Assistant United States Attorney (Appellate)
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
RecentPosted Feb 4
✓ Fresh Listing
Posted: February 17, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
Department of Justice
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Salary
$85,796 - $197,100
per year
Type
Full-Time
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Job Description
Summary
This job is for an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division, where you'll represent the government in prosecuting a variety of complex criminal cases in federal court, starting with training and advancing to more challenging assignments.
It's ideal for lawyers with a strong background in litigation and criminal law who are passionate about public service and ready to handle high-stakes legal work.
The role demands excellent writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build cases under pressure.
Key Requirements
- J.D. degree from an accredited law school
- Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction
- At least 2 years of post-J.D. legal experience
- Significant litigation experience, preferably in criminal law
- Strong legal writing and research skills
- United States citizenship
- Successful background investigation, including security checks, credit, tax, and drug testing
Full Job Description
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 litigation experience, criminal law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a commitment to public service.
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 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 cases.
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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