Special Assistant United States Attorney (Detail)- General Crimes Unit
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys See More Job Openings by This EmployerThe Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
Note: Detail is non-reimbursable as selectee will remain on his/her home agency payroll.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has openings for an eight-month detail. The next classes will start May 11, 2026, July 13, 2026, September 7, 2026, and November 9, 2026. Detailees will handle a wide variety of matters in federal court, including but not limited to felony narcotics trafficking, firearms, violent crimes, child exploitation, immigration and fraud cases, as well as misdemeanor and petty offenses. Detailees will receive extensive training on all facets of criminal litigation practice from the most experienced prosecutors in the office.
Detailees will routinely appear before federal magistrate and district court judges, and the grand jury. They will gain substantive experience through handling all stages of the prosecution from initial appearance through trial and sentencing. The detail will also include opportunities to work on appellate briefs, habeas corpus petitions, motion responses, and supervised release position papers.
The detail will be located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, near the King Street and Eisenhower Metro Stations (blue and yellow lines). Living accommodations and parking will not be provided. Details are extendable up to one year with the permission of the home office.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Salary Information: None - This is a uncompensated position. Employee benefits for this position will be limited.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
Travel: Occasional
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. Note: Employees of the Department of Justice, including Uncompensated Special Assistant United States Attorneys, may not engage in the compensated practice of law outside the office. Attorneys are not eligible to serve as UncompensatedSpecial Assistant United States Attorneys if they have had an employment offer deferred by a law firm and received a payment for the period of their deferral with the expectation of future employment with the law firm, or if they will receive any payment from a law firm during their unpaid employment with the Department of Justice. In addition, contractors, including employees of contractors who do business with the Department of Justice, and who also are attorneys, are not eligible to serve as Uncompensated Special Assistant United States Attorneys.
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.ng and experience progress.
- You must be a United States Citizen or National.
- Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment 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.
- J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
- Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
Applicants must obtain approval from their DOJ Component or agency in order to be considered.
Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree and be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
Preferred Qualifications:
At least 1* year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience is preferred.
United States citizenship is required.
You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.