Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
What you'd do
Answer the call! If you're seeking more than just another job, consider a career in public service as a Federal prosecutor. The U.S. Attorney's Office in South Dakota proudly represents the United States in a manner that instills confidence in the fairness and integrity of the criminal justice system. Assistant U.S. Attorneys are charged with upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and ensuring the safety and security of our communities and nation.
Major duties
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JULY 13, 2026. Great Faces. Great Places. South Dakota is home to year-round hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports, the rich history and culture of nine Native American tribes, the world's longest cave system, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, historic Deadwood, more shoreline than Florida thanks to the Missouri River and our beautiful lakes, and of course, Mount Rushmore. If beautiful mountain scenery, rolling grasslands, wide open skies, striking landscapes, friendly people, shorter commutes, zero state income tax, and a state consistently ranked in the top 5 for overall personal freedom sounds like your best life-let's connect! The Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office in South Dakota is seeking exceptional, motivated attorneys to prosecute federal crime on behalf of the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorneys are entrusted with prosecutorial discretion over robust caseloads. Attorneys benefit tremendously from top-tier training and an experienced and dedicated team of colleagues who are experts in the field. There are few moments of professional satisfaction greater than the first time you are able to rise to introduce yourself to a judge in federal court and say: "I represent the United States of America." Work will be varied, never dull, and includes the prosecution of drug trafficking, child exploitation, violent crime, illegal immigration, firearms offenses, national security, cybercrime, and white-collar fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorneys partner with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, present criminal cases to a federal grand jury, research and brief legal issues, and represent the United States before the United States District Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Candidates should be capable of prosecuting Major Crimes Act violations in Indian Country including murder, child sex abuse, rape, and other violent crimes. The District of South Dakota is home to a dynamic, committed, and energy-filled environment of colleagues who are passionate about achieving justice on behalf of the United States. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress. This position may be extended or made permanent without further competition. More than one applicant may be selected from this announcement. Initial appointments are conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment background adjudication including fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
What you need to qualify
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by the entry on duty date. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate superior analytical ability; possess strong research, writing and courtroom skills; exercise fair and sound judgment; follow all Department of Justice and United States Attorney's Office policies; exhibit the ability to work collaboratively in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and law enforcement agencies; demonstrate superior communication skills; handle matters in court persuasively and justly on behalf of the United States of America; be devoted to excellence; and demonstrate a commitment to public service. Applicants with one year or more of criminal prosecutorial experience preferred. Applicants 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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