified.
- Ensure your writing sample represents your own work and include the required certification letter.
- Highlight specific litigation experience clearly, including dates and scope of responsibility.
- Use your cover letter to explicitly address any potential conflicts of interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is residency in the district required?
Yes, Assistant United States Attorneys are generally required to reside in the district of their appointment or within 25 miles of it.
How does the rolling application process work?
Applications are reviewed as they are received. It is highly recommended to submit your materials well in advance of the November 30, 2026, deadline to ensure full consideration.
What level of security clearance is required?
The position is classified as Special-Sensitive/High Risk. All appointees must undergo a successful background investigation, which includes tax and credit checks and mandatory drug testing.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Northern District of California is a powerhouse of federal legal activity, covering major hubs such as San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. With over 100 attorneys, the office handles a massive caseload, from complex cybercrime and government corruption to the defense of the U.S. in civil matters. Working here means serving a population of nearly 9 million people, including the innovation-driven Silicon Valley, ensuring the rule of law prevails.