ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Federal Prosecutor Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Jobot

Patent Prosecution Attorney

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$285K/yr

It is Jobot's policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting ... patent-prosecution #patent-preparation #organic-chemistry #materials-science #genetics ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFederal Prosecutor JobsFederal Prosecutor Jobs in Washington, DC

Federal Prosecutor information

See Washington, DC salary details

$27.4K

$97.1K

$169.1K

How much do federal prosecutor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal prosecutor in Washington, DC is $97,070.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,640.00 and $119,176.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal prosecutor?

Federal prosecutors, also known as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), are lawyers who represent the United States government in criminal and civil cases at the federal level. Their primary responsibility is to prosecute individuals and organizations accused of violating federal laws. They work for the U.S. Department of Justice and handle cases ranging from white-collar crimes and drug offenses to terrorism and public corruption. Federal prosecutors also advise law enforcement agencies during investigations and may participate in plea negotiations, trials, and appeals.

How does a federal prosecutor typically collaborate with law enforcement agencies during an investigation?

Federal prosecutors work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and prosecution of cases. They provide legal guidance during investigations, review evidence, and help determine the appropriate charges. Regular meetings and communication are essential to coordinate strategies, ensure proper handling of evidence, and prepare for court proceedings. This collaborative approach ensures cases are built on solid legal and factual grounds, often involving teamwork with agents from agencies like the FBI, DEA, or ATF.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a federal prosecutor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Prosecutor, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, bar admission, strong legal research and litigation skills, and a deep understanding of federal law and criminal procedure. Familiarity with legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, case management systems, and certification in trial advocacy can be valuable. Excellent written and oral communication, analytical thinking, and sound judgment are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are critical for building strong cases, ensuring justice, and upholding the rule of law in complex federal matters.

What is the difference between Federal Prosecutor vs District Attorney?

AspectFederal ProsecutorDistrict Attorney
CredentialsJurisdictions vary, but typically require a law degree and bar admission; often have federal legal experienceLaw degree and bar admission; local legal experience preferred
Work EnvironmentFederal courts, federal agencies, and offices handling federal crimesLocal courts, county offices, and handling state and local crimes
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, federal agenciesCounty governments, local jurisdictions
Common Search & ComparisonFederal Prosecutor vs District Attorney

The main difference between a Federal Prosecutor and a District Attorney lies in their jurisdiction and scope of work. Federal Prosecutors handle cases involving federal laws across multiple states, working within federal agencies and courts. District Attorneys serve at the local level, prosecuting state and local crimes within a specific county. Both roles require legal credentials and courtroom experience, but they operate in different legal systems and environments.

How competitive are federal prosecutor jobs?

Federal prosecutor jobs are highly competitive, often attracting many qualified applicants due to the prestige, salary, and opportunities for impactful work. Candidates typically need a strong legal background, relevant experience, and competitive academic credentials to succeed in the hiring process.

How do you become a federal prosecutor?

To become a federal prosecutor, you typically need a bachelor's degree followed by a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. After passing the bar exam and gaining legal experience, often through working as a lawyer or in related legal roles, candidates can apply for federal prosecutor positions, which may require passing a background check and demonstrating strong legal skills and knowledge of federal law.

Is it hard to be a federal prosecutor?

Being a federal prosecutor is a challenging career that requires a law degree, passing the bar exam, and often several years of legal experience. The role involves handling complex cases, working under high pressure, and maintaining high ethical standards, making it a demanding but rewarding profession.

What are popular job titles related to Federal Prosecutor jobs in Washington, DC?

For Federal Prosecutor jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Federal Prosecutor jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Prosecutor jobs in Washington, DC are:

Federal Prosecutor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Prosecutor job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,070 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Open Continuous

Washington, DC • On-site

Department of Justice
See more jobs at Department of Justiceexternal

$87K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC) is unique in the size and the scope of its work. It serves as both the local and the federal prosecutor for the nation's capital. Assistant United States Attorney's (AUSA) assigned to the Criminal Division prosecute a broad range of U.S. Code violations in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Qualifications:Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one year post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience. A minimum of three years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience is preferred.
You must be a United States Citizen or National.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a prosecutor, including complex investigation, substantive writing, and multiple jury trials, or other significant experience that can make a unique contribution to the work of the Criminal Division. A judicial clerkship and experience as federal prosecutor are preferred. Additionally, the ideal candidate's work experience will demonstrate the following: a commitment to public service and the rule of law; high moral character; sound judgment; a strong work ethic; superior communication and advocacy skills before judges and juries; exceptional research and writing ability; thorough legal and factual analysis; an ability to work well with others; and an ability to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
The ideal candidate will have conducted at least five jury trials as co-chair or first chair.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:Applicants must possess a J.D. DegreeEmployment Type: OTHER

Apply