Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Summary

This is an open-continuous announcement for Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division of our Roanoke, Charlottesville and Abingdon, VA offices. This announcement will remain open until all available positions are filled. Primary consideration will be given to applicants who apply by July 2, 2026. Additional applicants will be reviewed and referred every two weeks thereafter until the vacancies are filled, but no later than December 31, 2026.

Duties

The mission of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Virginia ("USAO-WDVA") is to enforce our Nation's laws to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, to provide federal leadership in preventing and reducing crime, and to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior. We strive to build a stronger office through in-depth recruitment efforts and maintain our high standards by promoting professional development. The Western District of Virginia covers approximately 60 percent of Virginia's land area and serves a population of 2.2 million. It comprises 52 counties and 18 independent cities. Currently, over thirty (30) Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) assigned to the Western District prosecute cases and represent the United States in a wide variety of complex civil matters in Roanoke, Charlottesville, Abingdon, Harrisonburg, and Lynchburg. An appointment as an AUSA offers a unique and challenging experience for a highly motivated attorney: the opportunity to handle their own caseload in which they investigate and prosecute a wide variety of federal criminal offenses including white collar crime, public corruption, organized crime, violent crime, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, child exploitation crimes, and other offenses. An emphasis will be placed on cases involving immigration enforcement, national security and public safety. An AUSA engaged in this challenging work should expect to spend time developing cases with federal agents and investigators, researching and writing, and preparing for trials, sentencings, and other hearings. 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction). United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: A federal clerkship and/or experience litigating in federal court is preferred. Only applicants with strong academic records, superior legal research and writing skills, and sound judgment will be considered. Please note: the Department of Justice generally prohibits its attorneys from engaging in the compensated outside practice of law, with the exception of law professors. Attorneys in this category are employed to teach law and are not otherwise engaged in the compensated outside practice of law. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree