Assistant United States Attorney (Appeals)

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT and will close no later than September 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

This announcement has been extended to September 30, 2026.

This announcement is to fill many positions. Depending on the need of the office, additional positions may be filled using this announcement. Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree The Northern District of Illinois, Chicago Office is accepting applications for Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) openings in its Appeals Section, Criminal Division in Chicago, Illinois. The applicant selected will represent the U.S. Government as an AUSA in a wide range of unique and complex criminal appeals. Responsibilities will include working on direct and post-conviction appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit involving the full range of criminal cases that the District prosecutes. Appellate AUSAs draft briefs and present oral arguments on constitutional, statutory, evidentiary, procedural, and sentencing issues in appeals arising from the Criminal Division. Appellate AUSAs also review and edit briefs drafted by their colleagues, and participate in moot courts to prepare AUSAs for oral arguments. In addition, Appellate AUSAs assist with complex district court litigation, monitor developing areas of caselaw, and provide advice to other prosecutors on significant legal issues.

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

Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

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, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least 2 years of post-J.D. experience. Your application materials should demonstrate excellent academics, significant appellate experience, criminal law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a commitment to public service. Prior federal criminal prosecution experience in NDIL or another District is not required, but candidates with such experience are encouraged and will be given serious consideration.

United States citizenship is required.