Assistant United States Attorney (Project Safe Neighborhood)
What you'd do
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 is to fill several positions. Depending on the need of the office, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
Major duties
The Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Office is accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) openings in its Criminal Division, for a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) AUSA, in Chicago, Illinois. The applicant selected will represent the U.S. Government as an AUSA focusing on the investigation and prosecution of firearms-related offenses. PSN AUSAs will collaborate with law enforcement partners-especially the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)-to conduct responsive and proactive investigations of firearms offenses, and will be responsible for the full life cycle of these cases, from the initial investigation, through charging, resolution by guilty plea or trial, sentencing, and as appropriate appeal. PSN AUSAs may be considered for transfer to another section in the Criminal Division upon completion of four years of service. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. 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 jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years of post-J.D. experience. Your application materials should demonstrate excellent academics, significant litigation experience, criminal law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a commitment to public service. Prior federal or state prosecution experience is preferred, and candidates with such experience will be given serious consideration. United States citizenship is required. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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