Assistant United States Attorney

United States Attorneys' Offices; Fairview Heights (IL); On-site; USD 78,695 - 184,647; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health benefits

Telework

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices in Fairview Heights, IL, is seeking an experienced Assistant United States Attorney for the Criminal Division. The position involves prosecuting federal criminal cases, rotating among specialized units, and participating in trial advocacy.

Candidates must have a J.D. degree, active legal bar membership, and preferably three years of litigation experience. The role offers a competitive pay range, with additional benefits such as paid leave and retirement participation.

Qualifications

• Active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
• United States citizenship.
• Three years of post-J.D. litigation experience preferred.
• Admission to Illinois bar preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal criminal prosecutions.
• Perform legal research and writing.
• Prepare attorney correspondence and pleadings.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal research

Trial advocacy

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Summary

Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Division – Fairview Heights, IL. This is an open‑continuous announcement. First‑round consideration will be given to applications submitted by April 20, 2026, 11:59 pm EDT. Thereafter, review of applications will be conducted periodically to fill additional positions as they become available.

Job Description

The United States Attorneys Office (USAO), Southern District of Illinois, seeks experienced, highly qualified attorneys for litigation and trial advocacy. Responsibilities include prosecuting federal criminal cases in the Criminal Division, which is divided into Fraud and Corruption, Violent Crimes, and Dangerous Drugs units.

Responsibilities

Prosecutor of federal criminal prosecutions and related matters; rotate among units as needed; serve as a team member with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies; perform legal research and writing; prepare day‑to‑day correspondence and pleadings; work independently in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree and active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
• United States citizenship.
• Three years of post‑J.D. litigation experience (preferred).
• Admission to Illinois bar (preferred).

Requirements

• United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment conditioned upon satisfactory preemployment adjudication (fingerprint, credit, tax checks, drug testing).
• Selective Service registration if applicable.
• Residence within the district or within 25 miles thereof.
• 2‑year probationary period with opportunity for continued employment upon written certification.

Education

J.D. degree required.

Salary and Benefits

Basic pay range: $78,695.00 to $184,647.00, including 20.03% locality pay.

Other benefits: paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, Federal Employees Retirement System participation.

Relocation Expenses

Not authorized.

Conflict of Interest

Applicants must disclose if they currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which the Office is involved or if a family member does so.

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.