Assistant United States Attorney Job Description

'The U.S. Department of Justice appoints assistant U.S. Attorneys to serve under the U.S. Attorney in a district, who is appointed by the President. The U.S. Attorney assigns them cases of civil and criminal matters-often high-profile, setting strong precedents-in which the United States is named as a party. Naturally, this is a visible position for an attorney to be in with resonating consequences for his work. Assistant U.S. Attorneys are given authority to file charges, request indictments, decline prosecution or negotiate plea bargains. There are 94 districts in the U.S. with 93 U.S. attorneys serving, each handling legislation within their district. An assistant U.S. attorney must live within 25 miles of the district they serve in. Beginning assistant attorneys with a law degree are paid about $50,287, and those with a one-year judicial clerkship are paid $60,274.

Here are a few sample assistant united states attorney job descriptions:

Assistant United States Attorney, Civil Rights

The candidate prosecutes all criminal and civil cases brought by the Federal government and defends the US when it is a party in a civil case. Works to advance civil rights through a variety of affirmative civil enforcement practice areas that may include housing and fair lending, ADA enforcement, allegations relating to the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, voting rights, service members' rights, pattern and practice policing investigations, and employment discrimination. Coordinates with the District's Criminal Division in criminal civil rights cases involving human trafficking, hate crimes, and color of law prosecutions. Works closely with the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and participates in significant community outreach events throughout the district. Must have a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, be an active member of the Bar (any US jurisdiction), and have 3+ years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. Should preferably have 3 years of exceptional experience as an attorney, as well as superior academic credentials. Occasional travel, both within and outside the District, may be required.

Assistant United States Attorney

The candidate will represent the US Government in a wide range of unique and complex cases. Should have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction), and have 2+ years of post-J.D. experience. Should preferably have excellent academics, significant litigation experience, criminal law experience (for our Criminal Division), strong legal writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Assistant United States Attorney

The candidate will prosecute federal cases in the Central District of California and advise federal law enforcement agents on investigations, present cases to the grand jury, try cases before the United States District Court, and represent the US in criminal appeals before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction), and 3+ years of post-J.D. experience. If not already an active member of the California Bar, any candidate hired will be required to take (prior to their entry on duty date) and subsequently pass the California Bar exam. Ties to the Central District of California will be considered. 

Note: All initial attorney appointments to the Department of Justice are made on a 14 month (temporary) basis pending favorable adjudication of a background investigation. Travel may be required between 1-5 nights per month or more depending on the needs of any particular case assignment, both within and outside the district.

Assistant United States Attorney

The candidate will be responsible for prosecute federal cases in the Central District of California and advise federal law enforcement agents on investigations, present cases to the grand jury, try cases before the United States District Court, and represent the US in criminal appeals before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Should have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction), and have 3+ years of post-J.D. experience. If not already an active member of the California Bar, will be required to take (prior to their entry on duty date) and subsequently pass the California Bar exam. Should preferably have litigation experience, superior academic record, excellent writing skills, impeccable character, demonstrated interest in public service, and courtroom presence. Ties to the Central District of California will be considered. Travel may be required between 1-5 nights per month or more depending on the needs of any particular case assignment, both within and outside the district.

Assistant United States Attorney

The candidate prosecutes all criminal and civil cases brought by the Federal government and defends the United States when it is a party in a civil case. Must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any US jurisdiction), and have 1+ year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. Should preferably have 3 years of exceptional experience as an attorney, as well as superior academic credentials. Travel within the district and outside of the district may be required.

Temporary Assistant United States Attorney

The candidate, serving as an AUSA and assigned to the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Appellate Division, or Branch Office location, will be part of a team helping to enforce federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property of citizens. Criminal Division assignments include, the investigation and prosecution of federal criminal laws involving guns, violence, immigration, terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes against children, government program fraud, health care fraud, other white collar offenses, public corruption, and organized crime. Civil Division cases encompass affirmative litigation where the US is seeking some type of monetary recovery or injunctive relief (e.g., civil rights, judgment enforcement, bankruptcy, asset forfeiture) and defensive cases involving a variety of lawsuits brought against the Federal government. Appellate Division cases include the writing of briefs and the arguing appeals before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as reviewing briefs written by other AUSAs. Must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction), and 2+ years of post-J.D. experience. Occasional travel may be required.

Temporary Assistant United States Attorney

The candidate, serving as an AUSA and assigned to the Criminal Division, Civil Division, Appellate Division, or Branch Office location, will be part of a team helping to enforce federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and property of citizens. Criminal Division assignments include, the investigation and prosecution of federal criminal laws involving guns, violence, immigration, terrorism, drug trafficking, crimes against children, government program fraud, health care fraud, other white collar offenses, public corruption, and organized crime. Civil Division cases encompass affirmative litigation where the US is seeking some type of monetary recovery or injunctive relief (e.g., civil rights, judgment enforcement, bankruptcy, asset forfeiture) and defensive cases involving a variety of lawsuits brought against the Federal government. Appellate Division cases include the writing of briefs and the arguing appeals before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as reviewing briefs written by other AUSAs. Must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the Bar (any jurisdiction), and 2+ years of post-J.D. experience. Occasional travel may be required.'