Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Open Continuous in , us

Summary

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia (DC) serves as both the local and federal prosecutor for the nation's capital. Local AUSAs assigned to the Superior Court Division prosecute misdemeanors to homicides. Federal AUSAs assigned to the Criminal Division prosecute federal crimes. The Civil Division advances U.S. interests in civil suits brought in the DC.

Responsibilities

ACE AUSAs investigate and bring affirmative civil actions on behalf of the United States. These matters involve potential violations of the False Claims Act with respect to health‑care fraud, government contract or procurement fraud, cybersecurity fraud, and grant fraud. They may also involve enforcement of administrative civil penalties, administrative subpoenas, immigration laws, conflict‑of‑interest laws, civil rights laws, civil asset forfeiture, and other affirmative civil litigation on behalf of the United States.

This AUSA will work closely with other divisions of DOJ and federal law‑enforcement agencies and may be required to coordinate with criminal AUSAs and/or state prosecutors. Many False Claims Act cases are brought through qui‑tam actions, in which AUSAs work with whistleblowers and their counsel from case inception through trial.

Job duties include independently overseeing investigations, preparing subpoenas, interviewing witnesses, marshaling evidence, coordinating with law enforcement, negotiating settlements, conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda, preparing and answering written discovery, taking and defending depositions or examinations, and representing the United States at trial and on appeal.

There are also opportunities for ACE AUSAs who express interest to be staffed on civil cases defending the United States in order to gain further trial experience and appellate experience, including oral argument at the D.C. Circuit.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress.

Qualifications

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one year post‑J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience (minimum three years required). United States citizenship is required.

Applicants must have significant litigation experience, superior oral communication skills, and a demonstrated capacity to independently move multiple investigations or litigation forward simultaneously. All qualification requirements must be met upon the closing date of this announcement.

Experience includes paid and unpaid experience, such as volunteer work through Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations. Volunteer experience is counted.

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

Applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or be exempt. See

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a United States citizen.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing.
• Continued employment is subject to a favorable background investigation.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for SCI access depending on assignment.

Security Requirements

Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Failure to obtain a favorable adjudication may result in removal from federal service. After conversion to permanent position, a two‑year probationary period applies; failure to perform successfully may result in removal.

Salary Information

Assistant United States Attorney pay is administratively determined based, in part, on years of professional attorney experience. The basic pay ranges are $70,442 to $171,487 or $94,350 to $197,100, which includes 33.94 % locality pay.

Benefits

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

Travel

Occasional travel may be required.

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, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, political affiliation, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor. More information can be found at

Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs

Unless otherwise required by law, the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits employees of the U.S. Department of Justice from inquiring about an applicant's criminal history before the individual receives a conditional offer of employment. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation may submit a written complaint within 30 days of the date of the alleged non‑compliance directly to the hiring office.

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.