Assistant U.S. Attorney (Civil) - Open Continuous

US-Executive-Office-For-U.S.-Attorneys-and-the-Office-of-the-U.S.-Attorneys-; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa invites applications for an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) to join the Des Moines headquarters. The office seeks candidates with a J.D.

degree, active bar membership, and substantial litigation and research experience. Qualified applicants will meet all listed requirements; the office emphasizes strong oral and written communication, integrity, and the ability to work with diverse teams in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active bar membership required.
• At least two years of post-J.D. legal or relevant experience.
• Three years of post-J.D. litigation experience preferred, with extensive research and writing.

Responsibilities

• Litigate and manage a docket of cases requiring extensive research and writing.
• Collaborate with attorneys, support staff, and client agencies; mentor and evaluate junior attorneys.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Judgment/Integrity

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa employs approximately 30 Assistant United States Attorneys. The District's headquarters office is located in Des Moines. The District has staffed branch offices in Davenport and Council Bluffs, which serve the District's eastern and western divisions.

More information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa can be found at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia

Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least two-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. At least three years of post-J.D. litigation experience is preferred, with extensive research and writing experience.

Preferred qualifications: Possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment, and a demonstrated record of integrity. Interested AUSAs or government attorneys must have at least a successful evaluation for the past year. All applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) and not have received any disciplinary action within the past three years from the date of the application. In addition, applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies, and the ability to lead, motivate, mentor, and evaluate other highly qualified attorneys.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Assessment Process:

• Initial Cut-off Date: Applications received by November 5, 2026 will receive first consideration.
• Subsequent Cut-of Dates: Additional reviews will occur every as needed by the agency.
• Duration of Eligibility: Your application will remain active for 3 months from the date of submission. To maintain eligibility after this period, you must re-apply or update your application.