How to Become an Assistant United States Attorney
If you are a practicing attorney or law school student with an interest in public service, consider becoming an Assistant United States Attorney. The United States Attorney's Office is a division of the United States Justice Department that tries both criminal and civil cases. The United States Attorney's Office operates regional offices throughout the United States and its territories. Generally, the hiring of new Assistant United States Attorneys is a very competitive process, and most hires are lateral hires with more than three years of experience. If you are in law school, you may want to apply for the "Attorney General's Honors Program," and take steps to increase your chances for being hired as an Assistant United States Attorney.
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Instructions
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Increase Your Chances of Becoming an Assistant United States Attorney
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Do well in law school. In most cases, the U.S. Attorney's Office hires only applicants with excellent academic records. Start off well early in your first year and maintain a solid record throughout law school.
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Enroll in a clinic program while in law school. A clinical education program in law school is an effective way of gaining practical experience as a lawyer while earning credit toward graduating. In many cases, law schools offer clinics that place students with the local district attorney's office, state attorney general's office, or even the U.S. Attorney's Office. In these positions, students can become certified to appear in front of the court under the supervision of a licensed attorney. These experiences are helpful not only for the practical and educational benefit, but also because your involvement will exhibit your dedication and drive to become an attorney, which is helpful when applying for a highly competitive position, such as Assistant U.S. Attorney.
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Become a volunteer. The U.S. Attorney's Office looks for individuals who are well-rounded and committed to public service. Take advantage of volunteer activities while in law school, particularly those that are related to criminal law, preferably those that are prosecution-oriented. Try to volunteer with various district attorney's offices and state prosecutor's offices throughout your law school career. Consider volunteering with the United States Attorney's Office during the semester or during the summer, because building a solid professional network is very important in finding legal employment.
How to Apply
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Navigate to the United States Department of Justice United States Attorney web page. Click the link for "Employment." Choose "Attorney Vacancies" or "Entry-level Attorneys, Attorney General's Honors Program," depending on your current status.
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Search for a job vacancy that interests you. For most lateral hires, you must be a member of any jurisdiction's bar and have two years of practical experience. However, the requirements for each position are unique and vary from office to office, depending on a particular office's needs. If you are a current law student, are pursuing an advanced law degree, or are a graduate working in a judicial clerkship, you can apply for the entry-level "Attorney General's Honors Program." Carefully read the requirements to see if you are eligible.
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Apply for the position. If you seek a lateral hire as an Assistant United States Attorney, submit a resume and writing sample to the United States Attorney's Office where the job is located. Be sure to update your resume and review your writing sample first. If you seek an entry-level position through the "Attorney General's Honors Program," create an account through the Department of Justice website. Submit application materials detailing your academic history in law school and your undergraduate institution, any previous job experience, three references, your resume, and your personal information, which includes your Social Security Number.
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