Assistant United States Attorney (Financial Litigation Program)

United States Attorneys' Offices; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 82,655 - 197,100; Full time

Job summary

The Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Office is seeking an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division, Financial Litigation Program (FLP) to advance collection of criminal and civil debts owed to victims and to the United States.

AUSAs in the FLP handle asset investigations, garnishments, turnover orders, and unwinding fraudulent transfers, working with the Criminal and Civil Divisions. Training will expand duties and complexity over time.

Qualifications

• J.D. degree (or equivalent).
• Active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 2 years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• United States citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Work in the Civil Division, Financial Litigation Program to recover debts owed to victims and the United States.
• Conduct asset investigations and garnishments to maximize recoveries.
• Obtain turnover orders and unwind fraudulent transfers of assets.
• Collaborate with Criminal and Civil Divisions on pre- and post-judgment matters.

Skills

Active bar membership

U.S. citizenship

Post-J.D. experience

Education

J.D. degree (or equivalent)

Job description

Summary

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will close no later than September 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. This announcement has been updated to reflect a change in the application process. This announcement is to fill one position; however, depending on the needs of the office, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Duties

The Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Office is accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney in the Civil Division, Financial Litigation Program (FLP). The FLP oversees collection of criminal and civil debts owed to victims of federal crime and to the United States. AUSAs in the FLP conduct asset investigations, pursue garnishments of wages, obtain turnover orders for debtors’ assets, and seek to unwind fraudulent transfers of assets. The assigned AUSA works closely with counterparts in the Criminal and Civil Divisions, pre‑judgment and post‑judgment, to maximize financial recoveries for victims and the government. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex with training and experience.

Security Requirements

Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

Residency Requirements

Assistants United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district‑specific information.

Selective Service

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify that they have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from registration.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication as described above. Continued employment is subject to a favorable 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.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district‑specific information.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• J.D. degree (or equivalent).
• Active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 1‑year post‑J.D. legal or other relevant experience (minimum 2 years required).
• United States citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent academics.
• Significant litigation experience.
• Financial litigation experience.
• Bankruptcy law experience.
• Strong legal writing skills.
• Commitment to public service.

Political Appointees (Current or Former)

Employment offers to current or former political appointees must be authorized by the Office of Personnel Management. Current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C or non‑career SES employees in the Executive Branch must disclose this information to HR; failure to disclose may result in disciplinary action, including removal from federal service.

Salary Information

Assistant United States Attorneys’ pay is determined administratively based on years of professional attorney experience. The basic pay range is $82,655 to $197,100, including 30.86% 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.

Travel

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

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.

Candidate Expectations

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.