Assistant United States Attorney

Hiring Organization
USAO Western District of Missouri
Hiring Office
Criminal Division
Attorney Appointment Type
Attorney Permanent
Job ID
26-MOW-12890221-AUSA

Location:
400 East 9th Street, Suite 5510
Kansas City, MO 64106 - United States

Application Deadline:
Friday, March 6, 2026
About the Office

If you are seeking a career that is both challenging and meaningful, this position offers an exceptional opportunity. As part of an organization with more than 100,000 dedicated professionals, you will contribute to a mission rooted in upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and ensuring the safety and security of our nation. You will join a committed team responsible for enforcing federal criminal and civil laws that safeguard the life, liberty and the property of all citizens.

The Western District of Missouri encompasses 66 of Missouri’s 114 counties and has a population of approximately 3.2 million people. Included in the district are the metropolitan areas of Kansas City, St. Joseph, Columbia, Jefferson City, Springfield, and Joplin. The district has three offices: Kansas City, Springfield, and Jefferson City.

Job Description

The Western District of Missouri is currently accepting applications for an Assistant United States Attorney to be assigned to the Criminal Division in the Kansas City Office. Kansas City, Missouri is known as the City of Fountains, Heart of America, Paris of the Plains, and BBQ – and Jazz – Capitals of the World. (“KCMO” for short).

The job description of an Assistant United States Attorney is found in the first sentence of the United States Constitution: “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility…(and) promote the general Welfare.” As an AUSA in the Western District of Missouri, you would accomplish these noble objectives by prosecuting all manner of federal crimes, including terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also represents the United States in civil lawsuits against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers.

You will never forget the feeling of standing up in federal court for the first time and stating, “My name is _________, and I represent the United States of America.” As an AUSA, you will exercise discretion and responsibility that is unparalleled in any other job a litigator will undertake. AUSAs in the Western District of Missouri are immediately assigned cases – some high profile – and will work with law enforcement agencies to investigate federal crimes, research and brief legal issues, and represent the United States in hearings, trials, and appeals.

You will work in a dynamic, well-managed, and energy-filled environment, surrounded by colleagues dedicated to justice and the rule of law. Your responsibilities will increase – and your assignments will become more complex and challenging – as your skills, training, and experience progress.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo

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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least 1 year of post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications; Hiring for AUSA positions in the Western District of Missouri is highly competitive. We seek a complement of lawyers with a wide range of exceptional skills and experience. Applicants must possess strong academic credentials, significant litigation experience, strong oral advocacy and legal writing skills, and sound judgement. But above all, we seek work ethic, interpersonal skills, grit, and a sincere commitment to the mission of doing justice in the Western District of Missouri.

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

Application Process

To apply, interested applicants submit a cover letter, resume (not to exceed two pages), and writing sample USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/857875700

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on March 6, 2026 to receive consideration.

Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.

Salary

Assistant United States Attorney’s pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $78,000 to $183,016 which includes locality pay.