Become an Assistant United States Attorney in Riverside, CA
Are you looking to transition into a high-impact legal career where your daily work protects the rule of law, national security, and civil rights? The United States Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Central District of California is currently accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs). This position offers a unique opportunity to represent the United States in both criminal and national security litigation, serving nearly 20 million people across seven counties.
Job Responsibilities
As an AUSA, your duties will evolve as your experience grows. You will be responsible for:
- Advising federal law enforcement agencies on ongoing investigations.
- Presenting evidence and witness testimony to the grand jury.
- Litigating criminal cases in United States District Court.
- Managing appellate litigation before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Addressing complex threats related to national and cyber security.
Comparison of Salary Tiers
| Grade Level | Years of Experience | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| AD-21 | 0-2 Years | $114,525+ |
| AD-25 | 5 Years | Variable |
| AD-29 | 9+ Years | Up to $197,100 |
Requirements
To be considered for this prestigious role, you must:
- Hold a J.D. degree.
- Be a licensed, active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Pass the California bar exam if you are not already admitted.
- Pass a comprehensive, multi-step background investigation.
- Possess United States citizenship.
Benefits
The Department of Justice provides an industry-leading benefits package to attract top legal talent, including:
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
- Generous leave policy (vacation, sick, and federal holidays).
- Potential for telework and flexible scheduling.
Application Tips
Competition for AUSA positions is intense. To stand out, ensure your resume is formatted correctly and stays within the mandatory two-page limit. Clearly define your litigation experience and highlight any past public service. If you are eligible for veterans' preference, be sure to upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., DD 214) to be considered.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a calling for those dedicated to justice. If you possess the experience, integrity, and drive to serve the public, we invite you to apply for this vital role in the Central District of California.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney Job Matters
Join the front lines of justice in the Central District of California—a career that shapes the future of federal law enforcement and national security.
Assistant United States Attorney Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the Central District of California is seeking dedicated and high-performing Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) to serve in our Criminal and National Security Divisions. As one of the largest and most influential offices in the nation, we manage a diverse portfolio of litigation across seven counties. We are looking for legal professionals with exceptional intelligence, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service to join our esteemed team in Riverside.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Must become an active member of the California bar if not already admitted.
- United States citizenship.
- Completion of a satisfactory pre-employment background investigation, including fingerprinting, credit/tax checks, and drug testing.
- For male applicants born after 1959, Selective Service registration or valid exemption.
- Must reside within the district or within 25 miles of the assigned duty station.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney
- Significant litigation experience.
- Superior academic performance and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated courtroom presence and trial experience.
- Strong writing and communication abilities.
- Established professional ties to the Central District of California.
- A track record of public service or interest in federal prosecution.
- Experience in cyber security or national security legal matters.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance options
- ✓Potential for telework opportunities
- ✓Relocation expenses may be authorized for eligible candidates
💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney Job
- Create or log into your account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your experience and accomplishments.
- Gather required documents: transcripts, cover letter, writing sample, and two professional references.
- Submit your complete package through the online portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your application status via the 'My Account' page on USAJOBS.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length are automatically disqualified.
- Detail your employment history with specific start/end dates (month/day/year) and hours worked per week.
- Clearly articulate your litigation experience and accomplishments in your cover letter.
- Submit early to allow sufficient time for document virus scanning.
- If you are eligible for veterans' preference, ensure all supporting documentation (such as DD 214 or SF 15) is uploaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary based on?
The salary is administratively determined based on your years of professional experience as a licensed attorney or judicial law clerk, ranging from AD-21 to AD-29.
Is this a one-time hiring window?
No, this is an open continuous announcement used to fill vacancies in the Riverside and Santa Ana branch offices as they arise. Applications remain active for seven months.
Do I need to live in Riverside?
AUSAs are generally required to reside within the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.
How often is the application reviewed?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as vacancies occur. They remain active for seven months.
Is travel required?
Yes, expect 1 to 5 nights of travel per month depending on case assignments.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice serves as the cornerstone of the federal legal system. The Central District of California, which includes branch offices in Riverside and Santa Ana, is one of the most dynamic and busiest districts in the country. Our office is divided into three primary divisions: Criminal, Civil, and National Security, each playing a vital role in upholding federal statutes and public safety.