Department of Justice

Assistant United States Attorney

Jefferson City, Missouri Full time

Assistant United States Attorney

Department: Department of Justice

Location(s): Jefferson City, Missouri

Salary Range: $76748 - $180078 Per Year

Job Summary: 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.

Major Duties:

  • The Western District of Missouri is currently accepting applications for one Assistant United States Attorneys to be assigned to the Criminal Division in the Jefferson City Office. Jefferson City offers the energy and history of a state capital with the charm, affordability, and short commutes of a small city, plus scenic views along the Missouri River and access to the Katy Trail. With nearby attractions like Mizzou's college scene and the Lake of the Ozarks, it combines outdoor recreation with a high quality of life. 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." Criminal AUSAs in the Western District of Missouri accomplish these noble objectives by prosecuting all manners of federal crimes, including terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, violent crime, drug trafficking, and immigration offenses. The current positions we are seeking applications for will be focusing their talents and abilities specifically on drug trafficking and criminal immigration enforcement. 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 post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. 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.

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 05/04/2026 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 Western District of Missouri at 816-426-4258 or email at jill.baker@usdoj.gov, prior to the closing date of this announcement to request an alternate method of applying.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-04