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Posted July 04, 2026

Assistant United States Attorney-Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) Open Continuous

US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. Full Time
Compensation: $94,350 to $197,100 Annually
Reference: USAttorney'sOfficefortheDistrictofColumbia875024500

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia (DC) is unique in the size and the scope of its work. It serves as both the local and the federal prosecutor for the nation's capital. On the local side, AUSAs assigned to the Superior Court Division prosecute cases ranging from misdemeanors to homicides. On the federal side, AUSAs assigned to the Criminal Division prosecute federal crimes. The Civil Division further advances the interests of the U.S. in civil suits brought in the DC. Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is accepting applications for highly motivated attorneys to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) working on Affirmative Civil Enforcement (ACE) matters in the Office's Civil Division.

ACE AUSAs investigate and bring affirmative civil actions on behalf of the United States. These matters often involve potential violations of the False Claims Act with respect to health care fraud, government contract or procurement fraud, cybersecurity fraud, and grant fraud. These matters can also involve enforcement of administrative civil penalties, administrative subpoenas, immigration laws, conflict of interest laws, civil rights laws, civil asset forfeiture, and other affirmative civil litigation on behalf of the United States.

This AUSA will work closely with other divisions of DOJ and federal law enforcement agencies and may be required to coordinate with criminal AUSAs and/or state prosecutors. Many False Claims Act cases are brought through qui tam actions, in which AUSAs work with whistleblowers and their counsel from case inception through trial.

Job duties include independently overseeing investigations, preparing subpoenas, interviewing witnesses, marshaling evidence, coordinating with law enforcement, negotiating settlements, conducting legal research, drafting legal memoranda, preparing and answering written discovery, taking and defending depositions or examinations, and representing the United States at trial and on appeal.

There are also opportunities for ACE AUSAs who express interest to be staffed on civil cases defending the United States in order to gain further trial experience and appellate experience, including oral argument at the D.C. Circuit.

Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

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. Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree (or equivalent), be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least one year post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience. A minimum of three years of post J.D. (or equivalent) legal or other relevant experience is required.

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
Applicants must have significant litigation experience, superior oral communication skills, and a demonstrated capacity to independently move multiple investigations or litigation forward simultaneously.

You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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