Assistant United States Attorney

United States Attorneys' Offices; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 76,748 - 197,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health benefits

Telework

Life insurance

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices in Harrisburg is seeking an Assistant United States Attorney to handle defensive litigation for the Civil Division. Candidates must have a J.D. degree and be an active member of the bar. Responsibilities include managing litigation processes and complex cases.

A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including paid vacation and health benefits. The basic salary range is $76,748 to $197,100 based on years of experience.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
• Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction by entry on duty.
• Current law students qualifying for the July 2026 bar examination may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Handle defensive litigation for the Civil Division.
• Perform all stages of litigation including drafting pleadings and negotiating settlements.
• Manage increasingly complex assignments as experience grows.

Skills

Independent working

Analytical judgment

Oral advocacy

Writing skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Summary

The United States Attorney's Office prosecutes federal criminal offenses, seeks recovery of government funds fraudulently obtained, litigates affirmative civil fraud and enforcement actions, and defends the U.S. Government's interest in civil cases. The Middle District of Pennsylvania office has staff in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and an unstaffed office in Wilkes‑Barre.

Responsibilities

• Handle defensive litigation for the Civil Division, including inmate litigation, habeas corpus, complex defensive matters such as personal injury, medical malpractice, constitutional torts, and employment discrimination.
• Perform all stages of litigation: motion practice, drafting pleadings, conducting witness interviews, taking depositions, and negotiating settlements.
• Assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress.

Policies

• Security Requirements: Initial appointment conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment requires a favorable background investigation.
• Residency Requirements: Must reside in the district or within 25 miles. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for specifics.
• Selective Service: Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt.

Requirements

• United States Citizen or National.
• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active membership in the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction by entry on duty date. Current law students qualifying for the July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Resident of the district or within 25 miles.

Qualifications

• Required: J.D. with bar membership and U.S. citizenship. Demonstrated ability to work independently in a demanding environment.
• Preferred: Superior academic record, strong analytical judgment, excellent oral advocacy and writing skills, superior research and writing abilities, and strong interpersonal skills.

Education

Applicant must possess a J.D. degree by the Entry on Duty (EOD) date.

Salary Information

Assistant United States Attorney pay is determined based on years of professional experience. The basic pay range is \$76,748 to \$197,100, which includes locality pay.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Relocation Expenses

Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

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. More information can be found here.