Department of Justice

Assistant United States Attorney

Des Moines, Iowa Full time

Assistant United States Attorney

Department: Department of Justice

Location(s): Des Moines, Iowa

Salary Range: $74539 - $194639 Per Year

Job Summary: The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is located in Des Moines, Iowa. The office employees approximately 30 Assistant United States Attorneys, and 26 support staff. The office's criminal and civil divisions handle a wide variety of matters. Employment at the United States Attorney's Office offers a unique and challenging experience for the highly motivated attorney, including an opportunity to work on significant, complex and visible cases being litigated.

Major Duties:

  • The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney to serve in the Civil Division as the Civil Chief. The Civil Chief will be responsible for supervising attorneys and support staff who participate in affirmative and defensive litigation on behalf of the United States, as well as personally handling civil matters. The Civil Division also is responsible for representing the United States in bankruptcy proceedings, financial litigation, and asset forfeiture matters. The office is seeking an experienced civil litigator who has a strong background in federal and/or state litigation, including trial experience. Prior management experience, preferably in a United States Attorney's Office or other government office, is preferred. The successful candidate will be hired as an Assistant United States Attorney and will serve as a Supervisory AUSA under a temporary promotion at the discretion of the United States Attorney. Promotions to Supervisory AUSA positions are made on a temporary basis. At the end of the temporary promotion, the Supervisory AUSA may be returned to a non-supervisory AUSA within the USAO or extended. Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation. Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Qualifications: Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least one-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. At least three years of post-J.D. litigation experience is preferred, with extensive research and writing experience. Preferred qualifications: Possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment, and a demonstrated record of integrity. Interested AUSAs or government attorneys must have at least a successful evaluation for the past year. All applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) and not have received any disciplinary action within the past three years from the date of the application. In addition, applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies, and the ability to lead, motivate, mentor, and evaluate other highly qualified attorneys. Applicants should be able to demonstrate by experience, knowledge, or training, that they have an understanding of basic leadership and managerial skills. Ideal qualifications include at least three years of litigation experience in the role of lead counsel, with experience arguing motions and conducting federal jury trials, as well as prior experience supervising other litigation attorneys. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/07/2025 to receive consideration. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. (It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation are submitted prior to the closing date.) 3. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete. You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. However, should you not be able to apply online, please contact Southern District of Iowa at 515-473-9300 or email at David.Harris2@usdoj.gov, prior to the closing date of this announcement to request an alternate method of applying.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-07