Criminal Assistant United States Attorney

About the Role

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana is seeking experienced, motivated, and prosecution-oriented attorneys to join its Criminal Division. Positions are available in Billings, Helena, and Great Falls. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; earlier applications will receive preference.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute federal offenses, with case assignments depending on experience, interests, and district needs
• Handle matters including drug trafficking, child exploitation, gang activity, illegal firearms offenses, unlawful immigration, national and border security violations, elder abuse, cybercrime, intellectual property theft, financial crimes, and fraud and corruption cases (including government, health care, banking, securities, corporate, federal procurement, bankruptcy, and federal tax offenses)
• Prosecute violent crimes against victims, including domestic violence occurring in Indian Country
• Work closely with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate criminal activity
• Research and brief complex legal issues
• Represent the United States in hearings, trials, and appeals
• Draft motions, motion responses, and search warrants
• Appear before grand juries and in court
• Perform other litigation-related duties

Qualifications

Required:

• United States citizenship
• J.D. degree (or equivalent)
• Active member of 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 (see 28 U.S.C. 545)
• Initial appointment conditioned upon satisfactory preemployment adjudication (fingerprint, credit and tax checks, drug testing); continued employment subject to favorable background investigation
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify Selective Service registration or exemption

Preferred:

• Superior oral and written communication skills
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• High EQ and interpersonal skills, and good judgment
• Excellent advocacy and courtroom skills
• Ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies
• Demonstrated capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment
• Excellent organizational capabilities, including the ability to track and meet deadlines across multiple active cases
• Excellent computer literacy including experience and competence with automated electronic court filing

Pay & Benefits

• Salary range: $76,748 to $200,743 (includes 17.06% locality pay), administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
• Relocation expenses will not be authorized

Schedule & Travel

• Successful applicants should expect to travel 1–5 nights per month

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