Assistant United States Attorney Civil

About the Role

The U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) for the District of Montana litigates all cases on behalf of the United States, prosecuting federal crimes and defending federal agencies. The Civil Division handles a wide array of cases at both the trial and appellate levels, including medical malpractice, endangered species, oil spills, civil rights, immigration, police pursuits, Native American relations, public lands access, wrongful death, employment discrimination, and constitutional issues. This position focuses on defensive civil litigation, covering all aspects from pre-trial planning, discovery, and motions to trials (bench and jury) and Ninth Circuit appellate arguments.

The office values diversity of experience and perspectives and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those from ethnic and racial backgrounds, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The position may be located in Missoula, Helena, or Billings, with responsibilities increasing as training and experience progress.

Responsibilities

• Represent the U.S. Government in court on a wide range of unique and complex civil cases in the District of Montana.
• Handle defensive civil litigation, including motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, trials (bench and jury), and Ninth Circuit appellate arguments.
• Manage cases involving torts, employment, administrative law (including environmental), Bivens, public lands, civil rights, and constitutional causes of action.
• Engage in every aspect of civil litigation from filing through pre-trial planning, discovery, pretrial motions, trial, and appeal.
• Progress to more complex assignments and increased responsibilities as training and experience advance.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required.
• J.D. degree and active membership in the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof (28 U.S.C. 545).
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks, and 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 (or equivalent) and active bar membership (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• United States citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills.
• High emotional quotient, interpersonal skills, and good judgment.
• Excellent advocacy and courtroom skills.
• Ability to work professionally with attorneys, support staff, and client agencies.
• Demonstrated capacity to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment.
• Excellent organizational capabilities, including tracking and meeting deadlines across multiple active cases.
• Excellent computer literacy, including experience with automated electronic court filing.

Pay

Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $76,748 to $200,743, which includes 17.06% locality pay.

Benefits

• 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

• Travel: AUSAs can expect to travel 1 to 5 nights per month.