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Assistant Us Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant Us Attorney information

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$53K

$86.4K

$138.5K

How much do assistant us attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant us attorney in the United States is $86,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant U.S. Attorneys when managing a large caseload?

Assistant U.S. Attorneys often manage a substantial number of cases simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Balancing court appearances, legal research, and case preparation can be demanding, especially when unexpected motions or deadlines arise. Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other attorneys is essential, and effective communication helps ensure cases progress smoothly. Staying current with changes in laws and procedures is also key to successfully handling complex federal matters.

What are Assistant US Attorneys?

Assistant US Attorneys (AUSAs) are federal prosecutors who work for the United States Department of Justice within the 94 US Attorney’s Offices across the country. They are responsible for prosecuting federal crimes, representing the United States in civil litigation, and enforcing federal laws. AUSAs handle a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, and appellate matters, and work closely with federal law enforcement agencies. They play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served in federal courts.

What is the difference between Assistant US Attorney vs Assistant District Attorney?

AspectAssistant US AttorneyAssistant District Attorney
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal criminal and civil casesState courts, local criminal and civil cases
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, federal governmentCounty or city government, state legal system
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Assistant US Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys both hold legal roles within government agencies, requiring similar credentials such as a JD and bar admission. The main difference lies in their work environment: Assistant US Attorneys work in federal courts handling federal cases, while Assistant District Attorneys work in state or local courts focusing on state cases. Both positions serve the public interest but operate within different legal jurisdictions and government levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant US Attorney, and why are they important?

To excel as an Assistant US Attorney, you typically need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, and strong legal research, writing, and litigation skills. Familiarity with federal court procedures, legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and case management systems is commonly required. Outstanding judgment, ethical integrity, persuasive communication, and the ability to work under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective prosecution or defense of federal cases, uphold justice, and maintain public trust in the legal system.
More about Assistant Us Attorney jobs
What cities are hiring for Assistant Us Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Assistant Us Attorney job openings:
What states have the most Assistant Us Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Us Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assistant Us Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 9% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 41% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,445 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

$76K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Summary
This announcement will fill multiple permanent Assistant U.S. Attorney appointments in the Appellate Division. This is an open, continuous announcement that will close no later than September 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first review no earlier than 10 business days after the date this announcement posts. Additional reviews of applications will be conducted periodically, after the initial review, until all positions are filled.
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Duties
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This Assistant U.S. Attorney will be primarily assigned to our Appellate Division and responsible for researching and drafting briefs and motions for filing in the Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, orally arguing cases in front of the appellate court, handling habeas corpus matters and other special projects (e.g., compassionate release matters) in district courts, participating in moot courts to prepare other AUSAs for oral argument, and providing research, brief review/edits, and general legal support for AUSAs in the Criminal and Civil Divisions. Briefs will involve a wide variety of constitutional, statutory, and other claims arising under substantive and procedural federal criminal and civil law that will include responding to defense appeals and filing affirmative appeals challenging district court decisions or orders.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
United States citizenship is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants should possess first-rate analytical abilities, good judgment, strong writing skills, excellent communication abilities, and litigation experience. Applicants should exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and employees of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree.
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $76,748.00 to $197,100.00 which includes 17.06% locality pay.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
* * *
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Travel: 2 to 3 weeks per year.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
EEO Statement: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.