Assistant United States Attorney (Civil)

United States Attorneys' Offices; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,796 - 197,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Health benefits

Life insurance

Telework

Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices in Chicago is seeking an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Civil Division. The role involves representing the United States in various civil litigation matters and requires a J.D. degree and membership in the bar.

Applicants must have 1-2 years of relevant experience and demonstrate strong legal writing skills. The position offers a salary range of $85,796 to $197,100 and a comprehensive benefits package, including telework and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Active member of the bar.
• 1-2 years of relevant legal experience.

Responsibilities

• Represent the U.S. in civil litigation.
• Handle increasingly complex legal assignments.

Skills

Litigation experience

Legal writing

Public service commitment

Strong academics

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Summary

Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) opening in the Civil Division, Chicago. The announcement is open and will close on September 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Responsibilities

The selected applicant will represent the United States, its agencies, and officials in a wide range of defensive and affirmative civil litigation. Assignments will increase in complexity as training and experience progress.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing.
• Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
• You must reside in the district to which you are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: A J.D. degree (or equivalent), an active member in good standing of any U.S. bar, and at least 1–2 years of post‑J.D. legal or other relevant experience. United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications: Excellent academics, significant litigation experience, civil law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Salary and Benefits

Assistant United States Attorneys’ pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The basic pay range is $85,796 to $197,100, which includes 30.86% locality pay. Benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. Relocation expenses will not be paid.

Travel

Some travel may be required, but it is not on a regular basis.

Security Requirements

Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication (fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing). Continued employment requires a favorable background investigation.

Political Appointees

If you are a current or former political appointee within the last five years, you must disclose this information and Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize the employment offer.

Conflict of Interest

Applicants should comply with relevant rules of professional conduct regarding potential conflicts of interest. Notify the Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters related to this Office, or if a family member does so, so that potential conflicts or disqualifications can be evaluated.

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: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.