Assistant United States Attorney (Criminal)

Hiring Organization
USAO Northern District of Florida
Hiring Office
Criminal Division
Attorney Appointment Type
Attorney Permanent
Job ID
26-FLN-12854761-DE

Location:
United States Court House, 111 N Adams St # 4
Tallahassee, FL 32301 - United States

Application Deadline:
Thursday, January 8, 2026
About the Office

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida (NDFL) is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the Northern District of Florida. This includes criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits by and against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers.

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL.

Job Description

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a talented workforce of over 100,000 people, the mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, keep our country safe, and protect civil rights. You will be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty and the property of citizens.

Considered a medium-sized district, the NDFL encompasses 23 of Florida's 67 counties, and currently employs approximately 55 staff members, to include 28 Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), with the main office located in Tallahassee and two branch offices in Pensacola and Gainesville.

Positions will be staffed in the Criminal Division in the Tallahassee Office.

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

For more information on the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney's Offices, visit http://www.justice.gov/careers/careers.html

The Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida (NDFL) is seeking applications from an experienced attorney with superb research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, as well as a background in the practice of criminal law, to fill one (1) Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) vacancy in the NDFL Criminal Division.

The NDFL spans the 23 counties of the Florida Panhandle, with offices in Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville. The AUSA vacancy will be filled in the Tallahassee Office.

The core responsibilities of the position require a candidate who will efficiently and accurately perform legal research, draft legal documents, and present legal arguments in court; direct law enforcement investigations to develop, present, and resolve criminal cases with close collaboration between our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners; and perform additional roles on an as-needed basis while representing and zealously advocating on behalf of the United States Government in the robust prosecution of criminal offenses.

The successful candidate must possess a strong work ethic, superior legal acumen, and demonstrate a prosecutor's professional temperament, judgment, and unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and zealously pursuing criminal offenders while respecting the constitutional rights of the accused. Each AUSA is expected to conduct themselves according to the highest standard of professional ethics at all times.

The successful candidate will lead by example, demonstrate initiative to proactively develop and manage cases, possess a strong ability to work both collaboratively with colleagues and individually, build professional relationships with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and be willing to assume increasing levels of responsibility within the office.

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

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 post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.

United States citizenship is required.

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

Application Process

Evaluation Method: Once your complete application package is received, it will be reviewed to ensure you meet all job requirements. An attorney interview panel will then review all qualified applicants and make recommendations for invitation to interview. You will be notified if selected for an interview.

The Occupational Questionnaire will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.

You must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

• Required: Your responses to the Online Occupational Questionnaire (This is completed automatically during the apply online process).
• Required: Your resume cannot exceed two pages - you will be deemed ineligible and receive no further consideration if your resume exceeds two pages - see USAJOBS for formatting requirements. Include relevant employment history as outlined below for each job.

Official position title (if Federal, include series/grade, SF50),
Employer name and contact information,
Start and end dates (for full consideration you must include month, day, and year),
Indicate full-time or number of hours worked per week if part-time, and
A list of duties performed and accomplishments.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

• Required: Cover letter, addressed to John P. Heekin, United States Attorney.
• Required: Writing Sample, not to exceed 15 pages.
• Required, if applicable: To get Veterans' Preference, you must indicate your preference in response to the appropriate question in your assessment questionnaire and you must submit the appropriate supporting documentation. See the "How you will be Evaluated" section for details regarding what is appropriate Veterans' Preference documentation. It is also recommended that you include veterans' preference information in your cover letter or resume.

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

Salary Information: 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 $73,938.00 to $193,393.00 which includes 17.06% locality pay.

Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.

Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

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