Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)
What you'd do
The mission of the United States Attorney's Office, District of Hawaii, is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States, provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to administer and enforce the Nation's laws to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.
Major duties
The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii is seeking applications from experienced attorneys for two vacancies in its Criminal Division. We are looking for motivated, results-oriented litigators who want to serve the public, practice in Hawaii, and work on high-stakes criminal prosecutions as part of a close, professional team. Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division prosecute a wide range of complex federal cases, including drug trafficking, violent crime, firearms offenses, fraud, public corruption, financial and tax crime, export control violations, child exploitation, civil rights offenses, money laundering, organized crime, terrorism and national security offenses, computer crime, wildlife, and various other federal crimes. Assistant United States Attorneys handle cases at every stage, from investigation and grand jury proceedings through hearings, trial, sentencing, appeal, and post-conviction litigation. Day-to-day work includes partnering with law enforcement on investigations, drafting and reviewing legal process, managing discovery, litigating detention and suppression issues, trying cases, briefing and arguing appeals before the Ninth Circuit, and handling restitution and forfeiture matters. Few positions offer the level of experience, responsibility, and opportunity that comes with serving as an Assistant United States Attorney. 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.For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visithttp://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html
What you need to qualify
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: The District seeks attorneys who have outstanding legal ability, excellent writing skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, high moral character, and mature judgment. Litigationexperience, including trial experience, is strongly preferred. Experience in federal court also is preferred. Assistant United States Attorneys work closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement, as well as colleagues and support staff, and must work effectively and collegially as part of a team committed to carrying out the Department of Justice's mission. AUSAs receive training by the U.S. Department of Justice and by the U.S. Attorney's Office. 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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