Assistant Attorney

Summary

The District of Delaware comprises the entire state of Delaware, which has a population of slightly more than 1 million residents. The State consists of three counties (New Castle, Kent, and Sussex). Three‑quarters of the population resides in New Castle County. The largest metropolitan area is Wilmington (pop. approx. 70,000), in which the U.S. Attorney’s Office is located. The office prosecutes federal crimes and represents the interests of the United States in civil cases.

Open dates: 01/02/2026 to 01/31/2026

Salary: $103,887 to $193,078 per year (includes locality pay)

Wilmington, DE

Permanent, Full‑time

• 0905 Attorney

Not Required

Required

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware is currently seeking highly qualified Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) candidates for the Criminal Division. The selected applicant will represent the United States as primary counsel in grand jury and judicial proceedings, including hearings, oral arguments, and trials in United States District Court and appeals in the United States Court of Appeals.

Criminal Division assignments may cover narcotics, immigration, violent crime, fraud, and cybercrime. AUSAs are responsible for substantial legal research and writing at both trial and appellate levels. The dynamic practice offers a challenging mix of cases and represents a great opportunity to participate in all aspects of federal criminal law and practice. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as training and experience progress.

Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre‑employment adjudication, including fingerprint, credit, tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which they are appointed or within 25 miles thereof.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System, unless exempt.

• U.S. Citizen or National.
• Positive pre‑employment adjudication.
• Registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• J.D. degree and active membership in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
• Residency in the district or within 25 miles.

Required: J.D. degree, active bar membership, at least 3 years post‑J.D. legal or other relevant experience, U.S. citizenship.

Preferred: Criminal prosecution experience, especially complex federal cases and jury trials; strong analytical ability, clear articulation of critical issues, superior writing, solid research, interpersonal skills, and good judgment.

Graduation with a J.D. degree from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Salary information is administratively determined based on years of professional attorney experience. The basic pay range is $103,877 to $193,078, including locality pay.

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, telework, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Veterans may assert preference by indicating eligibility in the assessment questionnaire and submitting required documentation. Preference is a positive factor but not a mandatory ranking system.

Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process.

Current or former political appointees (Schedule A, Schedule C, or non‑career SES/Presidential appointee) must disclose appointments and submit an SF‑50 and statement of appointment details.

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership…