Assistant United States Attorney (Civil Immigration)

AUSAs handling civil immigration cases are responsible for a docket of immigration work that is generally defensive in nature. Examples of defensive work include habeas corpus challenges to immigration detention, Administrative Procedure Act challenges to denials of immigration benefits, actions for declaratory or injunctive relief, mandamus actions, and constitutional claims. The Office also investigates and litigates affirmative immigration cases, including denaturalization actions and immigration-related fraud.

This position will require a range of skills and abilities, including managing a high-volume docket; researching case law and drafting complex briefs, often on expedited deadlines; interacting with agency clients and opposing counsel; and involvement in all aspects of federal court practice, including motions, managing discovery, negotiated settlements, and appearing and arguing before the District Court and Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The AUSA may also be assigned other types of matters as the Office's needs require.

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

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.

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
• You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
• Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered.
• This is a temporary position not-to-exceed 3 years.
• Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Required Qualifications:

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree (or equivalent) and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) by their entry on duty date. Law school graduates and current law students taking a July 2026 bar examination may be considered, subject to the foregoing requirements.

United States citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred applicants will have the organizational ability to handle a large caseload.
Ideal candidates will possess at least one year of post-graduation legal experience.

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