Job Title: Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA)
Department: Department of Justice, Executive Office for . Attorneys and the Office of the . Attorneys
Job Responsibilities:
Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia represent the . Government in both affirmative and defensive civil litigation in trial and appellate courts. AUSAs are responsible for managing a diverse caseload that involves complex and lengthy litigation processes. Key responsibilities include:
- Handling cases from inception to final resolution, including trial and appeal.
- Representing the government in cases involving the Freedom of Information Act, Administrative Procedure Act, federal employment discrimination laws, immigration laws, Federal Tort Claims Act, and Privacy Act.
- Serving as effective advocates for the government's interests, making legally sound decisions, and pursuing timely resolutions.
- Developing and implementing effective legal strategies, including motions practice, discovery, alternative dispute resolution, trial, and appeal.
- Collaborating with colleagues, supervisors, support staff, court personnel, opposing counsel, agency counsel, and witnesses.
- Conducting thorough legal research and producing high-quality written work under deadline pressure.
- Acting as persuasive oral advocates in court settings.
Education and Experience Information:
Required Qualifications:
- Possession of a . Degree (or equivalent).
- Active membership in the bar of any . jurisdiction.
- At least 1-year . (or equivalent) legal or relevant experience.
- . Citizenship or National status.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1 to 5 years of experience in complex civil litigation.
- Superior communication and advocacy skills.
- Exceptional research and writing abilities.
- Ability to perform thorough legal and factual analysis.
- Capability to work well with others and function with minimal guidance in a demanding environment.
- A keen desire for public service and mature judgment.
Salary Information:
The Assistant United States Attorney's pay is determined under an Administratively Determined pay scale. The salary range is $84,601 to $195,100, which includes % locality pay. The salary is based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. For additional salary and benefits information, applicants can visit the Department of Justice's official website.
Additional Information:
- Security Requirements: Initial appointment requires satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing. The initial appointment is temporary, not exceeding 14 months, with conversion to a permanent appointment upon favorable adjudication of a full-field background investigation. A two-year probationary period applies after conversion to a permanent position.
- Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System or provide an exemption.
- Security Clearance: Must obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access.
- Residency Requirements: AUSAs generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.
- Political Appointees: Employment offers to current or former political appointees require authorization from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Application Process:
Applicants must complete an occupational questionnaire and submit required documents, including a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample, and veterans' preference documentation if applicable. The complete application package must be submitted by the specified closing date to receive consideration. Applicants can apply online via USAJOBS and track the status of their application through their account.
Department Policies:
The Department of Justice is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits inquiries about an applicant's criminal history before a conditional job offer. Employment is contingent upon passing a drug test and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Only . citizens are eligible for employment, with limited exceptions for non-citizens.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
