Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Posted: February 26, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Department of Justice
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Salary
$80,994 - $197,100
per year
Type
Full-Time
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This job is for an Assistant United States Attorney focused on handling criminal appeals in federal court, where you'll write legal briefs, argue cases, and advise other prosecutors on complex issues.
It's ideal for experienced lawyers passionate about public service who excel in legal writing and have a background in criminal law.
The role involves representing the government in appeals across various criminal matters in Chicago.
This announcement is to fill many positions. Depending on the need of the office, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D.
degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years of post-J.D. experience.
Your application materials should demonstrate excellent academics, significant appellate experience, criminal law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a commitment to public service.
Prior federal criminal prosecution experience in NDIL or another District is not required, but candidates with such experience are encouraged and will be given serious consideration.
United States citizenship is required. Major Duties:
The Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Office is accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) openings in its Appeals Section, Criminal Division in Chicago, Illinois.
The applicant selected will represent the U.S. Government as an AUSA in a wide range of unique and complex criminal appeals.
Responsibilities will include working on direct and post-conviction appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit involving the full range of criminal cases that the District prosecutes.
Appellate AUSAs draft briefs and present oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, procedural, and sentencing issues in appeals arising from the Criminal Division.
Appellate AUSAs also review and edit briefs drafted by their colleagues, and participate in moot courts to prepare AUSAs for oral arguments.
In addition, Appellate AUSAs assist with complex district court litigation, monitor developing areas of caselaw, and provide advice to other prosecutors on significant legal issues.
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.
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