About the opportunity
The Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will work in the Fort Mitchell, Kentucky branch office of the Eastern District of Kentucky. The mission is to enforce federal criminal laws, represent the United States in civil litigation, and protect the public safety needs of the community. The selected candidate will be dedicated to the Criminal Division, handling cases such as drug trafficking, immigration-related crimes, and firearms trafficking, as well as related appellate work before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Responsibilities increase with experience. This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed 09/30/2029, though it may be extended or made permanent without further competition.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $79,941 to $187,570 per annum (includes locality pay)
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Health benefits and life insurance
- Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System
- Telework opportunities
Who can apply?
- Must possess a J.D. Degree
- Must be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction)
- United States citizenship is required
- Must pass a pre-employment background investigation, including fingerprint, credit, and tax checks
- Must pass a drug test screening for illegal drug use
- Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement
Required documents
- Responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire
- Resume (maximum two pages, including specific employment history details)
- Veterans' Preference documentation (if applicable, e.g., DD 214, SF 15)
- SF-50 and statement for current or former political appointees (if applicable)
When to apply
- Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 2026-09-15
How to apply
- Create or log in to a USAJOBS account
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire
- Upload the required resume and supporting documentation
- Submit the application package via the USAJOBS portal
- Verify application status through the USAJOBS account dashboard
Additional information
- Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
- Candidates who have lived outside the United States for two or more of the past five years may face difficulty with security clearance.
- Applicants must disclose any conflicts of interest regarding current or family representation of clients involved with the Office.
- The Department of Justice considers veterans' preference as a positive factor in attorney hiring.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Active members of the bar holding a J.D. degree with a strong interest in federal litigation.
- Litigators experienced in handling criminal cases such as drug, firearm, or immigration offenses.
- Attorneys desiring federal benefits and experience within the U.S. Attorney's Office.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a temporary appointment not-to-exceed September 30, 2029.
- Relocation expenses will not be authorized by the office.
- Applicants who have lived abroad extensively over the past five years may encounter security clearance hurdles.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
The role offers a high-impact, medium-term platform for attorneys to build prestigious federal trial experience before the Sixth Circuit.
Our take
Experienced litigators ready for federal prosecution work in Kentucky should consider applying, though those seeking permanent tenure right away or needing relocation assistance should note the temporary terms.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
