Assistant United States Attorney

Department of Justice Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys (190 current openings) Rochester, New York Full-time Security Clearance: Other
Application Deadline:
2026-11-30
Posted:
2026-08-12
Salary: $65,563 – $171,487 per year (AD-21)

Salary context

Based on 293 annual-salary jobs in the same occupational series. This role pays below most similar positions.

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Qualifications: The District seeks attorneys who have outstanding legal ability, high moral character, mature judgment, and demonstrated excellence in criminal trials. 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: The ideal candidate will have (1) legal practice and trial experience related to criminal prosecution; (2) quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues involved with a case; (3) superior oral, trial, and writing skills, as well as strong research and interpersonal skills; (4) ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with the court, other attorneys, support staff and client agencies; (5) capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding litigative environment; and (6) excellent computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research, electronic court filing, electronic e-mail and word processing systems. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

Position Overview

In all matters, it is our mission to represent the people of the United States in a manner that will instill confidence in the fairness and integrity of our office and the judicial system, and to conduct our work with the highest integrity. We strive to perform our mission in the most efficient and effective manner. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny This position is located in Rochester, New York.

Duties

  • Employment with the U.5. Attorney's Office offers a unique and challenging experience for the highly motivated attorney. Working in the Criminal Division, you will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal laws that protect life, liberty, and property. The District prosecutes the full range of federal criminal cases. Our mission 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. We strive to build a stronger office through recruitment efforts and maintain the high standards of the office by promoting professional development. We seek to build a legacy of excellence. ln all matters, our aim is to represent the people of the United States in a manner that will instill confidence in the fairness and integrity of our office and the judicial system and conduct our work with the highest integrity. Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division are responsible for the investigation and prosecution of cases involving cartels, foreign terrorist organizations and other organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, Violent crime, alien smuggling, illegal immigration, child exploitation, firearms trafficking and possession, cyber offenses, and schemes to defraud, including elder fraud and government program fraud. The successful applicant will be responsible for all phases of criminal investigation and prosecution to enforce federal laws, including providing guidance to law enforcement officers, using a variety of investigative techniques, initiating criminal charges, handling all aspects of pre-trial and post-trial litigation, conducting grand jury proceedings and felony trials, and handling appeals Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. This announcement will remain open until filled. 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.