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Us Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant US Attorney

Mobile, AL ยท On-site

$79K/yr

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With adverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 people, the mission of the Department of Justice is to ...

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Us Attorney information

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$40.5K

$98.3K

$192K

How much do us attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for us attorney in the United States is $98,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between US Attorney vs Public Defender?

AspectUS AttorneyPublic Defender
Required CredentialsJurisdiction-specific bar license, legal degree, and often federal experienceJurisdiction-specific bar license, legal degree, and often criminal law experience
Work EnvironmentFederal government offices, courtroom prosecutionPublic defender offices, courtroom defense
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, federal criminal prosecutionPublic defender agencies, criminal defense for indigent clients

US Attorneys and Public Defenders both work within the criminal justice system, but US Attorneys prosecute federal crimes on behalf of the government, while Public Defenders defend individuals who cannot afford private attorneys. Both roles require legal credentials and courtroom experience, but their responsibilities and employer settings differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a US Attorney, you need a law degree (JD), strong litigation skills, and admission to the relevant state bar. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and federal court procedures is essential. Outstanding written and oral communication, ethical judgment, and leadership make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure effective prosecution or defense of cases, uphold justice, and maintain public trust in the legal system.

What are U.S. Attorneys and what do they do?

U.S. Attorneys are federal prosecutors who represent the United States government in federal court cases. They are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases brought by the federal government, defending the United States in civil litigation, and handling appeals in their respective districts. Each of the 94 federal judicial districts has a U.S. Attorney who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Their work is crucial in enforcing federal laws and ensuring justice at the federal level.

What are some common challenges faced by a US Attorney when managing multiple cases simultaneously?

US Attorneys often juggle a high volume of complex cases, each with strict deadlines and significant legal implications. Balancing these demands requires strong time management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to quickly adapt to shifting priorities. Additionally, US Attorneys must coordinate with law enforcement agencies, other attorneys, and support staff, which can add logistical challenges. Navigating these responsibilities successfully is crucial for maintaining case integrity and upholding the interests of justice.
What cities are hiring for Us Attorney jobs? Cities with the most Us Attorney job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Us Attorney jobs? The most popular types of Us Attorney jobs are:
What states have the most Us Attorney jobs? States with the most job openings for Us Attorney jobs include:
Infographic showing various Us Attorney job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,330 per year, or $47.3 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.
Learn more about this agency
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.
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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.
Review our benefits
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.