Assistant United States Attorney (Open Continuous)

United States Attorneys' Offices; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 76,748 - 180,078; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Paid federal holidays

Life insurance

Health benefits

Retirement system participation

Thrift Savings Program participation

Potential signing bonus

Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program

Job summary

The United States Attorneys' Offices are seeking qualified candidates for the position of Assistant United States Attorneys in Grand Rapids, MI. The role involves representing the U.S. in criminal cases, conducting investigations, and leading prosecutions.

Ideal candidates must hold a J.D. degree, be active bar members, and have at least one year of relevant experience. The position offers competitive salaries based on experience, with extensive benefits included.

Qualifications

• Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• United States citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead criminal cases from initial intake through to appeals.
• Collaborate with law enforcement to address serious crimes.
• Advocate in court proceedings.

Skills

Oral and written advocacy skills

Interpersonal skills

Good judgment

Capacity to function independently

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Job Overview

This is an open continuous announcement intended to solicit applications to fill immediate and future vacancies. Applicant lists will be reviewed and referred on June 1, 2026, and every two weeks thereafter until the vacancies are filled, but no later than November 19, 2026.

This vacancy is in our headquarters office in the City of Grand Rapids, MI, West Michigan's most vibrant city, an artistic and cultural hub located just a short drive from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

Responsibilities

Assistant United States Attorneys represent the United States in criminal cases, lead investigations, prosecutions, and appeals. Responsibilities include:

• AUSAs routinely lead cases from initial intake and grand jury investigation, through indictment, pretrial litigation, trial, and appeals.
• Work closely with federal, state, and local investigative agencies to disrupt serious criminal threats.
• Advocate extensively, in writing and on our feet, before the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
• Mandated responsibilities increase and assignments become more complex as training and experience progress.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. degree.
• Active member of the bar in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• United States citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Superior oral and written advocacy skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills; good judgment.
• Capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.

Salary Information

Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The basic pay range is $76,748.00 to $180,078.00, which includes 17.06% locality pay.

Recruitment and relocation incentives may be available upon approval by Executive Office.

Benefits

• Paid vacation.
• Sick leave.
• Paid federal holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.
• Participation in the Thrift Savings Program with employer matching contributions.
• Potential signing bonus (recruitment incentive).
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program.

The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.

Security Requirements

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

Residency Requirements

Assistant United States Attorneys generally 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

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

Political Appointees

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office.

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.

Travel

Occasional travel.