Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
What you'd do
The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania is seeking federal prosecutors to join one of the largest and most prestigious offices in the country to combat gang violence, cartel networks, and high-dollar corporate and government fraud. As an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), you will be leading investigations and prosecutions of serious federal crimes and holding the most dangerous offenders accountable. This is more than a job - it is a calling.
Major duties
We are hiring for positions across our criminal division: Violent Crimes, Narcotics & Organized Crime, Public Corruption & Civil Rights, Economic Crimes, Healthcare Fraud, and National Security & Cyber Crimes units. Candidates who have federal criminal trial experience may apply to join the white-collar divisions (Economic Crimes, Healthcare Fraud, Public Corruption & Civil Rights), and we are looking for talented and motivated lawyers driven to hunt and prosecute violent offenders, gangs, and cartel members and their associates to join our Violent Crimes or Narcotics & Organized Crime sections. Our office fosters a collaborative, team-oriented environment. AUSAs typically develop deep experience within a primary unit while also having the opportunity to work on investigations and prosecutions across multiple subject-matter areas, building a broad and impactful practice. Step into a role where your work directly protects communities and upholds the rule of law. As an AUSA in the Criminal Division, you will: Lead high-impact federal investigations and prosecutions - tackling violent crimes, drug trafficking, fraud, public corruption, and immigration offenses Build cases from the ground up, partnering with federal agents, developing evidence, and shaping investigative and trial strategy Stand in court on behalf of the United States - advocating with clarity, precision, and conviction Negotiate, litigate, and try cases that carry real consequences for public safety and national interests No two days are the same - With each case, your responsibility expands - and so does your impact. Positions are available in the following units: For those with significant federal trial experience and an interest in pursuing white collar criminals motivated by greed and abuse of power: Healthcare Fraud Unit Economic Crimes Unit Public Corruption Unit For those committed to confronting the most dangerous threats to our communities: Violent Crimes Unit Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit We are seeking attorneys who bring intensity, sound judgment, and strategic thinking to complex investigations. Successful candidates will manage significant, multi-defendant prosecutions that deliver measurable results for public safety. They will develop and execute sophisticated litigation strategies, present compelling arguments in court, and produce written work that is clear, concise, and analytically rigorous. This role demands initiative and ownership. AUSAs are empowered to identify emerging threats, open and drive investigations, and work closely with law enforcement and agency partners to pursue the cases that matter most. If you're ready to take the lead in the courtroom and make a lasting impact, this is where you do it. Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, 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 he or she is 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. See www.sss.gov.
What you need to qualify
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Hiring preferences include sharp analytical thinker with strong writing and courtroom skills, a strong academic record, federal clerkship, and a commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility and public service. Candidates for the white-collar sections should have a demonstrated proficiency in white-collar/fraud related cases/investigations or federal criminal trial experience. The ideal candidate will have three or more years of post-J.D. experience litigating cases with substantial responsibility for all aspects of discovery and trial.
Before you apply
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