Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) - Asset Forfeiture

This position is located in Birmingham, Alabama, within the Northern District of Alabama, which encompasses the northern half of the state with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville. The office handles cases in Birmingham, Huntsville, Tuscaloosa, and Anniston. Birmingham is a vibrant metro area offering diverse dining, education, and lifestyle options.

About the role

The Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in this position will work in the Criminal Section, focusing on asset forfeiture, criminal and civil debt collection, and money laundering prosecutions. The role involves pursuing civil and criminal forfeiture of property tied to criminal activity, a key component of the Department of Justice's efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations, including fraudsters, human traffickers, transnational drug cartels, and cyber criminals.

The unit's primary goals are to punish and deter criminal activity by depriving criminals of illicit gains and to recover assets for victim compensation when authorized by federal law. The AUSA will lead money laundering investigations, bring criminal charges, and resolve or try cases. They will also serve as a resource for other Criminal Division AUSAs on money laundering charges, financial investigations, and forfeiture issues.

Additionally, the AUSA will work within the Financial Litigation Program to oversee the collection of criminal and civil debts owed to victims and the United States. This includes conducting asset investigations, pursuing wage garnishments, obtaining turnover orders for debtors' assets, and unwinding fraudulent transfers. The AUSA will collaborate with other AUSAs in the Criminal and Civil Divisions to maximize financial recoveries for victims and the government. Responsibilities will expand and become more complex with experience.

Responsibilities

• Pursue civil and criminal forfeiture of property acquired through or used in criminal activity.
• Lead money laundering investigations and bring appropriate criminal charges.
• Resolve or try criminal cases related to money laundering and asset forfeiture.
• Serve as a resource to other AUSAs on money laundering charges, financial investigations, and forfeiture issues.
• Work within the Financial Litigation Program to collect criminal and civil debts owed to victims and the U.S. government.
• Conduct asset investigations, pursue wage garnishments, obtain turnover orders for debtors' assets, and unwind fraudulent transfers.
• Collaborate with AUSAs in the Criminal and Civil Divisions to maximize financial recoveries.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required.
• J.D. degree and active membership in the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• At least 3 years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• Must reside in the Northern District of Alabama or within 25 miles thereof.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks, as well as drug testing.
• Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• Selective Service registration is required for male applicants born after December 31, 1959, if applicable.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. degree and active bar membership in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• At least 3 years of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to function in a highly demanding environment with minimal guidance.
• Strong academic credentials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in asset forfeiture investigations and prosecutions or white-collar fraud litigation.

Pay

Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $83,290 to $197,100, which includes 18.24% locality pay.

Benefits

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Telework options.
• Life insurance and health benefits.
• Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Schedule

• 1 to 5 nights of travel may be required per month.