Launch Your Career as an Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate Division)
The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) within its esteemed Appellate Division. This role is intended for experienced, driven legal professionals who possess a deep commitment to the rule of law and superior advocacy skills. As a prosecutor in the nation’s capital, you will influence the development of federal and local criminal law.
Job Responsibilities
As an Appellate AUSA, your core responsibilities include:
- Briefing and arguing direct appeals in criminal cases.
- Representing the government in the D.C. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
- Conducting legal research and drafting high-level internal memoranda and court filings.
- Participating in moot court exercises to refine oral arguments.
- Assisting trial attorneys on complex or novel legal issues during active litigation.
Requirements
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for this position:
- Hold a J.D. degree.
- Be an active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Demonstrate at least one year of post-J.D. legal experience (three years is strongly preferred).
- Pass a high-risk, critical-sensitive background investigation, which includes drug testing and credit checks.
- Maintain residency within 25 miles of the D.C. district.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $94,350 - $197,100 |
| Retirement | Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) |
| Leave | Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays |
| Health/Insurance | Comprehensive Federal health and life insurance |
| Perks | Transit subsidy and on-site gym access |
Application Tips
To maximize your chances of success, ensure your application package is polished. Your resume must not exceed two pages; longer submissions will result in immediate disqualification. When drafting your cover letter, highlight specific appellate experience and your commitment to public service. Ensure that all supporting documents—such as transcripts—are in standard PDF format without security restrictions.
Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a career-defining opportunity. If you are prepared to tackle complex appellate litigation and uphold justice in one of the most significant jurisdictions in the U.S., we invite you to apply through USAJOBS.
Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job Matters
Join the elite ranks of the Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division—where legal advocacy meets national impact in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job Overview
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is seeking highly qualified, analytical, and dedicated attorneys to join its Appellate Division. This critical role involves navigating complex criminal litigation, briefing and arguing appeals before the D.C. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and shaping legal precedent. This is a unique opportunity to serve as a prosecutor at the federal and local levels in one of the most significant legal jurisdictions in the country.
Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous
- Possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent).
- Active member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
- Minimum of 1 year of post-J.D. legal or relevant professional experience (3 years preferred).
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Ability to pass a rigorous security/suitability background investigation, including credit/tax checks and a drug test.
- Willingness to meet high ethical standards expected of federal prosecutors.
- Must reside in the D.C. district or within 25 miles of the appointment location.
Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous
- Academic excellence (GPA of 3.0 or higher).
- Substantive experience in appellate litigation or criminal law.
- Prior judicial clerkship experience.
- Extensive experience with legal writing (law review, moot court, or complex motions).
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including law enforcement and victims.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- âś“Comprehensive Federal Health and Life Insurance plans.
- âś“Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation.
- âś“Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- âś“Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- âś“Transit subsidy program.
- âś“On-site fitness and weight training facility.
đź’ˇ How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Ausa) - Open Continuous Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your 2-page maximum resume and necessary documentation.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your application package, including a cover letter, law school transcripts, and a writing sample.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
đź’ˇ General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; non-compliance will result in immediate disqualification.
- Submit a writing sample (e.g., brief or memo) that is under 25 pages and reflects your own original work.
- Ensure your transcripts are not password-protected or encrypted.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, include all relevant documentation like your DD-214 and SF-15 form.
- Clearly articulate your role and responsibilities in your previous legal positions, including average hours worked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of the Appellate Division?
The division primarily handles direct appeals of criminal convictions in both the D.C. Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, while providing legal consultation for trial-level attorneys.
Is relocation assistance provided?
No, relocation expenses are not authorized for this position.
How often is the application pool reviewed?
This is an open continuous announcement. The agency pulls applicant lists on the first of every month until the position is filled or the announcement closes.
What is the residency requirement for this role?
You must reside within the district of appointment or within 25 miles thereof.
Is this role eligible for telework?
Yes, the Department of Justice offers telework opportunities and flexible scheduling as part of its work-life balance initiatives.
Job from Executive Office For U.S. Attorneys And The Office Of The U.S. Attorneys
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is tasked with protecting the civil rights and safety of all Americans. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is a unique entity that serves as both a local prosecutor for the District and a federal prosecutor for the United States. Located in the heart of D.C., our office is centrally located near the Capital One Arena and Smithsonian museums, offering employees a modern, collaborative work environment with state-of-the-art facilities.