Assistant United States Attorney (Defense Litigation)

Attorneys selected for these positions will serve as Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Civil Division, Defense Litigation Unit of the Sacramento and Fresno Offices. The role involves collaboration with other criminal and civil Assistant U.S. Attorneys in both locations and is supported by a team of paralegals, investigators, auditors, and other professionals.

About the role

The United States Attorney is seeking attorneys to defend the United States, federal agencies, and federal employees in a wide range of lawsuits, including:

• Employment-discrimination actions
• Medical malpractice, personal injury, and other tort actions
• Administrative Procedure Act cases
• Challenges to land management decisions under the National Environmental Policy Act and other environmental statutes
• Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs
• “Bivens” civil rights actions
• Immigration matters (as needed)

Responsibilities will expand and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress. Your application will be considered for the location(s) you indicate in your preferences.

Office Locations

Sacramento: Located in the heart of California, Sacramento offers a vibrant cultural scene with professional ballet, opera, and theatre companies, as well as professional sports teams like the Sacramento Kings, Sacramento River Cats, and Sacramento Republic FC. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy water recreation on nearby rivers and lakes, skiing in the Sierra Nevada, and proximity to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe.

Fresno: One of California’s fastest-growing cities, Fresno is centrally located near major tourist destinations such as Yosemite National Park and Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks. The city is situated in the fertile San Joaquin Valley, a key agricultural region supplying food products globally.

Requirements

• United States citizenship or nationality
• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active membership in the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction)
• At least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience
• Residency in the Eastern District of California or within 25 miles thereof (per 28 U.S.C. 545)
• Satisfactory preemployment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing
• Favorable adjudication of a background investigation (continued employment is contingent upon this)
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify Selective Service registration or exemption (see www.sss.gov)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. degree (or equivalent) and active bar membership in good standing (any U.S. jurisdiction)
• At least one year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three to five years of litigation experience with substantial responsibility for discovery, trial, and appeals
• Strong analytical ability and precision in articulating critical case issues
• Superior oral and written communication skills, research proficiency, and interpersonal judgment
• Excellent courtroom presence and ability to work professionally with attorneys, paralegals, staff, and client agencies
• Capacity to thrive in a high-demand environment
• Self-sufficiency in legal research, writing, and preparing correspondence/pleadings
• Proficiency with automated legal research, electronic court filing, email, and word processing systems
• Experience litigating civil cases in federal court, including case management, written discovery, document production, motion practice, and witness examination in depositions and trials
• Ability to handle complex cases from investigation through trial

Pay

Assistant United States Attorney pay is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience. Recruiting ranges include locality pay:

• Sacramento: $85,075 to $197,100 (includes 29.76% locality pay)
• Fresno: $77,135 to $180,986 (includes 17.65% locality pay)

Benefits

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

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

Relocation expenses are not authorized. Occasional travel may be required.

Additional Information

• Applicants must comply with professional conduct rules regarding conflicts of interest, including disclosure of current or prior client representations or family members involved in matters related to this office.
• Current or former political appointees (within the last 5 years) must disclose their status to the HR Office for OPM authorization.
• Candidates should demonstrate commitment to improving federal government efficiency, upholding the rule of law, and supporting the ideals of the U.S. Constitution.