Launch Your Legal Career with the U.S. Attorney's Office

The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Central District of California is a powerhouse of legal excellence. If you are an attorney motivated by public service, a desire for courtroom impact, and a commitment to justice, a position as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) offers an unparalleled professional journey. This role places you at the heart of the federal legal system, representing the interests of the United States in complex civil matters.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Civil Division, your work will be diverse and challenging. You will represent the government at both trial and appellate levels across five key areas:

Complex and Defensive Litigation: Handling multifaceted cases involving federal agencies.
Civil Fraud: Combating waste, fraud, and abuse against the government.
Civil Rights: Protecting the constitutional and statutory rights of the public.
Tax and Bankruptcy: Managing complex financial and regulatory litigation.
Civil Appeals: Arguing before federal appellate courts.

Skills Comparison: AUSA vs. Private Practice

Feature	AUSA (Civil Division)	Large Private Firm
Client	The United States	Corporate/Private Clients
Impact	Public/Systemic	Financial/Commercial
Caseload	High-Volume/Significant	Client-Driven
Purpose	Public Service & Justice	Profitability & Representation

Requirements

To be considered for this prestigious role, candidates must:

Hold a Juris Doctor degree.
Be an active bar member in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
Be willing to obtain California Bar membership.
Demonstrate a clean record suitable for high-level security clearance.
Be a U.S. citizen.

Salary Overview

Compensation for AUSAs is based on an administrative scale (AD). Depending on your years of professional legal experience, your starting salary could range from $114,525 to $197,100 per year. Advancement through the grade levels reflects your growing expertise and tenure within the office.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust federal benefits package, including:

Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical insurance and life coverage.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Paid leave, holidays, and authorized telework opportunities.

Application Tips

The recruitment process is highly competitive. To stand out, ensure your resume is strictly limited to two pages and focuses on your litigation experience. Quantify your achievements and be specific about the types of cases you have handled. Always ensure your references are prepared to speak about your character and legal acumen.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of our nation. By joining the Civil Division in the Central District of California, you will gain world-class litigation experience while serving the public good. Apply now to begin your career in federal service.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters

Shape the future of federal law and serve your community as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California.

Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California is seeking dedicated and skilled attorneys to join its Civil Division. As one of the most prominent districts in the nation, this office handles high-stakes litigation across five core sections: Complex and Defensive Litigation, Civil Fraud, Civil Rights, Tax and Bankruptcy, and Civil Appeals. This is a unique opportunity for legal professionals to represent the interests of the United States in federal court while upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights and property of citizens.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Must obtain and maintain active membership in the California State Bar.
United States citizenship.
Ability to pass a rigorous background investigation, including credit, tax, and fingerprint checks.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Registration with the Selective Service System (if applicable).

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney

Demonstrated experience in complex litigation.
Superior academic performance and excellence in legal research and writing.
Strong courtroom presence and oral advocacy skills.
Professional experience or a judicial clerkship.
Established ties to the Central District of California.
Clear, demonstrated history of commitment to public service.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Telework options as permitted by agency policy.
✓Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates.

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

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job

Create a profile on USAJOBS and ensure your resume is no longer than two pages.
Prepare all required documentation, including transcripts, a cover letter, a writing sample, and two references.
Complete the occupational questionnaire via the online portal.
Submit your full application package before the deadline.
Monitor your application status through the USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; non-compliant resumes will be disqualified.
Ensure your resume includes detailed dates of employment and clear descriptions of your duties.
Highlight your specific litigation experience and how it aligns with the Civil Division's focus areas.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure you upload your DD-214 and any other required forms (e.g., SF-15) immediately.
Double-check that all contact information for references is accurate and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be licensed in California to apply?

You must be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction to apply. If you are not yet a member of the California bar, you will be required to pass the California bar exam after being hired.

How is the salary determined for an AUSA?

Salary is administratively determined based on your total years of professional experience as a licensed attorney or judicial law clerk, typically corresponding to specific AD grade levels.

What is the typical timeframe for the hiring process?

The office aims to make final job offers within 120 days of the announcement closing date, following successful completion of all background and suitability investigations.

Does the office hire recent graduates?

*A: While most hires have several years of experience, the office considers highly qualified recent graduates who have relevant clerkship or practice experience.*

Is relocation assistance available?

*A: Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized for eligible candidates who meet the distance requirements.*

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) serves as the backbone of federal law enforcement. Within the DOJ, the Central District of California operates as one of the largest and most significant legal offices in the country. Serving nearly 20 million residents, the office is dedicated to upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and ensuring national safety through its Criminal, National Security, and Civil Divisions.