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Assistant Us Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... attorneys, support staff and client agencies, and must have a demonstrated capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment. Applicants will be expected to do their own ...

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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 Jul 23, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,445 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

$76K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary
If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a talented workforce of over 100,000 people, the mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. You will join a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty and the property of citizens.
http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html
These position are located in Lubbock, TX
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will serve in the Criminal Division of the Lubbock office. The position currently being filled will investigate and prosecute cases involving illegal immigration, illegal trafficking of dangerous drugs and human beings, and targeting the Cartels and Transitional Criminal Organizations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Duties to be performed:
  • Partner with federal, state, and local law enforcement to manage criminal investigations and prosecutions brought in the federal courts in the Northern District of Texas.
  • Advise federal agents on questions of law and Departmental policy.
  • Recommend charging decisions and proposes dispositions with regard to assigned cases.
  • Research and draft all legal pleadings and be prepared to try cases in federal court.
  • Investigate and pursue asset forfeiture related to prosecutions.
  • Oversee and coordinate the preparation of litigation assignments for legal support staff.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
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
  • at least 1* year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
  • United States citizenship is required.
  • Be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction)

Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues involved with a case; superior oral and writing skills as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment; excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies, and must have a demonstrated capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
Applicants will be expected to do their own legal research and writing and will be substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the Internet, electronic court filing, and electronic e-mail and word processing systems.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
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.
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 $73,939.00 to $173,485.00 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 Requirements: 1 to 5 nights of travel required per month
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.
EEO Statement/Policy: 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. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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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.