Summary
This is an open continuous announcement intended to solicit applications to fill immediate and future vacancies. Applicant lists will be reviewed and referred on June 1, 2026, and every two weeks thereafter until the vacancies are filled, but no later than November 19, 2026.
Responsibilities
Use your law degree to make a difference! We are seeking talented attorneys to represent the United States in criminal cases as Assistant United States Attorneys. Do justice for your community while honing your trial skills against a talented defense bar before an excellent federal bench. If you are looking for real courtroom experience and decision-making authority over case investigation and trial strategy, this job is for you. We seek only the best because this important work demands the best. This vacancy is in our headquarters office in the City of Grand Rapids, MI, West Michigan's most vibrant city, and its artistic and cultural hub, located just a short drive from the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. As an AUSA, you will be part of the backbone of the Department of Justice, indispensable in carrying out our mission to uphold the law, and keep our country and community safe. AUSAs are entrusted with significant autonomy to use their judgment and professional skill to pursue justice and do the right thing under the law and Department policies. Criminal Division AUSAs lead the investigation, prosecution, and appeals of a wide variety of important and often complex subject matters, including: National Security Economic and Cyber Crime Domestic Terrorism Public Corruption and Health Care Fraud Violent and Firearms Offenses Drug Trafficking Human Exploitation AUSAs routinely lead cases from initial intake and grand jury investigation, through indictment, pretrial litigation, trial, and appeals. We work closely with federal, state, and local investigative agencies to help disrupt the most serious criminal threats facing our communities. And we advocate extensively, in writing and on our feet, before our U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. As an AUSA in the Western District of Michigan, you will become part of an outstanding team of attorneys and support professionals dedicated to working together in pursuit of our vital mission. We tailor our training, mentorship, and development programs to fit the needs of each attorney as they join our office. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $76,748.00 to $180,078.00 which includes 17.06% locality pay. Recruitment and Relocation Incentives available upon approval by Executive Office. Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes such things as paid vacation sick leave paid federal holidays life insurance health benefits participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System participation in the Thrift Savings Program with employer matching contributions potential signing bonus (recruitment incentive) Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees. For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html 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), and have at least 1 year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Applicant must have superior oral and written advocacy skills; strong interpersonal skills; good judgment; and the capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree