Job Title: Assistant United States Attorney
Job Responsibilities:
The Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Civil Division of the Southern District of California are responsible for representing the United States, federal agencies, and federal employees in a wide array of civil cases. Key defensive practice areas include immigration, personal injury and wrongful death, constitutional torts, and medical malpractice. Affirmative practice areas focus on investigating and prosecuting civil actions under statutes such as the False Claims Act and Controlled Substances Act, with an emphasis on immigration. AUSAs are expected to handle cases in the Southern District of California and the Ninth Circuit. As AUSAs gain more training and experience, their responsibilities and assignments will become more complex.
Education and Experience Information:
Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor (.) degree and be an active member of a state bar in good standing (any . jurisdiction). A minimum of one year of . legal experience is required. Applicants must provide proof of active bar membership. Preferred qualifications include strong analytical skills, superior oral and writing skills, research and interpersonal skills, good judgment, and excellent communication and courtroom skills. Computer literacy, including experience with automated research on the Internet, electronic court filing, and word processing systems, is also preferred. AUSAs will receive training from the Department of Justice and the . Attorney's Office. Appointment is subject to an FBI background investigation, including credit, arrest, and drug use inquiries.
Salary Information:
The pay for an Assistant United States Attorney is administratively determined and is based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The salary range is from $84,461 to $195,100 per annum, which includes a % locality pay.
Additional Information:
- This is a term appointment not to exceed March 31, 2028, but it may be extended or made permanent without further competition.
- Initial appointment is conditioned upon satisfactory preemployment adjudication, which includes fingerprint, credit, and tax checks, as well as drug testing.
- Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
- Applicants must be . citizens or nationals.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt.
- Relocation expenses of up to $15,000 may be authorized for eligible permanent Department of Justice transfers.
- Occasional travel within and outside the district may be required.
- The position is full-time with no telework eligibility.
- Applicants should ensure compliance with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding possible conflicts of interest.
- Political appointees must disclose their status and obtain authorization from the Office of Personnel Management.
- The federal hiring process requires a fair and transparent application process, including a comprehensive benefits package for federal employees.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the required documentation, including a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample, and the Assistant United States Attorney Civil AUSA Application Form by July 7, 2025. Veterans' preference is considered, and reasonable accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date to receive consideration.
Next Steps:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome after each step in the recruitment process. A tentative job offer is followed by a suitability/security background investigation. A final job offer is expected within 120 days after the closing date of the announcement.
