Become an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of California

Are you an experienced attorney looking to dedicate your skills to public service? The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is actively recruiting for Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) to join the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit. This is a rare opportunity to engage in high-impact litigation that protects federal interests, guards taxpayer funds, and upholds the rule of law across California.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the ACE Unit, your day-to-day responsibilities will be intellectually stimulating and highly demanding. You will:

Lead complex investigations into healthcare, financial, and grant fraud.
Manage civil litigation from the initial investigative phase through to trial and appeals.
Conduct depositions, draft motions, and engage in vigorous courtroom advocacy.
Collaborate with federal and state agencies to protect civil rights and recover government assets.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following baseline criteria:

Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active and good-standing membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of relevant legal experience post-J.D.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to pass comprehensive background checks, including drug testing.

Feature	Details
Position Title	Assistant United States Attorney (ACE)
Hiring Agency	Department of Justice
Locations	Sacramento, CA & Fresno, CA
Salary Range	$77,135 – $197,100
Schedule	Full-Time

Salary Overview

The compensation for this position is administratively determined based on your professional experience and the specific location of the office. Sacramento-based positions benefit from a locality pay adjustment, reflecting the cost of living and market demand, with total compensation reaching up to $197,100 per year.

Benefits

Federal employment with the Department of Justice offers a competitive total rewards package, including:

Health and Life Insurance: Access to robust federal insurance plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, including sick leave, vacation, and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer; longer resumes are automatically disqualified.
Detailed Experience: Clearly articulate your litigation experience, including specific case types and your role in those proceedings.
Early Submission: Don't wait until the final deadline. The office reviews applications in two-week intervals, meaning early applicants have a higher probability of moving forward.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a career-defining experience. If you are ready to take on complex legal challenges that serve the American public, we encourage you to apply for this ongoing opportunity in the Eastern District of California.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job Matters

Protect the public interest and uphold the rule of law as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of California—a dynamic role at the intersection of justice and complex litigation.

Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking motivated, highly skilled attorneys to join the Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Unit. Based in Sacramento or Fresno, you will play a critical role in enforcing federal laws, handling investigations into healthcare, procurement, and financial fraud, and representing the interests of the United States in complex civil litigation. This role offers the unique opportunity to manage high-stakes cases from initial investigation through trial.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or equivalent
Active membership in good standing of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or relevant experience
United States citizenship
Successful completion of pre-employment security and suitability background investigation
Ability to pass a drug test

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement)

Three to five years of experience in federal civil litigation
Substantial experience with discovery, motions practice, trial, and appeals
Strong courtroom advocacy and witness examination skills
Excellent legal research and technical writing abilities
Experience managing complex cases from investigation through trial
Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-demand environment

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance and benefits
✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) participation
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
✓Life insurance coverage
✓Opportunities for professional growth and specialized training

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Affirmative Civil Enforcement) Job

Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and have your documentation prepared.
Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
Submit your resume (strict 2-page limit), cover letter, and a writing sample.
Upload any necessary supporting documentation, such as proof of veterans' preference.
Verify submission status through your USAJOBS dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly under two pages; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Ensure your resume details hours worked per week for part-time positions and clear employment dates.
Highlight specific experience in federal court and complex discovery in your cover letter.
Submit your application early to allow for the system's virus scan process.
Check the status of your application regularly via the USAJOBS portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote or telework position?

This position is not remote-eligible. While some telework may be available per agency policy, candidates are expected to be based in the Sacramento or Fresno offices.

What is the salary range for this role?

Pay is administratively determined based on experience. Sacramento roles range from $85,075 to $197,100, while Fresno roles range from $77,135 to $180,986.

How long will the job announcement remain open?

This is an open continuous announcement valid until March 31, 2027, or until all vacancies are filled.

What makes a strong candidate?

Ideal candidates have 3-5 years of federal court litigation experience, specifically in civil discovery and witness examination.

Can I work remotely?

These positions require onsite presence in either Sacramento or Fresno.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the premier legal institution in the United States. Within the Eastern District, you will be part of a team of dedicated professionals—including investigators, auditors, and fellow attorneys—committed to keeping our communities safe and ensuring federal compliance. Working in the Eastern District provides a unique mix of professional rigor and lifestyle benefits, from the cultural vibrancy of Sacramento to the natural beauty of the Central Valley.