Become an Assistant United States Attorney: Protecting Public Interests in California

The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is currently accepting applications for the role of Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) within the Asset Recovery Unit. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity for legal professionals to serve the public interest while engaging in sophisticated, high-impact civil and financial litigation. Whether you are driven by the pursuit of justice for crime victims or interested in federal bankruptcy and forfeiture proceedings, this role provides the platform to refine your skills at the highest level of government practice.

Job Responsibilities

As an AUSA in the Asset Recovery Unit, your work will be foundational to the integrity of the federal judiciary. Key duties include:

Managing asset forfeiture proceedings to ensure victims of crime receive restitution.
Representing the United States in bankruptcy and commercial litigation.
Executing financial judgments and collecting debts owed to the federal government.
Conducting legal research, drafting pleadings, and managing discovery processes.
Appearing in federal court to argue motions and conduct hearings.
Collaborating with investigators, auditors, and law enforcement agencies.

Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
Active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
Minimum of one year post-J.D. legal experience.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to pass a high-risk background investigation and drug screening.

Feature	Requirement Detail
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Education	J.D. Required
Experience	1+ Years post-J.D.
Locations	Sacramento or Fresno, CA
Security	High-Risk/Suitability Clearance

Salary Overview

Compensation for AUSAs is based on professional experience and the specific location of the assignment. The salary range spans from $77,135 to $197,100, incorporating federal locality pay. Sacramento and Fresno have different pay scales based on their respective regional locality adjustments.

Benefits

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

Health, dental, and vision insurance options.
Competitive retirement plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
Opportunities for professional training and career progression.

Application Tips

Respect the Resume Limit: The two-page limit is strictly enforced. Avoid padding; focus on relevant litigation successes.
Detailed History: Clearly state your hours worked and specific duties for each role to ensure you receive full credit for your experience.
Use the Portal: Applying via USAJOBS is the most efficient way to track your application status.

Serving as an Assistant United States Attorney is a calling for those dedicated to public service. If you are an attorney with a strong litigation background and a commitment to protecting the integrity of the law, we encourage you to apply for this vital role in the Eastern District of California.

Why This Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job Matters

Protect the integrity of federal law and serve justice in California by joining the Eastern District's specialized Asset Recovery Unit.

Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job Overview

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California is seeking dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys to join the Civil Division's Asset Recovery Unit in Sacramento or Fresno. This vital role focuses on asset forfeiture, financial litigation, and bankruptcy matters. You will play a crucial part in enforcing judgments, securing restitution for crime victims, and protecting the financial interests of the United States. You will work alongside a collaborative team of attorneys, investigators, and auditors to manage high-stakes caseloads from investigation through litigation.

Requirements for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery)

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
Active, good-standing member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
Minimum of one year of post-J.D. legal or professional experience.
Must be a United States citizen.
Ability to successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation.
Passage of a pre-employment drug screening.
Compliance with residency requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery)

3-5 years of litigation experience with direct responsibility for discovery, trials, and appeals.
Demonstrated experience in bankruptcy, commercial law, tax, or property litigation.
Ability to manage complex cases from initial investigation to final trial.
High level of technical proficiency with e-filing systems, legal research databases, and standard office software.
Superior research, writing, and oral advocacy skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively in a high-pressure federal environment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Life insurance coverage options.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Structured, mission-driven work environment.

💡 How to Apply Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Assistant United States Attorney (Asset Recovery) Job

Log into your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, ensuring it contains all required employment history details.
Complete the mandatory online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documents: Cover letter, writing sample, and resume.
Submit your application package prior to the closing deadline of March 31, 2027.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal to ensure all documents clear the virus scan.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application.
Include month, day, and year for all employment dates.
If claiming veterans' preference, ensure all supporting documentation, such as the DD 214 or SF 15, is included.
Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific experience in civil litigation, bankruptcy, or financial recovery.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of the Asset Recovery Unit?

The unit focuses on asset forfeiture, financial litigation, and bankruptcy matters to enforce judgments, collect debts owed to the U.S., and provide restitution to victims of crimes.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The position is not listed as remote; however, the Department of Justice offers telework opportunities according to agency policy.

How is the salary determined for this role?

Pay is administratively determined based on professional experience and the specific locality of the duty station (Sacramento vs. Fresno).

What is the typical caseload for this position?

You will handle a mix of forfeiture, bankruptcy, and financial recovery cases. Complexity increases as you progress in the role.

Are there relocation expenses?

No, relocation expenses are not authorized for these positions.

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

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the cornerstone of the federal legal system. The United States Attorney's Offices are the principal litigators for the federal government, representing the interests of the United States in both criminal and civil matters. Joining the Eastern District of California means becoming part of a diverse and talented team that upholds the rule of law and ensures the safety and security of the nation. With offices in Sacramento and Fresno, the district serves a significant portion of California, offering a unique blend of urban culture and proximity to world-class natural beauty.