sample cover letter assistant united states attorney

Attorney Cover Letter Example (W/ Templates & Tips for 2024)

You’ve come a long way from tirelessly researching and debating to winning arguments.

Now, you’re shaping up your career in law and you’re ready to land your next position. 

But regardless of how good you are with words, you just can’t seem to be able to put them on paper and craft your cover letter. 

Staring at that blank page, trying to showcase your skills and experiences, feels a bit like experiencing writer's block, and you just can't seem to convey your legal expertise in the best possible light.

But don't worry!

In this article, we’re going to guide you through the process of crafting an exceptional attorney cover letter.

We'll delve into:

Attorney Cover Letter Example

• 5 Essential Steps to Write an Attorney Cover Letter
• 3 Key Attorney Cover Letter Tips 

Let’s dive in! 

5 Steps for the Perfect Attorney Cover Letter

You know what a great cover letter looks like, and now it's time to write your own. Just follow these simple steps and you'll be on your way to crafting a standout cover letter :

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Begin your attorney cover letter with your contact information, just like you would on your resume . Here's what that entails: 

• Full Name: Place your complete name at the top of the page.
• Job Title: Make sure your job title matches the precise legal position you're applying for. Clarity here aids the hiring process.
• Email Address: Opt for a professional and straightforward email address, typically a blend of your first and last name.
• Phone Number: Ensure your phone number is accurate, including the dialing code if targeting international roles.
• Location: Specify your city and state or country. If you're open to remote work or relocation, make that clear on your attorney resume.
• Relevant Links (optional): Include pertinent websites or social media profiles, such as LinkedIn.

Next, it's time to provide the hiring manager's information:

• Company Name: Add the name of the company you're applying to.
• Hiring Manager's Name: Whenever possible, identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. Research the job ad, the company's website, or LinkedIn for this information.
• Hiring Manager's Title: If you find out that the hiring manager for this specific job ad holds a department head role, use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
• Location: Include the city and state or country, particularly for globally operating companies. You can also add the company's street address for precision.
• Email Address (Optional): If available, include the hiring manager's email address.
• Date of Writing (Optional): Consider adding the date you composed your cover letter for that extra touch of professionalism. Now you're ready to start crafting your winning cover letter for the legal role you desire. Best of luck!

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've included all the necessary contact information in your attorney cover letter, it's essential to address it to the right person — preferably, avoiding the generic "To Whom It May Concern."

Addressing your cover letter correctly can make a positive impression on the hiring manager. Here's how to do it:

Start by conducting some research. Check the job posting, the company's website, or their LinkedIn profiles to identify the hiring manager for the department you're interested in. This way, you can find their name and email address.

Next, address them formally. Consider using "Ms." or "Mr." followed by their last name. If you're unsure about their gender or marital status, you can simply use their full name. For example:

• Dear Mr. Johnson,
• Dear Alexis Rodriguez,

In cases where you can't find specific information about the hiring manager or the head of the legal department, you can address your letter to the department or the company in general:

• Dear Legal Department,
• Dear Legal Hiring Team,
• Dear Human Resources Recruitment Team,
• Dear Head of Legal Services,

Taking the time to address your cover letter properly demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism.

Check out our other cover letter examples to decide the best way to address the hiring manager in your cover letter. 

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers typically invest approximately seven seconds in reviewing a candidate's application before determining whether to continue reading it. This short time frame proves how important it is to make a good impression from the get-go.

Start your cover letter by introducing yourself and articulating your genuine interest in the position. Conveying your enthusiasm for the legal field or the specific job is an effective way to pique the hiring manager's interest.

Conducting thorough research on the law firm is also invaluable. 

The more you understand about the firm, the better you can emphasize your alignment with the culture and values. This shows the hiring manager that you’re not just sending the same cover letter left and right; you are genuinely keen on this particular role.

Depending on your level of legal experience, you can also kick off your cover letter by highlighting a significant accomplishment or showcasing the skills that make you an ideal fit for the position. 

That said, ensure that this paragraph remains concise to ignite the hiring manager's curiosity and prompt them to explore your cover letter's details further.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The body of your cover letter is where you can talk in more detail about specific parts of your attorney resume.

The crucial point to remember here is not to merely repeat your resume. This is your chance to elaborate on your professional expertise and credentials, so it's essential to make this section count. Your mission is to persuade the hiring manager that you're the standout choice, compared to all other applicants. To achieve this, emphasize any accomplishments relevant to the legal field and draw inspiration from the job posting.

Drawing inspiration from the job ad is a winning strategy. Highlight the particular skills the firm is seeking and elucidate how you can make significant contributions to their team. For instance, if you're pursuing a position in a technology-oriented legal firm, spotlight your tech-related proficiencies instead of, your experience in a different legal domain.

Displaying a profound understanding of the firm, its business model, or its legal niche can be a significant advantage. If you're well-versed in the firm's legal services or industry, make sure you mention it in your cover letter to illustrate how and why you resonate with their mission and corporate ethos.

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Concluding your cover letter professionally is the final touch that can make a difference for aspiring attorneys.

Your aim is to leave the hiring manager with a strong, positive impression, reaffirming their confidence in you based on your previous statements.

In the conclusion, confidently summarize why you are an exceptional fit for the attorney role or highlight the skills that set you apart from other applicants.

Following this summary, include a call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to take the next step, such as arranging a discussion about your application. This proactive approach can leave a lasting impact and enhance your chances of securing an interview.

Lastly, sign off professionally. Choose an appropriate signature line, followed by your full name. Here's an example:

Please feel free to reach out to me using the provided email or phone number to schedule a conversation. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve deeper into my application at your earliest convenience.

If you feel that "Sincerely" is overused, consider these alternative sign-off options:

• Kind regards,
• Respectfully,
• Thank you for your consideration,

Select the sign-off that resonates best with your personal style and the tone of your cover letter.

3 Essential Attorney Cover Letter Tips

You've got the basics down, and it's time to take your attorney cover letter to the next level with some crucial cover letter tips :

#1. Match Your Resume

A well-made and visually appealing job application is essential if you want to make a great impression. 

Not only does matching your cover letter with your resume show off your personal brand , but it also proves to the hiring manager you’re serious about the role. 

So, make sure that your attorney cover letter's formatting and layout closely align with your resume. Keep your text and contact information neatly aligned on the page, maintain uniform font styles and sizes, and set the margins and line spacing to prevent your cover letter from extending onto a second page. 

This consistency will work wonders in demonstrating your attention to detail and professionalism. 

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Feeling pressed for time? Don’t sweat it. 

Try out our free resume builder to create the perfect attorney resume.

Then, pick a cover letter template that matches it visually to save time and effort.

Our templates are created in collaboration with hiring managers around the world, which means they meet all the industry standards. You save time and get a matching cover letter for your resume that looks professional and stylish. 

Sweet deal, isn’t it?

#2. Mention Qualifications

Mentioning your qualifications in your attorney cover letter is crucial. 

But that doesn’t mean repeating what's already on your resume; it's about showing hiring managers how your qualifications make you the ideal fit for the job. By elaborating on your qualifications - and how they have helped you become a better professional - you can add depth to your application and demonstrate that you're a serious candidate who's thoughtfully tailored their approach.

#3. Be Formal

Being formal in your attorney cover letter is imperative. 

It conveys professionalism and respect, aligning with the seriousness of the legal profession. This tone sets the right impression for potential employers, showing that you understand the gravity of your work and can maintain the appropriate manners.

Key Takeaways

That concludes our guide on crafting the perfect attorney cover letter! We trust our example will motivate you to draft one that lands you your next attorney role in no time.

Before diving into your letter, let's recap the article’s main points:

• Begin your attorney cover letter by detailing your contact information as well as the hiring manager's. Ensure all provided details are correct so the hiring manager can easily reach out for an interview.
• Pen a compelling introductory paragraph in your attorney cover letter to instantly grab the hiring manager's interest and compel them to continue reading.
• In the main section of your cover letter, delve into your notable accomplishments and skills pertinent to the role you're pursuing.
• Conclude your attorney cover letter with a call to action, nudging the hiring manager to either get in touch or arrange an interview.
• Finally, ensure cohesion between your attorney resume and cover letter in terms of design and presentation. If you're pressed for time, think about using one of our resume templates paired with a complementary cover letter template.

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The Path to a U.S. Attorney’s Office 

Bernard Koteen Office of Public Interest Advising 4039 Wasserstein Hall (WCC) 1585 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02138

Why a U.S. Attorney’s Office?

Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) often say they have “the best job (for a lawyer) in the world.” AUSAs do important public interest work while exercising a degree of professional autonomy and responsibility unusual for relatively inexperienced lawyers. In the words of one AUSA, “I believe that law enforcement is a public service that can only be provided by government, and one of the services that our government does best.” Another recalled AUSAs telling him that, as an AUSA, “you can get lots of trial experience and get paid for doing the right thing.” The opportunity to serve the public in a meaningful way while carrying out the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mandate to “pursue justice” every day is perhaps the biggest draw of working in a United States Attorney’s Office (USAO). Being surrounded by others who share one’s genuine passion for public service is also a strong draw to work in a USAO. 

“Your only obligation as an AUSA is to try to do the right thing every day.” Mark Schneider, HLS ’03 AUSA in NDIL 2004-2015*

Apart from the opportunity for public service, what makes working in a USAO so attractive? Many AUSAs cite the rewards of getting “a ton” of trial/litigation experience. One AUSA noted that three years prior to becoming an AUSA, she had “spent very little time in a courtroom;” within one year at the USAO, she had two trials, settled two other cases, and had “taken more depositions than many attorneys who have worked as law firm partners for years.” Most USAOs are true meritocracies – that is, they value the quality of their attorneys’ work and their attorneys’ productivity above all. One AUSA says, “While billable hours are not a concern, the work schedule and the work itself are demanding. There is a lot of significant work and expectations are high from both the office and the court. But you can bring all your talents and skills to bear in fulfilling your duties, and can develop areas of individual interest.”

“You can’t beat the practical experience here. In a year and a half, I have tried 20 cases in the trial court and argued 7 times at the appellate level.” Bryan Seeley, HLS ’05 AUSA in D.C. 2006-2014

Another unique aspect of being an AUSA is the variety, complexity and importance of the cases one has the opportunity to handle. In the words of one AUSA, “One minute, I can be working on a forest fire case, and the next minute I am off to court to handle a subpoena enforcement action.” Another AUSA counts among her practice areas financial fraud, hazardous-materials violations, and espionage-related matters. AUSAs interviewed for this guide are or have been involved in: the prosecution of a military contractor that bribed a former congressman, the prosecution for torture of the U.S.-citizen son of a former foreign president—“the first use ever of the federal torture criminal statute,” a case involving an identity theft/bank fraud ring, the prosecution of a large health insurer, a suit brought by various plaintiffs against the U.S. Secret Service, and a constitutional tort case brought by an inmate incarcerated for his involvement with the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993. As demonstrated by these cases, AUSAs are doing work that is interesting, rigorous, and consequential.

“I truly enjoy the level of responsibility I have, the opportunity to be involved in all phases of the case, and the ability to work the entire case from start to finish.” Arimentha Walkins, HLS ’89 AUSA in Miami

AUSAs also appreciate the frequent opportunities to work with a variety of actors in the federal government. One AUSA says that he gets to “work with great agents from federal agencies to investigate cases, and the working environment is superb.” Surrounded by co- workers who share a deep engagement in the public interest mission of the office and energized by the opportunity for an uncommon level of responsibility, AUSAs consistently report tremendous job satisfaction. As a result, USAOs have long been a popular career choice for Harvard Law School graduates. This guide provides insight into how you can get hired as an AUSA.

A U.S. Attorney’s Office: Basic Facts

There are currently 93 United States Attorneys: one for each of the 94 federal judicial districts, except for Guam and the Northern Marianas, where a single U.S. Attorney serves both districts. In addition to their main offices, many U.S. Attorneys maintain smaller satellite offices throughout their districts. A current contact list for the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices is available online here . U.S. Attorneys are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve terms of four years or at the President’s discretion. While the U.S. Attorney him or herself is a political appointee, the Assistants, by law, hold non-partisan jobs, so political affiliations or beliefs should play no role in how they are hired, fired, or promoted. A notable exception occurred in the period between 2002 and 2006, when ideological concerns seem to have influenced several instances of hiring and firing in USAOs, as confirmed by various independent reports, (see, for example, the 2008 report from DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General and Office of Professional Responsibility ). That aberrational period notwithstanding, there is a long history of AUSAs serving for many years, across multiple administrations, effectively insulated from partisan politics. Each USAO consists of two major divisions: criminal and civil. The criminal division, which is significantly larger than the civil division in most offices, prosecutes violations of the federal criminal laws, such as organized crime, drug trafficking, political corruption, tax evasion, fraud and other financial crimes, bank robbery, cybercrime, human trafficking, and civil rights offenses. Many criminal divisions have specialized units or sections within them, while in others, criminal AUSAs are generalists. Many criminal divisions now have a national security section or unit and work with state and local governments to combat terrorist activities. The civil division defends government agencies and pursues affirmative litigation (such as enforcement of environmental and fair housing laws). For example, the civil division prosecutes Medicare fraud that would divert funding away from those who need it and enforces non-discrimination legislation, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. The work of the civil divisions of USAOs is instrumental in returning billions of dollars to the U.S. Treasury each year, bringing suits to recoup lost or abused federal funds for the ultimate benefit of the public. Although more HLS students and graduates tend to seek positions in the criminal divisions of USAOs, there is equally challenging and important work on the civil side. Our application advice in this guide applies to both the criminal and civil sides.

A significant portion of AUSAs spend 5-7 years in a USAO before moving on to other public or private sector work; those AUSAs who stay longer often move to a supervisory position within the USAO. In some jurisdictions, the majority of AUSAs spend only a portion of their careers in the USAO; in others, many of the AUSAs have made their careers there. The Department of Justice has occasionally instituted hiring freezes, as during the federal budget crisis of 2011-13. When such freezes are ultimately lifted, however, they are often followed by a period of increased hiring. The “thaw” announced by DOJ in February 2014, for example, resulted in a flurry of hiring in USAOs across the country. The salary scale for AUSAs is administratively determined and based primarily on the number of years of professional experience and geographic location. Attorneys assigned to high cost of living areas receive a percentage of their base pay as locality pay. More information on AUSA salary scales can be found here . 

What an AUSA Does

Criminal division.

Criminal AUSAs spend their time investigating cases; drafting indictments and other pleadings; negotiating plea agreements; appearing in court for bail hearings, pretrial motions, plea hearings, and sentencing; conducting jury trials; and briefing and arguing appeals. On a given day, a criminal AUSA may question witnesses before the grand jury, help agents to prepare a search warrant, or review documentary evidence. Later that week, the AUSA may brief the constitutionality of an automobile search or examine witnesses at a suppression hearing. Over the course of the month, the AUSA may argue a sentencing issue before the Court of Appeals, negotiate a plea agreement with a minor player in a conspiracy in the hope of using their testimony to convict the conspiracy’s leaders, or prepare witnesses and mark exhibits for an upcoming trial. Each criminal AUSA has responsibility for a large docket, but because the cases are well investigated and prepared, the majority end in plea agreements. New criminal AUSAs working on lower-level cases may have five or six trials a year, while senior AUSAs prosecuting more complex cases tend to have fewer trials. Criminal AUSAs in the D.C. office may carry a larger number of cases since the D.C. U.S. Attorney’s Office also acts as the local District Attorney’s (DA) office, and new hires generally have to commit to several years of local prosecution before moving on to cases in federal court. This practice allows prosecutors “to amass a significant amount of trial experience and to have a direct impact upon the community,” in the words of former D.C. AUSA Denise Cheung (’95). Whether simple or complex, each case handled by an AUSA may prove rewarding in its own way. The conviction of a major organized crime figure or corrupt politician, for example, may conclude years of investigation and a hard-fought trial with a public victory that sends a message to other criminals and would-be criminals. The conviction of a three- time felon for possessing a gun illegally, by contrast, may gain little or no press attention, but may earn the gratitude of neighbors and the larger community.

Civil Division

The work of civil AUSAs can vary considerably depending on both the office and the AUSA’s specific practice area. In most offices, there are four concrete practice areas for civil AUSAs: financial litigation (which involves chasing civil and criminal restitutions owed to the government); defensive litigation (defending U.S. government departments and agencies); affirmative litigation (enforcing federal laws and regulations); and asset forfeiture (which is included in the criminal division in some offices). Because civil divisions are generally smaller than criminal divisions, civil AUSAs are more likely to be generalists, working on many different types of cases across these practice areas rather than specializing in the way that criminal AUSAs do. The variety of affirmative cases in which civil AUSAs are involved includes everything from enforcing environmental regulations and anti-discrimination legislation to combating Medicare fraud and predatory lending. The opportunity to try new things within this mix of cases is one of the most exciting, albeit daunting, aspects of working in the civil division. Former Civil AUSA Veronica Lei (’04) equated the responsibility given to her in the Massachusetts USAO with “driving a car while learning how to operate it,” and pointed out that even when the cases are similar, the facts are always different in interesting ways.

The Path to a USAO: What USAOs Look For

Although U.S. Attorneys and their assistants fall within the Department of Justice, each U.S. Attorney, or a committee under their direction, has independent responsibility for hiring AUSAs. USAOs do not ordinarily hire AUSAs directly from law school or clerkships. The limited exception to this practice is the Department of Justice’s Honors Program, which typically includes some AUSA positions. If accepted through the Honors Program, an applicant can become an AUSA straight out of a clerkship or fellowship. For the most part, however, AUSAs are hired at least three but more commonly four to eight years out of law school, after a clerkship and/or time litigating for a law firm, working as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA), or obtaining comparable litigation experience, perhaps at a state Attorney General’s or City Attorney’s office. Hiring decisions are holistic, and rest on one’s academic record, litigation experience, writing skills, commitment to public service, personal recommendations, and interviews.

“We can always find smart people, but we are looking for smart people who will also be team players and take on their share of responsibility.” Karen Shinskie, HLS ’00 AUSA in D.C. 2006-2013

Academic Background

Although most AUSAs are hired after they have been out of law school for several years, a strong academic background is still critical. As one AUSA in charge of hiring said, “We look for outstanding academic credentials and solid legal experience,” with the balance shifting from academic credentials towards experience the longer an applicant has been in practice. While applicants’ grades are generally taken into account, graduating from Harvard Law School is an indicator of strong academics in and of itself, and HLS applicants with solid but not over the top grades may still be successful in securing an AUSA position.

Academic and Clinical Experience

Clinical experiences during the academic year provide an opportunity to gain valuable experience, to demonstrate your interest in trial work and, in some cases, to see government attorneys in action. Virtually every AUSA interviewed noted the importance of taking a clinic. One AUSA also noted that “if your resume is thin on actual litigation experience, a clinic can help.” The Government Lawyer course at HLS offers a clinical component with placement in the Boston USAO (or in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office). Other great ways to get relevant in-court time would be the ITA: Prosecution Perspectives Clinic, which gives 3Ls an opportunity for placement in a local DA’s office and the Government Lawyer: Attorney General Clinic, which offers placements in Attorney General’s Offices throughout the country. Additionally, the Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) offers in-court experience from a different perspective, allowing 3Ls to represent indigent criminal defendants and juveniles accused of crimes in the local district and juvenile courts. Clinics may be especially important for those who plan to go to firms before trying for a USAO, as these young attorneys may receive little in-court time otherwise. While the aforementioned clinics may be especially appropriate for those interested in working in a USAO, any clinic that offers actual in-court experience would be valuable and would strengthen an AUSA application. Additionally, the Government Lawyer: Semester in Washington Clinic can be a good way to demonstrate interest in the federal government and a commitment to public service, even though it is unlikely to afford litigation experience. Finally, the Trial Advocacy Workshop, which one AUSA credits as having given her “confidence as a trial lawyer,” can be an excellent hands-on experience and is well-respected by government litigators. Students hoping to join a USAO someday may want to include coursework that focuses on litigation, criminal or civil procedure, federal courts, constitutional law, and/or government lawyering.

“I would recommend taking a clinical. It is something that my office looks at when interviewing applicants. You have to be able to answer the question of why you want to be a prosecutor, and having some real experience in criminal justice helps you answer that question.” Howard Sklamberg, HLS ’95 AUSA in D.C. 2005-2007

Extracurriculars

HLS’s student practice organizations (SPOs) are student-run organizations that offer another way for students to gain hands-on experience and demonstrate a commitment to public service.  One AUSA participated in Harvard Defenders for all three years, which he “enjoyed very much and which fostered [his] interest in criminal law.” Another also worked for Harvard Defenders during her entire time at the law school and “interned for every prosecutor’s office [she] could find.” She found the “practical experiences [to have] helped quite a bit.” The Prison Legal Assistance Project (PLAP), another student- run clinical organization, also offers students valuable experience in advocacy for incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts state prisons. Other student practice organizations such as the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau (HLAB), the Harvard Immigration Project and the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) can provide helpful in-court experience. See the full listing of Student Practice Organizations here .

Summer Experience

A summer spent in a USAO can help demonstrate your commitment, give you a sense of whether being an AUSA is really something you want to pursue, and be an interesting and rewarding experience no matter what direction your career takes. While summer internships with USAOs are on a volunteer basis and so unpaid, they are eligible for Summer Public Interest Funding (SPIF). Occasionally, a USAO may hire a 2L summer intern through DOJ’s paid Summer Law Interns Program (SLIP). The Department of Justice’s main headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Main Justice) offers both paid (2L) and volunteer (1L and 2L) summer positions.  Outside of DOJ, many other federal agencies offer summer internships with litigating and enforcement units, and many state Attorney General’s and local District Attorney’s offices offer volunteer Internships as well. (More information regarding the Department of Justice’s Summer Law Intern Program, Honors Program, and Volunteer Legal Internship program can be found in OPIA’s DOJ specialty guides on the Career and Applications Guides page . Such positions can demonstrate your interest in becoming a government litigator and provide a great summer experience in their own right. Even outside government, a summer spent developing a substantive area of expertise, like environmental law, financial regulation or civil rights, might contribute someday to a successful USAO application.

“If you’re interested in getting experience at DOJ, consider getting an internship outside of D.C., New York, and the other big offices. You’ll have a better chance of getting hired if someone has seen your work and remembers you.” Kate Buzicky, HLS ’07 AUSA in Minnesota since 2013

Judicial Clerkships

Many AUSAs have had federal judicial clerkships with district or circuit court judges. A federal clerkship is a valuable credential when applying for a position as an AUSA, as it will expose you to all aspects of federal prosecution, trials or appeals, and substantive criminal and civil law. For attorneys who go on to large law firms, a year or two spent as a U.S. district court clerk may provide more time in the courtroom, even if just as an observer, than four or five years as a litigation associate. For attorneys who go on to District Attorney’s offices or state Attorney General’s offices, such a clerkship may provide your only exposure to the federal courts before applying to a USAO. If you apply to be an AUSA in the district in which you clerked, your application will be strengthened by the recommendation of someone known to the USAO and by the perception that you have extra insight into one of the judges before whom the office practices. There is some debate as to the relative advantages of an appellate versus a district court clerkship; the former is generally considered more prestigious, but the latter gives you trial court exposure.  Of course, if you hope to pursue appellate work, an appellate clerkship is particularly beneficial. Either type of federal clerkship is a considerable plus in any AUSA application. State clerkships can also be advantageous, both for the substantive experience they offer and because in some instances they may lead to federal clerkships.

Professional Experience

USAOs hire most of their attorneys from law firms, state Attorney General or local District Attorney’s offices, or other components of the Department of Justice. Each practice setting has its own strengths and weaknesses in preparing attorneys to be AUSAs, and individual U.S. Attorneys have different preferences in making hiring decisions. By talking to AUSAs in the office you hope to join, you may learn how most of the attorneys got there. As one AUSA remarked, “Different USAOs look for different kinds of people, so I think it pays to learn what types of people the USAO in the particular district in which you want to work tends to hire.” For instance, one AUSA has observed that “some offices mostly hire from District Attorney’s offices within the district, and in those offices the best route is a few years as an assistant DA.” Such offices are more likely located in smaller cities. Be aware, however, that the U.S. Attorney who may be in office when you apply may have different hiring preferences than his/her predecessor. For this reason, and because your own desire to become an AUSA may change, think carefully about which path best suits your personality and overall professional goals, not only that which is most likely to land you in a USAO. The advantages law firm litigation experience offers (assuming the firm has a high-quality litigation practice) are good training in research, analysis, and writing, and an opportunity to learn from attorneys who have the ability, time, and resources to litigate with painstaking care. The major disadvantage is that courtroom experience, particularly trial experience, may be thin or nonexistent during your first few years. Moreover, many large firms do little or no criminal work, and what criminal work there is may be snapped up by more senior associates. Because USAOs want to see a demonstrated commitment to public service as well as ample courtroom experience, it is an especially good idea for firm attorneys to seek out relevant pro bono work that will address these likely deficits in their AUSA applications.

“Develop writing samples that are really your own, and do it early on.” Mark Schneider, HLS ’03 AUSA in NDIL 2004-2015

The major advantage an Assistant District Attorney position offers is copious courtroom experience as a prosecutor. Many ADAs begin handling their own trials immediately after completing a training program and spend the majority of each day in the courtroom. The disadvantage is that, because of their busy caseloads and the nature of many of their cases, ADAs may not have the opportunity to develop their research and writing skills fully or to take the time to prepare cases with the attention to detail prized by USAOs. Fairly or unfairly, some USAOs believe that ADAs bring “bad habits” and a “shoot from the hip” litigation and management style, as well as insufficient writing skills. While working in an Attorney General’s office may offer a similar experience in many ways, Assistant Attorneys General typically spend less time in the courtroom; they may, however, have a greater ability to gain subject matter expertise in areas relevant to USAOs, (e.g. civil rights, environmental litigation, etc.).

Because the advantages and disadvantages offered by the public and private routes are so different, you may consider doing both types of work before trying to join a USAO. AUSAs who come from District Attorney’s offices may have started out as litigation associates in law firms. Attorneys who come from firms may have participated in pro bono programs in which they have worked on loan in a District Attorney’s office, handled smaller criminal defense cases, or otherwise obtained trial and criminal law experience they were not getting from their firm caseloads.

“I advise current law students interested in working at a USAO to apply for the DOJ Honors Program in D.C. Many USAOs hire attorneys from Main Justice because those attorneys already have the necessary security clearance, understand the workings of the Department, and have received training that most attorneys simply do not receive in a firm setting.” Amanda Rocque, HLS ’00 AUSA in Colorado since 2000

Another very common route to a USAO is via Main Justice. Main Justice does hire attorneys directly from law school and clerkships through its Honors Program, but this path is not an “easy shortcut” into a USAO, as the Honors Program itself is extremely competitive. Those accepted into the Honors Program gain considerably more litigation experience than associates at the same level in a law firm, and they get to work on interesting cases and demonstrate their commitment to public service. Young lawyers at Main Justice often partner with AUSAs on cases and thereby develop connections within USAOs, which can facilitate a move. It is important to note, however, that some components that hire through DOJ’s Honors Program require a commitment of three to four years, (so this strategy requires the long view. For those who are geographically flexible, eventual transfer between USAOs is another path to entering the USAO of your choice. However, this path is also a rather long-term route as it requires working at the initial USAO for several years and then waiting for a position to open at the office where you would ultimately like to be. Another long-game option is to first get experience in the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps, serving as a legal advisor to commands for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard. The JAG Corps usually require a four-year commitment. AUSA Kate Buzicky (’07) served in the Army JAG Corps prior to becoming an AUSA, and recommends JAG as “one of the few places where you can get a lot of experience right out of law school.”

The Hiring Process: Applying and Interviewing

Where should i apply.

The competition for AUSA positions is considerable. Offices in large cities on the East and West coasts (such as Boston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles) receive hundreds of applications for each opening. The large number of applicants vying for jobs in these offices produces two results. First, these USAOs can demand more experience in their hires. Second, even experienced attorneys with strong backgrounds cannot count on being hired, especially in times of budget constraints. For these reasons, if you really want to be an AUSA and are geographically flexible, consider applying to smaller cities or cities in the Midwest, West, and South. Additionally, offices in border states often have heavy caseloads dealing with immigration and border crime, and consequently may offer more opportunities for relatively young attorneys. The San Diego, Miami and Arizona offices in particular have some history of hiring attorneys with somewhat fewer years of practice to handle the volume of such cases. Because of the steep competition for AUSA positions, interested graduates are encouraged to apply as broadly as they can. You need to be strategic in the timing of multiple applications, however, to avoid a situation in which you are presented with an offer from a city that is lower on your list before even receiving an interview at your first choice office.

Professional Recommendations

Whether you are clerking or working at a firm, a DA’s office, or Main Justice, recommendations from well-respected attorneys, especially if they have some present or former connection to the USAO, are enormously helpful. An introduction from someone who knows and is respected by the U.S. Attorney or a member of the hiring committee may, for example, get your resume pulled out of the stack and land you an interview. Several AUSAs who formerly worked in firms said they sought out firms that had a good number of former AUSAs, worked hard for them, and were able to use their insights and contacts in getting AUSA offers. One such AUSA also joined the local women’s bar association and got to know members who were AUSAs, recalling that “those friends helped a lot when the time came to apply.” For those working in a District Attorney’s office, cultivating friendships with ADAs with AUSA contacts is very helpful. An AUSA in the Southern District of New York who came directly from a DA’s office said that, compared with the more traditional clerkship and then firm experience, “it is more difficult to transition from a state prosecutor’s office to the SDNY.” She added that her office “relies heavily on recommendations from SDNY alumni in making hiring decisions, although obviously that is not a requirement.” Do not despair if you do not have a “connection,” however; the essential recommendations are substantive ones from experienced attorneys who think highly of your work and can speak firsthand about your professional qualifications. Recommendations from former AUSAs are not necessarily more persuasive than recommendations from other attorneys with whom you may have worked. In fact, one hiring attorney at a USAO said that he would value the recommendation of a non-former-AUSA attorney whom he respected more highly than that of a former AUSA who gave “easy A’s,” praising everyone with whom he had worked equally highly.

“I worked at a firm with former prosecutors, did relevant pro bono work, and then used that experience (and their letters of recommendation) to get this job.” Samuel Cole, HLS ’98 AUSA in NDIL 2003-2016

Bar Requirements

USAOs require that their new hires be admitted to the bar, although admission to any bar will typically suffice. In some cases, the USAO will require that successful applicants immediately seek admission to the bar of the state in which the office is located.

Security Clearance and Residency Requirements

As at Main Justice, once a decision is made to hire an applicant, USAOs require potential hires to pass an FBI background check. Some common hang-ups to clearing are unpaid or unfiled taxes, or past drug use. Having used drugs during or after law school, and particularly post-bar, may lead to rejection, but it is important to keep in mind that lying about drug use is considered perjury and so all drug use should be reported honestly. For more information on security clearances, see the OPIA’s Security Clearances page . If you are a current student and think you might like to work for the Department of Justice at any point in your career, we strongly suggest you desist from any illegal drug use starting now. Keep in mind that while marijuana use is now legal in many states, it remains illegal under federal law.  All AUSAs must also comply with a residency requirement: they must have resided in the US for at least three of the prior 5 years (though this need not be consecutive.)  Finally, AUSAs must be United States citizens (dual citizenship is not a bar, and will be evaluated on a case by case basis) and must reside in the district in which they serve, or, in some districts, within 25 miles of the district. If you have questions or concerns about the DOJ background check, consult an OPIA adviser.

Although some offices are more open than others to young lawyers, keep in mind that for all offices, patience and persistence are essential. It is not at all uncommon for applicants to wait months between rounds of interviews or apply multiple times over several years before receiving an offer. The AUSAs interviewed for this guide typically spoke to contacts at USAOs, learned about the application and interview process from them, and sent in applications to three to ten offices. “It took a while,” one AUSA said, “almost a year—to get responses and go through the interviewing process.” For a list of all the U.S. Attorneys and links to brief information about each, go to the U.S. Attorneys Listing page on the DOJ website and click through to the office that interests you. Almost all USAOs detail on their websites the process by which one should apply to their offices, generally under an “Employment” or “Careers” tab. The DOJ website also provides USAO job postings for attorneys and volunteer legal internships.

Interviewing

Personal qualities.

USAOs are looking for candidates who not only possess strong academic backgrounds and professional experience, but who have personal qualities that will make them good prosecutors or federal civil litigators. AUSAs value public service and believe in the importance of their work, and are naturally drawn to candidates who share these views. Hiring attorneys/committees are also looking for candidates who convey poise, assertiveness, and enthusiasm. Given the demands of a USAO (e.g., handling high-stakes cases, dealing with sometimes difficult witnesses, negotiating with experienced defense counsel), a more dynamic interviewee is likely to fare better than one who is too retiring.

Interview Topics and Hiring Practices

“The questions can vary widely, but the one question applicants can count on is: ‘Why do you want to be an AUSA?’ Inability to answer that question well is usually fatal.” Beong-Soo Kim, HLS ’99 AUSA in CDCA 2003-2012

Because of the diversity among USAOs’ interview processes, no typical process can be described, aside from the fact that most offices hold more than one interview. There is, however, one question that is always asked, in one form or another: “Why do you want to be an AUSA?” Every applicant needs to think fully about this question and be prepared to answer it in a way that conveys that they have really thought about what an AUSA does and why they want to serve in that role. During an interview, you should demonstrate your strengths as an applicant and, perhaps most importantly, convince the interviewers of your great enthusiasm for being a prosecutor or federal civil litigator. If you are interested in a particular practice area within an office, it would be beneficial to be familiar with the latest Supreme Court, circuit, and district court cases in that area, especially if any arose from the jurisdiction in which the office is located. Another great source of information for interview preparation is the “News” tab on any USAO website, where you will find current and archived press releases. One AUSA in D.C. even found it helpful to observe the court(s) that frequently heard cases from the office she hoped to join. The hiring process generally includes a written application followed by several rounds of interviews, with the final interview involving the U.S. Attorney. For some offices, the written portion consists only of a resume, while other offices require a cover letter and/or a completed application form. There are typically three rounds of interviews in the hiring process, but the number of interview rounds can range from one to five. The interview process may also differ based on whether you are applying to the criminal or the civil division of the office. For example, in one district there is a three-round interview process for criminal hires, but just one panel interview for civil hires. Questions asked in AUSA interviews tend to combine an effort to get to know you as a person with questions aimed at evaluating your legal knowledge and sense of ethics. Former D.C. AUSA Karen Shinskie (’00) said that her office places special emphasis on ethical hypotheticals, as it is the responsibility of an AUSA to “be the one the judge can trust to be extremely fair to everybody.” Interviewers may also inquire as to the details of academic or work experience, test your knowledge of substantive law and procedure, pose hypothetical cases and issues, or even require you to give a brief opening or closing statement based on a fact pattern with which they present you. More personal questions about strengths and weaknesses, interest in public service, and ties to (or at least interest in) the district are also usually key parts of an AUSA interview.

“Ultimately you have to be an officer to the court. Truth and faithfulness to the defendant is your job, too.” Karen Shinskie, HLS ’00 AUSA in D.C. 2006-2013

For more specific information about interviewing in a particular district, email OPIA ( [email protected] ) or set up an appointment with an OPIA staff member. For alumni hoping to lateral into a USAO, make an appointment with OPIA’s alumni adviser. Keep in mind that practices may shift as USAO administrations change.

Path to USAO: Clerkship to Main Justice to USAO

After spending my 1L summer at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Hawaii, I became interested in prosecution and pursued the Department of Justice Honors track. During my 2L summer, I worked at a law firm for eight weeks and with the DOJ Honors summer program for seven weeks. After graduating from law school, I clerked for one year for the Honorable David Alan Ezra, Chief District Court Judge for the District of Hawaii. Afterwards, I joined the Criminal Section of the Tax Division as a DOJ Honors attorney and spent the first six months as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. I then spent approximately one year with the Tax Division before receiving an offer of employment at the USAO in Hawaii.

During my 1L summer, I made great contacts with Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Hawaii office, which turned out to be a great set of government references. When I sought employment at the DOJ, I applied to a division of DOJ that offered a lot of litigation and travel opportunities, including in the district where I ultimately wanted to practice. I got some felony trial experience under my belt, as well as experience operating in the federal system (including working on grand jury investigations, etc.), and then kept my eyes and ears open for any hiring opportunities in other areas of federal prosecution. When it came to seeking recommendations for the USAO position in Honolulu, Hawaii, I had contacts in the DOJ circles willing to recommend me, as well as AUSAs in the office with whom I had previously worked. I chose to work at the USAO in Hawaii primarily because my family is here. In this district, we run the gamut of federal crimes, although we don’t get as many of the complex cases common in the larger district offices.

In law school, I did several things to prepare myself for the career path I wanted to take. I worked for the Legal Aid Bureau, which was certainly helpful. I took Administrative Law, which was a great course. Though only indirectly related to the statutes I now consult regularly, it familiarized me with standards of review, etc. I would also recommend any kind of trial advocacy, which probably goes without saying. And finally, if you hope to do white collar prosecution, here’s a hint: take accounting, accounting, accounting! These skills will enable you to figure out a white collar criminal’s intent – they can be masters of the books, but the misconduct can be pieced together by those who know what to look for in the records.

Currently, I am a criminal prosecutor. Our office is divided into Civil and Criminal sections, with the Criminal section broken down into Major Crimes, Drugs, and Organized Crime. I prosecute tax crimes, public corruption, immigration, procurement fraud, tribal issues, child exploitation crimes, mortgage fraud, identity theft, gun crimes, violent crimes – to name a few. Among the many cases I have been involved in, some significant ones stand out. I just indicted the first mortgage fraud case in Hawaii, which involved millions of dollars of losses to federally insured institutions. I have gone to trial against six tax protestors who proclaim that the system of income taxation is voluntary. I prosecuted individuals for stealing native Hawaiian artifacts, and indicted and extradited a Japanese citizen for blackmailing the governor’s chief of staff. I also regularly appear on TV news stations to talk about the child exploitation crimes I have prosecuted, including a case involving the production of child pornography.

Being an AUSA has been a rewarding job that also happens to be life-style friendly, a rare combination these days. One especially rewarding experience I’ve had is obtaining, after a grueling trial, the conviction of a longtime fraudster who previously had been acquitted and who had defrauded hundreds of victims. I’m also proud to have indicted a preschool teacher with a long history of sexual assaults on minors, with a crime that carries a ten year mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment.

I began my law school career with little idea of what precisely the practice of law entailed. Prior to law school I’m not sure I was entirely aware of the fact that there were lawyers who weren’t involved in litigation. As such, law school and my summer internships were the vehicles for me to explore career options.

I first became interested in working as an Assistant United States Attorney during a course I had taken on Federal Criminal Law. I had taken this course not out of a sense that this was the practice area that I was destined to practice in but rather because two close friends thought it would be an interesting course. I became interested in federal criminal law both because I found the things I was learning to be intellectually interesting but also because during the course the professor repeatedly mentioned the high level of job satisfaction experienced by U.S. Department of Justice attorneys. A short time later a friend mentioned to me that she would be working as a summer law clerk at the Department of Justice, Tax Division, which sounded interesting as well. Eventually I joined the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. I began my career at the Tax Division, Criminal Enforcement Section. I found this work challenging, intellectually interesting, and personally rewarding. I specifically recall a late night in July on the 25 th floor of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit, Michigan…having worked long hours to prepare for an upcoming trial and thinking to myself, “I can’t believe I get paid to do this.”

However, travelling soon began to be a burden on my family. While at DOJ, all of my litigation assignments required me to travel away from home. I began to look for a way to do the same interesting work I had been doing without the associated personal costs of all the travel. Becoming an AUSA was the obvious way to continue the work while reducing the burden of travel.

When I was with the Tax Division I was assigned a number of cases in the District of Utah. Prior to being assigned those cases I did not have an interest in returning to Utah, which is where I was raised and where I clerked. However, in the course of handling cases in the district I became more interested in working in this office. I saw that the cases that the U.S. Attorney’s office in Utah was prosecuting were as interesting and complex as the cases I had worked on in Boston, Detroit, and New York. It also had a much lower cost of living. Also, through my involvement in cases, I became known to people in the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Through discussions with an AUSA I was working with and later with the U.S. Attorney, I was offered a job in the white collar section of the office. What led me to the office was in many ways a product of happenstance, but the largest single factor in choosing the office was that my parents and siblings, and my wife’s parents and siblings, live here.

As I have continued my career in the U.S. Attorney’s Office I have seen a number of hirings take place. My largest recommendation would be to become known to the decision makers in the office. When there is an opening in a U.S. Attorney’s Office, even in a small office like Salt Lake City, hundreds of applications flow in from around the country, many of them with impressive credentials and excellent experience. In my experience credentials and experience matter somewhat less than some connection to the office. Your credentials won’t matter until someone takes the time to look at them. Unless something brings your resume to the top of the pile or otherwise to the attention of a decision maker, no one will ever really see your credentials, let alone compare them to the other candidates.

My experience has been that specific law school classes are much less important than the experience you gain and the connections you make. A clinical in which you are able to do relevant work (such as work with a local prosecuting office or perhaps work on immigration issues) would show some possibility that you could shorten your learning curve. Perhaps the largest factor in me taking the career path I took was a connection I made with a professor who taught a course I took on a lark. Although the substance was interesting, it has not been a factor in any job I have gotten. However, that connection with that professor did open doors. I didn’t realize how helpful he could be to me, or how willing he was to be so helpful, until I discussed with him my plans, interests, and career needs. Having these conversations with professors, whether or not you think they are likely to be fruitful, is a great help to recognizing doors you might not have realized were open to you.

As an AUSA I find that I have interesting work that is challenging and rewarding to me personally. I am a criminal AUSA in the white collar section of my office. I specialize in tax, securities, and fraud offenses. Perhaps the most significant case I am currently involved in is a prosecution of a money laundering company that is alleged to have laundered hundreds of millions of dollars for Internet gambling companies throughout the world. The case involves companies and banks throughout Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. Preparing for this case has led me to learn about the interplay between state and federal law and between U.S. law at all levels and international law as codified in various international trade agreements. I’ve even been forced to understand—and hate—the Byzantine structure of the World Trade Organization. As this case illustrates, it is difficult to predict where a case will lead and it is impossible to pigeon-hole cases into narrow categories.

Other significant cases I have worked on have been complex tax shelter cases with offshore transactions being used to create fraudulent tax losses for clients of my defendants. These cases have often involved (locally) high profile clients and rather large tax losses. In one case, our trial team created a new precedent for forfeiture against the promoters of abusive tax shelters.

For me, every trial is a rewarding experience. The most interesting part of my job is not the particular factual backdrop of the cases; it is the challenge of putting on a complex case before a jury. Unfortunately, in tax cases there are no tearful victims to acknowledge the justice you have brought into their lives; in fraud cases the victims often believe the lies the perpetrators tell them: that if the authorities hadn’t come along the defendants would have been able to pull off their scheme and make everyone rich and that the government is really the one who victimized them. As such, I rarely experience the kind of personal joy of acknowledgement by a private citizen that I have made their life better that my friends who prosecute violent crime enjoy. However, knowing that you have stopped someone from victimizing others or from cheating the system brings its own joy.

One final piece of advice: It is important to be flexible. If you are willing to go wherever fate takes you, you are more likely to find a job that will work than if you must have one specific job. Knock on as many doors as you can find, not just one. Along those lines, there are U.S. Attorneys offices in the regions of the country that are more than 100 miles from an ocean. These offices can do complex work just like the USAOs in NY, Boston, and LA. When you have federal law enforcement agencies behind you and a federal court issuing subpoenas, the only limitations on your ability to do important and complex work are your willingness to tackle difficult projects. Don’t think that all the good work is in the biggest cities.

Path to USAO: Clerkship to Firm to USAO

My interest in working in a U.S. Attorney’s Office began during law school, as I did more in the way of trial practice work, including clinicals. My interest in becoming a prosecutor solidified during my time as a district court law clerk, during which I was able to see almost every day the exciting work that Assistant U.S. Attorneys perform. Prior to starting in my office, I clerked for a U.S. district court judge in the Southern District of New York for one year, and worked as a litigation associate at a major corporate law firm in NYC for approximately four years.

As I developed an interest during law school in working at a U.S. Attorney’s Office, I spoke to as many people as I could who were AUSAs or who had previously served as AUSAs, to get a feel for what they do. I tried to gear my schedule in my last year of law school and my time at the law firm to develop and demonstrate an interest in trial work, and criminal law in particular. Thus, I participated in a third-year criminal defense clinical program as well as national trial team competition in my last year at HLS. Looking back, Evidence and Trial Advocacy are a must. The defense clinical also helped a great deal in demonstrating my interest in criminal law, and in trial work more generally.

At the law firm, I sought out opportunities to work on white collar and/or government investigation matters, as well as pro bono criminal appellate cases. In addition to trying to get this experience, I applied very early on to USAOs, unsuccessfully at first. Because you never know when your resume might be of interest, and how long it might take to get a position, you really should apply early and often. If nothing else, this helps demonstrate your consistent desire to serve. As with good clerkship opportunities, you may also have to be flexible in terms of your geographic limitations in applying to U.S. Attorney’s Offices.

Above all else, the hiring folks at our office – and I’m sure at most offices – place a premium on hiring candidates who demonstrate a drive and a passion for public service, and prosecutorial work in particular. Most offices are not inclined towards candidates who are interested in joining the office just to develop trial skills and to then potentially leave within a few years. So if this is your passion, you should take as many opportunities to demonstrate it as early in your career as possible, and be prepared to explain in an interview how it fits with your drive to be a prosecutor. This does not necessarily mean that you need to join a District Attorney’s office first – although there will be some AUSAs on some hiring committees who like that prior experience. It just means that if you go to a law firm you need to think of ways to demonstrate your interest in other ways – such as clinical programs in law school, pro bono work, or attempting to get some criminal or quasi-criminal corporate cases at the firm.

I chose the office I currently work in due in part to personal reasons—my wife is from Atlanta, and it’s far easier to live indefinitely on an AUSA salary here than in NYC, where I was previously working! But, also, this office allowed me the opportunity unavailable in other offices to start working more quickly as a lead prosecutor on major securities and other white collar cases. They were particularly looking for someone with that experience, which I had, although mostly from a civil litigation background.

I am currently the Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Georgia, based in Atlanta. I specialize in corporate, securities, and health care fraud, along with tax crimes and money laundering. Recently, I have, among other cases, tried the head of an Atlanta-based hedge fund, who perpetrated a $150 million “Ponzi-scheme.” For me, working with victims, and helping give them some closure to the wrongs they have suffered, is very rewarding. It is also extremely rewarding in a financial case when you can actually help get some meaningful financial recovery for the victims.

Path to USAO: City Law Department to Firm to USAO

How did I become interested in working in a U.S. Attorney’s Office? Looking back, I had always wanted to pursue a career in government or public interest. I wanted the autonomy and responsibility that accompanies government work as well as the opportunity for courtroom work early in my career. Towards that end, during law school I was a member of the Harvard Defenders, interned at the New York County District Attorney’s Office my second summer, and took Trial Advocacy and the Criminal Defense Clinical in my third year.

After I graduated in 1995, I went to work in the New York City Law Department, where I served as Assistant Corporation Counsel, defending the City of New York and city employees in employment and civil rights actions, primarily gender, race, age, and disability discrimination and §1983 false arrest, excessive force, and prison conditions litigation. I handled all aspects of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, motion practice, and trial, and served as lead or co-counsel in a number of jury trials.

In 1998, I moved to London, where I became a corporate associate in the London office of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP. The move—as well as the job—was unexpected, as my husband had been transferred to England and I had never envisioned myself as a corporate attorney. However, the United Kingdom offered few legal opportunities for U.S.-trained litigators, with the American firms at that time focusing almost exclusively on mergers and acquisitions and project finance and the U.K. firms reluctant to hire a litigator whose only experience was in a foreign jurisdiction. Fortunately, I met the managing partner of Simpson Thacher’s London office at an HLS alumni event, and the firm, in need of additional associates, was willing to take a chance on me. During the time that I worked at Simpson Thacher, I drafted underwriting and syndicate agreements, prospectuses and offering memoranda, and conducted due diligence reviews for underwriters and issuers of debt and equity. While I am a litigator at heart, this experience as a corporate attorney turned out to be incredibly helpful; it provided me with some insight into corporate practice and gave me the foundation to understand many of the complex financial transactions that I now see on a regular basis.

When I returned to the United States in 2000, I began looking for opportunities in a USAO. I began my job search by conducting internet searches and visiting the Department of Justice and various USAO websites (keeping in mind, however, that at that time the government websites were not always current). Most importantly, I tracked down classmates and friends of friends who worked for a USAO to ask for their advice on (and insight into) how the process worked and what to expect. When I decided to apply, I applied only to the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and the Southern District of New York (SDNY) because I needed to stay in the New York City area. The EDNY offered me a position first, and I accepted it.

With regard to the hiring process, neither the SDNY nor EDNY hire candidates directly from law school. Given that, and my own experience on our hiring committee, I can confidently say that work experience is more important than any particular class that one may have taken in school. However, when a candidate’s work experience does not appear to reflect an interest in what we do in the USAO, we often look to law school (especially clinical work). Our office wants to see applicants who can articulate why they want to become an AUSA and who have a demonstrated commitment to public service (through prior jobs, pro bono or volunteer work, etc.). We want candidates who can think and write about complicated legal issues but who also have the poise and confidence to stand up in court.

Currently, I am the Chief of the Forfeiture Unit of my office, which is situated in the Civil Division. (This varies from office to office; for example, the SDNY Forfeiture Unit is in the Criminal Division). I joined the office as a line AUSA in the Civil Division, handling all manner of affirmative and defensive litigation for the government, including torts, employment discrimination, civil rights, bankruptcy, environmental, forfeiture, social security disability appeals, immigration, etc. In 2003, the office decided to form a forfeiture unit to focus on the forfeiture work that previously had been assigned to AUSAs throughout the Civil Division. I joined the unit upon its inception. The Forfeiture Unit litigates all forfeiture matters in the district—whether criminal or civil. We work with law enforcement to identify assets tainted by criminal activity (typically criminal proceeds), obtain the warrants necessary to seize or restrain those assets, and then handle the ensuing litigation.

Among the notable cases I have been involved in, I was the forfeiture AUSA assigned to US v. Jacobowitz , a criminal prosecution against the officers of a publicly traded company located in Long Island. The government untangled an extremely complicated $170 million + fraud against the company’s lenders and shareholders and obtained a significant forfeiture judgment. I am also handling the civil forfeiture related to US v. Alexander , a fraud prosecution against the former CEO of a Long Island company who is currently fighting extradition from Namibia.

I have a great job. As a general proposition, it is extremely rewarding and satisfying to litigate one’s own cases from start to finish, making all decisions (with input from supervisors and client agencies) and handling all aspects of the case, from the exciting (trial, oral arguments) to the mundane (privilege review). In government, young attorneys have a tremendous amount of responsibility and autonomy, and that, in turn, is tremendously rewarding and fun. In terms of specific rewarding experiences, they have been many and varied. Notably, the most meaningful experiences typically have not come from the big, high profile cases. Instead, the small moments are the most memorable and the most touching, whether it be vindicating a client accused of a civil rights violation or sued in tort or returning forfeited money to an elderly victim of a fraud.

Path to USAO: DA’s Office to USAO

I became interested in working in a U.S. Attorney’s Office after working on several white collar criminal investigations and prosecutions at the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. I had applied for a position with the Manhattan DA’s Office in the fall of my third year of law school, was offered a position as an Assistant DA with that office in November of my third year, accepted the offer, and commenced work as an ADA in August of 1980, about two months after graduation.

At the DA’s office, I initially worked in one of the six bureaus comprising the Trial Division, principally responsible for the investigation and prosecution of violent crimes. I spent three years in the trial division, at first prosecuting misdemeanors in the Criminal Court of the City of New York and ultimately prosecuting felonies (including burglaries, robberies, and rapes) in the Supreme Court of the State of New York for New York County. I then accepted an offer to become a member of the DA’s Rackets Bureau.

Initially formed to go after classical organized crime groups, the Rackets Bureau (at least when I was a member), investigated and prosecuted a wide range of miscellaneous matters. My work in the Rackets Bureau spurred my interest in working in a U.S. Attorney’s Office, where some of the more sophisticated white-collar crimes are prosecuted. Accordingly, in early 1985, I applied for positions in a number of USAOs. After several months, I was offered a position in the USAO for the Southern District of New York. (Rudolph Giuliani was then U.S. Attorney.) Given its reputation as the preeminent USAO in the country, I accepted the offer.

I approached getting my job simply by asking for and submitting an application in the ordinary course. Towards the end of the interviewing process at the USAO–SDNY, I had prosecutors at the DA’s office who were familiar with my work contact their contacts at the USAO–SDNY on my behalf. I do not think that any of my law courses or extra-curricular activities at the Law School played any role of significance in my hiring at the USAO. I believe that my experience at the Manhattan DA’s office and my record of achievement there had more to do with my successful application to the USAO.

I am currently a Senior Litigation Counsel in the Criminal Division of my office. I typically handle complex white collar matters. I conduct long term grand jury investigations, try cases in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and brief and argue cases before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Working criminal cases has been rewarding as a general matter. It’s hard to say with specificity which cases have been the most rewarding, but I think it’s fair to say that cases with real victims (or their survivors in the case of homicides) have been particularly important to me because I have felt that I’ve tangibly helped another person or persons in such cases. Below are some particularly notable cases that I’ve prosecuted:

• U.S. v. James Gabriel & Gerard Vitti (1997) – Three top executives of Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation were charged with fraud and making false statements to the Federal Aviation Commission concerning the repair of jet aircraft engine parts. One of them pleaded guilty, and the other two were eventually convicted.
• U.S. v. Kenneth Gribetz (1996) – The DA of Rockland County, NY pleaded guilty to tax and embezzlement charges, resigned from office and was ultimately disbarred.
• U.S. v. Mutulu Shakur & Marilyn Buck (1989) – The defendants—the mastermind…and a principal accomplice…in the botched 1981 Brinks robbery in Rockland County, NY, in which a Brinks guard and two police officers were killed—were convicted of racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, bank robbery, and murder and sentenced to prison.
• U.S. v. Dennis Malvasi (1987) – After an investigation into the bombing of four abortion clinics in the New York metropolitan area followed by an intensive manhunt, the defendant was apprehended, pleaded guilty to multiple federal arson charges and was sentenced to years in prison.

I think anyone interested in a career as a federal prosecutor should read the judicial decisions in the above cases (and similar ones). If you’re interested in the issues presented by these cases, this may be the job for you. If not, then you may be more suited to another area of practice.

Transitioning Out of a USAO

While working in a USAO is considered by many to be one of the best and most rewarding careers in the law, attorneys who enjoy their experiences in USAOs may nonetheless choose at some point to leave for career development or because of personal considerations. No matter what the reason for making a change, AUSAs universally find that their experience is valued by potential new employers. Some who choose to move on from the USAO do so out of a desire to try new things or experience a different kind of working environment. Former AUSA Loren Washburn (’02) decided to leave the criminal division of the USAO in Utah for the chance to spend some time “on the other side,” defending clients – an experience which he believes, “helps you be a better prosecutor ultimately.” To AUSAs contemplating making the move from the prosecutorial side of criminal practice to the defensive side, Loren states that while “some people get the mentality that they’d be betraying the righteousness of the cause to go over to the other side, this is not the case. Now I am able to help individuals walk through some of the darkest moments in their lives.” Loren’s time as an AUSA was instrumental to his success as a defender, and he regards the USAO as something of a “last frontier” for those who want to get jury trial experience relatively early on in their careers. Similarly, former AUSA Kathleen Nandan (’95) moved on after thirteen years at EDNY in order to try private practice, but looks back fondly on her time as an AUSA, particularly for the tremendous autonomy and responsibility she enjoyed.

“I wasn’t going to leave to join a big law firm. I really took time to reflect on what I was doing as an AUSA and why I was doing it, and consciously used that as the platform for what I would do next.” Clare Connors, HLS ’02 AUSA in Hawaii 2004-2011

For those who do decide to move on from the USAO, a successful track record as an AUSA generally translates to abundant opportunities for employment. Former AUSAs are highly marketable due to their extensive trial experience and the relationships they have forged within the USAO, with judges, and in the broader community. Clare Connors (’02), who transitioned to private civil practice after eight years as an AUSA in Hawaii, credits her time in the USAO with giving her “credibility, experience, and connections,” and found that the reputation she had made for herself as an AUSA meant that firms were calling her with job offers as soon as she made the decision to leave. After a time in private practice Clare ultimately was appointed Hawaii’s Attorney General, and then became the U.S. Attorney for Hawaii.  AUSAs leave their USAOs not only for private practice, but for supervisory posts at DOJ and at other federal, state, and local agencies, to become judges, to join law school faculties, to take positions on Capitol Hill and as in-house counsel at universities and businesses, and for elective office.

AUSAs almost universally describe their positions as tremendously rewarding because they offer an opportunity both to serve the public in an important way and to gain terrific professional experience. Our aim in providing the suggestions outlined here is to make seeking an AUSA job a little easier. In making each decision along your career path, however, be sure to consider what a particular choice will mean if you ultimately decide not to pursue a job as an AUSA or if you seek but do not obtain one. That is, always bear in mind how a particular choice fits in with your personal and professional needs apart from its value in getting you a step closer to a USAO, because you should be seeking professional satisfaction at every step of your career, wherever it may lead.

“The people are incredibly public-interest oriented and devoted, but also just amazing attorneys.” Veronica Lei, HLS ’04 AUSA in Massachusetts 2009-2015

“Every day I am able to stand up and say that I represent the United States. Fighting for victims. Fighting for justice. I am rewarded every day.” Kwame J. Manley, HLS ’00 AUSA in Maryland 2004-2011

“Being an AUSA is an amazing job – a combination of doing the right thing, the excitement of running criminal trials, and the intellectual challenge of mastering complicated areas of the law.” Howard Sklamberg, HLS ’95 AUSA in D.C. 2005-2007

*All AUSA blurbs and narratives were written during the writers’ time as AUSAs. Many of the AUSAs cited here have since moved on to other jobs.

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Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter Example

Writing a cover letter for an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) position can be a challenging process. You need to understand what to include in your cover letter and how to structure it in order to effectively convey your qualifications and make an impression on the hiring manager. This guide will provide an overview of what to include in your cover letter, as well as a sample letter you can use as a template when drafting your own.

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Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Hiring Manager],

My name is [Name] and I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant District Attorney with [Company]. I am a highly motivated and experienced attorney with a passion for criminal justice and a commitment to justice and fairness.

With more than [number] years of experience in the criminal justice system, I understand the complexities, dynamics, and challenges of the role of Assistant District Attorney. During my career, I have managed a variety of prosecutions, including [list], and have a deep understanding of the criminal law system in [state/city]. I have also successfully presented cases in front of judges and juries.

I am confident I possess the skillset needed for the job. I am a detail- oriented and organized attorney with excellent research and writing skills. I also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, which I have successfully used to build strong working relationships with clients, witnesses, colleagues, and law enforcement personnel.

In addition to my professional experience, I understand the important part of the job. I have a deep commitment to truth, justice, and fairness and recognize the critical importance of this role in the criminal justice system.

I am confident I would be a great addition to your team of Assistant District Attorneys and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you in more detail. I have included my resume and references and look forward to hearing from you.

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What should a Assistant District Attorney cover letter include?

A well- crafted cover letter from an Assistant District Attorney should focus on the relevant qualifications, experience and accomplishments that demonstrate the candidate’s ability to meet the needs of the position. The cover letter should include:

• An opening paragraph that briefly introduces the applicant and outlines their enthusiasm for the position.
• A summary of relevant qualifications and experience that demonstrate the ability to effectively perform the job responsibilities.
• A description of the most important accomplishments and professional skills related to the role of Assistant District Attorney.
• Examples of successful cases that illustrate the ability to deliver successful results.
• A closing paragraph that reiterates the applicant’s interest in the role and provides contact information.

The Assistant District Attorney cover letter should be tailored to the specific requirements of the position, and should highlight the most important qualities that make the candidate an ideal fit.

Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter Writing Tips

Writing a cover letter for an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) position can be a daunting task. However, by following a few simple tips you can create a compelling and effective cover letter.

• Start off by introducing yourself and explain why you are applying for the position in a clear and concise manner.
• Highlight your qualifications, experience and successes that are relevant to the ADA role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the role and its responsibilities by providing a brief overview of your relevant skills and expertise.
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and explain how you can contribute to the success of the team.
• Provide examples of successful outcomes from past roles and explain how your actions helped to achieve them.
• Close your cover letter by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply and reiterating your interest in the position.

By following these tips, you can create an effective and professional cover letter that will help you stand out from other applicants. Good luck!

Common mistakes to avoid when writing Assistant District Attorney Cover letter

Writing an effective cover letter for an Assistant District Attorney position is an important step in the job application process. Because the cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression, it is critical to make sure it is well written and free of any mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter for an Assistant District Attorney position:

• Not Being Specific: A cover letter should be tailored to the position you are applying for. Do not use a generic cover letter that can be used for any job. Make sure to mention the specific job title you are applying for and why you believe you are a good fit for the role.
• Using Too Much Text: Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. Avoid meandering sentences that don’t really get to the point. The more concise and clear you can be, the better.
• Not Including Contact Information: Make sure to include your contact information in the cover letter, so the hiring manager can easily contact you. Include your name, email address and phone number.
• Not Proofreading: This is one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of writing a cover letter. Make sure to read over the letter several times before sending it in to make sure there are no typos or grammar mistakes.
• Not Showing Enthusiasm: Show why you are excited about the opportunity and why you believe you would be a great fit for the role. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for the job and the organization in your cover letter.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make sure your cover letter for the Assistant District Attorney position is well written and error- free. A good cover letter can make a big difference in the job application process and can be the difference between getting an interview and your resume being overlooked.

Key takeaways

Writing an impressive Assistant District Attorney cover letter can be a challenge, but with the right approach and guidance, you can make sure that your application stands out. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when crafting your cover letter:

• Make sure to research the company and position you’re applying for. This will help you tailor your cover letter more effectively to the specific job requirements.
• Use a formal, professional tone in your cover letter. Make sure to avoid cliches, jokes, and overly informal language.
• Highlight your qualifications and experience that are most relevant to the position. Show the hiring manager how you are the best person for the job.
• Explain your interest in the job and why you think you’d be a great fit for the role.
• Conclude your cover letter with a call to action. Ask for an interview or make it clear that you’re open to further discussion.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, you can make sure that your Assistant District Attorney cover letter is as impressive and compelling as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.how do i write a cover letter for an assistant district attorney job with no experience.

When applying for an Assistant District Attorney job with no experience, you need to not only focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications but also highlight your enthusiasm for the job. In your cover letter, demonstrate your knowledge of the court system and legal procedure. Explain why you are the perfect candidate for the position, even though you have no professional experience. Show that you have the necessary academic and personal qualifications to succeed in the role. Also, be sure to highlight any volunteer or internship experiences that have helped you gain insight into the legal profession.

2.How do I write a cover letter for an Assistant District Attorney job experience?

If you already have experience as an Assistant District Attorney, highlight your successes and demonstrate how your previous experiences make you the perfect candidate for the job. Begin your cover letter by introducing yourself and your current position. Explain why you want to join the team at the Assistant District Attorney office. Highlight your successes in the role and how your experiences have prepared you for the job. Provide specific examples of how you have worked to improve the efficiency of the office and how you have achieved success in your previous roles.

3.How can I highlight my accomplishments in Assistant District Attorney cover letter?

As an Assistant District Attorney, you have experiences that are unique and should be highlighted in your cover letter. Focus on your successes in the role and how you have improved the efficiency of the office. Highlight any awards or recognition you have received for your work. Discuss any volunteer work or pro bono services you have provided to the community. Show the employer how your contributions have improved the reputation of the office and why you are the perfect fit for the job.

In addition to this, be sure to check out our cover letter templates , cover letter formats ,  cover letter examples ,  job description , and  career advice  pages for more helpful tips and advice.

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5 Attorney Cover Letter Samples & Writing Guide in 2024

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• Lateral Attorney
• Associate Attorney
• Senior Attorney
• Trademark Attorney
• Writing Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

As an attorney with unparalleled writing skills, legal acumen, and a knack for winning justice, your first challenge is to prove your worth. Although your history of victorious cases speaks volumes, securing a job hinges on the strength of your attorney resume and cover letter, highlighting your on-the-job skills and qualifications.

The task of crafting these documents might seem daunting, especially after long days filled with legal research and complex language. However, our resources, including a free cover letter builder , five attorney cover letter examples, and a comprehensive writing guide, are here to simplify the process.

With our assistance, you’ll easily write a cover letter that not only gets you noticed but also establishes a strong precedent for your career moves.

Attorney   Cover Letter Example

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Block Format

Why this cover letter works

• Just as you would for your resume, include metrics in your attorney cover letter. If you drafted a new substantive motion, explain how your efforts created a positive impact for the client or company.
• As much as you can, include experience that matches the  attorney job description . 
• If you don’t have experience in the chosen field, share your transferable skills and your eagerness to transition to a new practice area.

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Lateral Attorney Cover Letter Example

• It’s like riding back in time through your career, starting from your latest, most senior roles and backward to the junior positions. You bet the recruiter will be hooked on an intriguing tale of your progression from rookie phases to the top leagues.

Associate Attorney Cover Letter Example

• Just like Jayden recalls his friend’s legal tussle, all thanks to remarkable representation, a powerful personal narrative instantly captures the attention and sets the right tone for the rest of the masterpiece.

Senior Attorney Cover Letter Example

• In your senior attorney cover letter, follow an outline (like the one we’ll provide in a bit) to ensure you’re including the necessary details.
• Specifically for your body paragraphs, shoot for three objectives: explaining your experience, a specific task or requirement you accomplished, and what resulted from it.   
• Derive a theme (or multiple) from the organization’s mission or job description to center your cover letter around; then, include details from your experience that relate to that theme.

Trademark Attorney Cover Letter Example

• It’s okay to get a little personal if you can connect it with the job description. Use your experiences and knowledge of the company to discuss a goal, ideal, or passion you both share. 
• Not every past position you’ve held will perfectly fit this new role, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t transferable skills you can include in your trademark attorney cover letter. 
• Scour the  attorney job ad  for general responsibilities instead of strict specifics. Look for keywords like “collaboration,” “develop,” “identify,” and “research;” then incorporate positions where you used those  job skills . 

Need a Matching Resume for Your Attorney Cover Letter?

You can start editing this template immediately, you can choose a template that matches the first two attorney cover letter samples, or you can choose a completely different  resume template . They’re all free, and they’re all there to make your life a little easier as you work on securing your next attorney position.

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Beat the Competition with Your Best Attorney Cover Letter

As an attorney, you know how you can best help your client, but do you know how to advocate for yourself? Your cover letter must present a favorable argument for your qualifications, exhibit knowledge of the company, and relate your skills to the job description’s requirements—all with a professional yet ardent tone.

It’s a lot, but if anyone can effectively present their accomplishments to a tough crowd, it’s you. Write a hard-hitting attorney cover letter with these simple tips.

Tip 1: Due diligence is a must

There’s  no point in submitting a generic cover letter . If your cover letter looks like it’s been submitted to multiple organizations, employers will assume you’re not all that interested in the job. 

Moreover, if your cover letter doesn’t speak to their job description, they’ll assume you aren’t a good fit. Instead, hit the books (figuratively) and research the company. Then address their specific needs based on what you find online and in their job description.

If you reveal a strong link between your qualifications and their requirements, employers will be hard-pressed not to consider you.

Tip 2: Detail a couple of major accomplishments

No one likes a broken record, so your attorney cover letter can’t simply repeat your resume. A cover letter’s purpose is to relate your experiences and skills to the company in a way your resume can’t. 

A cover letter also gives you the space to examine specific accomplishments in detail. You may argue that you’ve covered everything in your resume, but we know that’s not the case. Go beyond the basics to explore the motivations behind your achievements and how they reveal your value on the job. Are you exceptionally thorough? Find a task that highlights your attention to detail. Are you a whiz at research? Integrate that detail into a metric about your cases.

Here’s one example that gives you a glimpse into the candidate’s methods and motivations.

As a senior associate with Pincus & Associates, PC, I mentored summer and junior associates throughout their onboarding process. After the initial training period, I realized many mentees were struggling with repeat issues, such as voir dire and preparing witnesses. To combat this, I created video lectures and PowerPoint slides to explain procedures and laws surrounding the issues and gave examples, both good and bad. After two months of video training, the new hires completed double the number of tasks, and their client satisfaction scores rose by 18 percent.

These examples show the candidate’s passion for the job and their relevant experience. Moreover, the candidate demonstrates the value they’ll bring to their next role. 

Tip 3: Nail down a winning tone & persuasive message

You’ve successfully incorporated your research, accomplishments, and personal style into your cover letter, but a cover letter is more than that. Here comes the tricky part: adjusting your message and tone.

The correct message and tone can mean the difference between getting dismissed or getting noticed. Remember, although we’ve compared a cover letter to a trial, your letter shouldn’t sound like a cross-examination. It also shouldn’t come across as flattering, casual, or confusing.

Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication. Nailing the right message and tone isn’t easy, but there is good news: unlike a trial, you can start over. 

Revision plays a huge part in writing cover letters. No one has a perfect first draft, and oftentimes, even the second or third drafts aren’t ideal (ask us how many times we’ve revised our cover letter examples). Luckily, you can keep revising and editing until you have an error-free draft that accurately sums up your experience and fervor for the job. 

If you think your judgment isn’t perfectly sound, you can appeal to a coworker and ask them to suggest edits. Their new perspective is more likely to catch content errors and grammatical faux-pas. 

Think of your cover letter as the pre-interview. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and encourage further communication.

All that’s left is one last round of revision before you save it and send in your application to the attorney job you’ve been eyeing.

How to Format an Attorney Cover Letter

Building arguments are your strong suit, which will help you immensely when writing your cover letter. But even the most experienced of writers can find themselves paralyzed by the blank page. Use our outline to build a case employers can’t refuse.

Attorney cover letter header and greeting

Your contact info:  Don’t leave your future employer wondering how to contact you. Include your email, number, and address (city and state) at the top of your cover letter. Many employers also like to see your LinkedIn profile.

• Formatting:  Don’t include your name in the address, whether in a template or block format. In block format, you’ll only need to include your name in the signature. In a template, your name goes on the letterhead, too.

Date:  Adding a date to your cover letter is a professional touch, and it can help both you and the employer keep track of your documents. Just change the date to reflect the actual day you submit your application.

• Formatting:  Write out the full date, e.g. January 3, 2023.

Inside address:  Although a virtual cover letter doesn’t need to be sent by post, you should still include the employer’s address, also known as the inside address. Include the hiring manager’s name, their official title, and the company’s physical location.

Some companies are a bit tricky to track down, especially if they have multiple locations. Scouring Facebook, LinkedIn, and the company’s website usually yields favorable results. Also, check the job description—sometimes they specify where or to whom your documents should be sent. If there are multiple locations, use the address of the location in which you’ll work. 

Heather Adams, Firm Administrator Reed McClure 1215 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1700 Seattle, WA 98161

• Formatting : Each part of the address should be on a new line. Double-space between the inside address and greeting. 

Greeting:  Every word of your cover letter matters, including your greeting (also called the salutation). A poor greeting indicates a lack of etiquette (dangerous in the highly competitive legal field). The good news? A good greeting is pretty easy to get right. Use “dear” and the name of the hiring manager.

Dear Ms. Adams:

• Formatting:  Plenty of letters use a comma in the greeting, but colons are more professional, especially for an attorney.

Attorney cover letter introduction

Introduction:  Applying to job after job might get monotonous, but your opener has to sound genuinely excited. Don’t underestimate the power of sincere enthusiasm for the organization and knowledge of its operations. It can also help to include personal details to empathize with the employer. Although, we would urge you not to include intimate details like this:

Your law firm values hard work and dedication, which sums up my career. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a lawyer. I even acted out cases with my stuffed animals! As I grew older, I made sure I received top marks in every class so I could attend Harvard, the law school of my dreams. My commitment was so intense that I never had a relationship that lasted more than 3 months, but it was so worth it.

Although this opener definitely keeps the hiring manager reading, it’s probably because they find your cover letter funny (also known as you don’t stand a chance) instead of compelling. It’s far too personal and has no real relevance to the job. Instead, include details that relate to the company and what you can offer:

The Conservation Law Center’s mission to provide legal assistance to conservation organizations exemplifies my goals as a senior attorney. Throughout my career, I have offered at least 60 hours a year of pro bono work surrounding environmental law. The senior staff attorney position at your law center is a way to combine my passion for conservation, my love of mentorship, and my years of experience to provide assistance where needed most.

Here, Valente explains his background in environmental law and why he wants to work for the company. He leaves no doubt that he wants to work for them specifically, which will make any hiring manager take notice.

Attorney cover letter body

Body paragraphs:  Each paragraph should substantiate your claims in the opening paragraph. Your space is limited, so focus on the highlights. Ideally, keep each paragraph focused on one accomplishment like this: 

Later, as a trademark attorney for Classics United Entertainment, I had the opportunity to work with a cross-functional team of designers, actors, producers, directors, and artists to create trademarks for all six departments within the Spears & Things division. For each trademark, I conducted a rigorous trademark clearance search to ensure trademark law compliance and eligibility. Once completing the trademark clearance process, my team and I successfully gave our efforts to developing clearance search procedures for future legal staff, creating a cohesive system across the three CUE divisions.

Although this paragraph isn’t focused on one task, it is focused on one process, and one aspect of that process in particular. Stella explains the overall trademark clearance process but keeps the focus on teamwork with phrases like “work[ing] with a cross-functional team” and “[giving] our efforts.” She effectively shows her legal abilities  and her team-building strategy, both of which bode well for future employers.

Attorney cover letter closing

Closing paragraph:  Good endings are hard to achieve because they have to leave the recruiters both curious yet satisfied. Scale back and reiterate the big-picture view of your values and qualifications and how they align with what the company/organization needs. End with a call to action that encourages the employer to reach out. Just don’t fall into arrogance like this:

This job requires someone who has years of experience and who values justice. In that case, I am your perfect candidate. In my 10 years of work, I have never lost a case, and I love to argue until everyone knows I’m right. I know I can win the most cases for your company; reach out to me if you want to hire a winner.

Not only is this arrogant, but it’s also unprofessional. Instead, write something that humbly indicates your enthusiasm:

My goal has always been to provide clients with trustworthy, honest service that makes clients feel safe and valued. Reed McClure shares my vision of providing litigation services to improve the lives of both clients and the community. At your convenience, I welcome the chance to further demonstrate how our goals are aligned and how I can personally contribute to Seattle’s civil case resolution.

This close reminds the employer of the candidate’s persona, values, and aligned goals. It’s also clear that a follow-up is desired and anticipated.

• Formatting : Single-space your paragraphs, but double-space in between paragraphs. 

Signature:  Mind your manners and say “thank you” if you haven’t already said it in the closing paragraph. Then, sign off with a professional closer along with your name.

Respectfully,

Valente Ferreira

• Formatting : If you’re presenting any hard copies of your attorney cover letter, quadruple space to sign your name in blue/black ink. 

Enclosure(s):  This is an important piece to include although many cover letters miss it. This section delineates any other documents you’re attaching, which shows employers you’ve done your research regarding their requests and requirements. In addition to your resume, you may need to include documents like your law school transcript, a writing sample, and/or the job application.

Enclosures: Resume J.D. transcript Writing sample USPTO Law School Clinic Certificate

• Formatting : Use the singular or plural form of “enclosure” depending on what you’re enclosing. 

Your Dream Attorney Role Awaits…Almost

Your cover letter is finished! Case closed, right? Objection—you still have to perfect your  attorney resume . Both resume and cover letter work in tandem to affirm and defend your qualifications, so both must be polished and complete.

But don’t stress—we have you covered. We offer free  modern resume templates  for you to use, or you can try one of our  Word resume templates  (there’s one created especially for a lawyer). You can craft a winning resume in no time; in fact, if you like this attorney resume example, you can begin editing it now. 

Senior Attorney Resume

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You know the significance of formalities in the legal profession, so optimizing the greeting is an important step. Carefully review the attorney job description to see if a hiring manager or decision-making partner is listed as a contact person. Additionally, check the law firm’s website or LinkedIn profiles to see if you can find the name of a specific person in charge of hiring. If you still can’t find anything, you can simply lead off with “Dear [Name of Law Firm] hiring staff” or a similar greeting.

Legal cover letters should be more formal than other careers. Think about all the formal correspondence you must write up for contracts and legal proceedings. However, you should still review the job description’s tone to determine the level of formality. Some firms do value a more friendly and casual atmosphere, so adjusting your tone in those instances is a good idea.

Consider the stylistic choices you’d make when writing up a case brief for a client. Everything should be concise, well-spaced, in an easy-to-read 11-12 point font, and ideally addressed to a specific person. It helps present a professional feel and allows hiring managers to easily identify your top skills in aspects like settlements and tort laws.

Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter Example

An Assistant District Attorney (ADA) is the legal representative of their state or local government. ADAs are the principal prosecutors of criminal cases brought by the state, which include crimes like assault, robbery, burglary, fraud, forgery, and identity theft. They are also responsible for prosecuting juvenile offenders in delinquency proceedings.

Assistant District Attorney’s handle criminal law issues for their district. They meet with victims and witnesses to learn more about the case, conduct negotiations with defense attorneys to reach plea bargains and other agreements without trial, and prepare cases for trial when necessary.

Write an amazing cover letter using our Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter Example and Cover Letter Writing tips.

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Assistant District Attorneys work in government legal departments and are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. They are employed by the government and work under the direction of a district attorney. Assistant district attorneys may also work on civil cases.

The job outlook for assistant district attorneys is good. The number of criminal cases is expected to increase in the next decade, and assistant district attorneys will be needed to prosecute these cases.

The average salary for assistant district attorneys is $64,000.

What to Include in a Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

• Assist District Attorney with all aspects of prosecuting criminal cases in General Sessions Court, Municipal Court and Juvenile Court.
• Conducting trials and hearings for criminal cases in court, both for the state and for the defense.
• Prosecute traffic offenses in General Sessions Court including DUI, reckless driving and habitual motor vehicle offenses.
• Investigating potential crimes by interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence , researching case law, etc.
• Perform legal research and writing including drafting of briefs, motions and orders.
• Providing advice to individuals or businesses about their legal rights, as well as advising them about how to proceed in specific business transactions or other matters.
• Resolve criminal cases through plea negotiations when appropriate.

Education & Skills

Assistant district attorney skills:.

• Analyze legal problems and develop appropriate legal theories.
• Analyze and interpret statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, and case law.
• Summarize complex factual information.
• Draft legal documents that meet professional standards.
• Interpret and apply federal and state laws, rules of evidence, court procedures, local court rules, and department policies.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving.

Assistant District Attorney Education Requirements:

• In order to become an Assistant District Attorney, you must have a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam for your state.
• You must also pass the bar exam in the state in which you plan on practicing law.
• After completing your education and passing the bar exam, you can apply for a job as an ADA with your state’s office of the attorney general.

Assistant District Attorney Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear [Name],

I am writing to apply for the Assistant District Attorney position with the New Parkland County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

I am a criminal law attorney with over ten years of experience in prosecuting cases involving all aspects of criminal law. Over the course of my career I have gained experience in preparing and arguing motions, conducting legal research and drafting memorandum, preparing witnesses and evidence, counseling clients and negotiating plea agreements.

My key strengths include:

• Over ten years of experience providing legal representation with a proven track record of securing favorable rulings in high-stakes criminal cases.
• Expert knowledge of the criminal justice system, evidence collection and preservation, and courtroom procedures.
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written – demonstrated ability to build rapport with clients and maintain successful working relationships with local law enforcement officials, state investigators, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail – demonstrated ability to prepare detailed case files and maintain accurate records for each case.

In addition to my experience, I also possess a Juris Doctor degree from Washington State University. I am an active member of the Washington State Bar Association and have been a member since 2007. Please review my attached resume for additional details regarding my expertise and career achievements. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you further regarding this position and your office.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

When writing a cover letter for an assistant district attorney position, be sure to highlight your legal experience and skills. Additionally, emphasize your ability to manage complex legal cases and work with a team.

If you have any volunteer or pro bono work experience, be sure to mention that as well. Finally, be sure to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Refer to our Assistant District Attorney Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.

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Assistant Prosecutor Cover Letter Examples & Writing Tips

Use these Assistant Prosecutor cover letter examples and writing tips to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Table Of Contents

• Assistant Prosecutor Example 1
• Assistant Prosecutor Example 2
• Assistant Prosecutor Example 3
• Cover Letter Writing Tips

Assistant prosecutors are responsible for prosecuting criminal cases. They work with law enforcement officials, victims, and witnesses to build a case against the defendant.

To be successful in this role, you need excellent communication and problem-solving skills. In addition, you must be able to work under pressure and make quick decisions.

Use these examples and tips to write a cover letter that demonstrates your skills and experience.

Assistant Prosecutor Cover Letter Example 1

I am excited to be applying for the Assistant Prosecutor position at the District Attorney’s office. I have worked as a prosecutor for the past four years and have experience in all stages of criminal prosecution. I am confident that I have the skills and drive to be an asset to your office.

I am passionate about public service and believe that prosecutors play a critical role in our criminal justice system. I am motivated by the opportunity to seek justice on behalf of victims and to hold criminals accountable for their actions. I am also committed to working collaboratively with law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure that the best possible case is presented in court.

I have a proven track record of success as a prosecutor. I have won numerous jury trials and have successfully argued cases before the Court of Appeals. I am also highly regarded by my colleagues. I have been nominated for Prosecutor of the Year twice and have received the Award for Excellence in Prosecution from the District Attorney’s Association.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be a successful Assistant Prosecutor. I am eager to join your team and contribute to the important work that you do. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Assistant Prosecutor Cover Letter Example 2

I am writing to apply for the Assistant Prosecutor position that was recently advertised on your website. I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications that you are looking for, and I am eager to put my experience to work for your organization.

As an Assistant Prosecutor for the past three years, I have successfully prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases. I have a deep understanding of the law and of the court system, and I am confident in my ability to successfully argue cases in court. I am also experienced in working with victims and witnesses, and I am skilled in conducting investigations.

I am a hard-working and dedicated individual, and I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications to be a successful Assistant Prosecutor. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this position with you in further detail. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Assistant Prosecutor Cover Letter Example 3

I am writing to express my interest in the Assistant Prosecutor position that is currently available. I have been working as a Deputy District Attorney for the past two years and have gained valuable experience in the courtroom. I believe that my background and skills make me an excellent candidate for this position.

I graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science and obtained my law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. During law school, I was a member of the Hastings Moot Court Board and competed in several national competitions. I also served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Judge James R. Kleinman at the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.

After graduating from law school, I worked as a Deputy District Attorney for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. In this position, I prosecuted misdemeanor cases ranging from domestic violence to drug possession. I also assisted in felony trials and appeals. My most recent assignment was as a Trial Deputy where I tried over 20 criminal cases.

I am confident that my background and skills would be an asset to your office. I am very interested in becoming an Assistant District Attorney and believe that my background and skills make me an excellent candidate for this position.

Assistant Prosecutor Cover Letter Writing Tips

1. show your passion for the law.

Assistant prosecutors need to be passionate about the law and have a desire to help others. When writing your cover letter, be sure to discuss your motivation for wanting to become an assistant prosecutor. Some good ways to do this include:

• Explaining how you became interested in law and what experiences you’ve had that have solidified your desire to pursue a career in law.
• Discussing how you’ve helped people in the past and how you’d like to continue doing so as an assistant prosecutor.
• Highlighting any volunteer work or extracurricular activities that you’ve participated in that are related to law or criminal justice.

2. Customize your cover letter

Since assistant prosecutors are responsible for a variety of tasks, it’s important to tailor your cover letter to highlight the specific skills and experiences that you have that are relevant to the job. For example, if you have experience in conducting legal research, be sure to mention this in your cover letter. Or if you have experience in working with victims or witnesses, mention this as well.

3. Demonstrate your strong work ethic

Assistant prosecutors need to be able to handle a lot of responsibility and work long hours. When writing your cover letter, be sure to discuss your dedication to your work and your willingness to go above and beyond to get the job done. Some good ways to do this include:

• Explaining how you handled a difficult situation in the past and what you learned from the experience.
• Discussing how you’re always looking for new ways to improve your skills and knowledge.
• Mentioning any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work ethic or dedication to your job.

4. Proofread your cover letter

Since assistant prosecutors are responsible for reviewing and preparing legal documents, it’s important to have a strong understanding of grammar and proper sentence structure. In your cover letter, you’ll want to avoid any mistakes in spelling or grammar. Remember that employers will look at your writing style and see if you have the necessary skills needed for the job before inviting you for an interview.

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US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York - US Department of Justice

Generalist civil assistant u.s. attorney (ausa).

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Generalist Civil AUSA

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York encourages diverse, talented, and dedicated attorneys to apply for the position of a generalist Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Office’s Civil Division in the Brooklyn, New York office.

The Civil Division defends the United States and its agencies and officers in lawsuits brought pursuant to various sovereign immunity waivers. These include actions for monetary and equitable relief and run the gamut from claims for damages to constitutional challenges. The Civil Division also conducts investigations and brings affirmative litigation on behalf of the United States under a wide variety of statutes. Generalist AUSAs carry both defensive and affirmative caseloads. AUSAs handle these cases in all phases before the district court and on appeal.

✳✳REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS✳✳

➡Candidates must be active members of the bar.

➡Have at least 3 years post-J.D. legal experience.

➡U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications include but are not limited to:

◾Candidates should possess excellent oral and written advocacy skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.

◾Candidates should exhibit sound judgment, be able to function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment and possess a sincere and demonstrated commitment to justice and public service.

◾ Federal court litigation experience, a history of handling complex legal issues, and trial experience are all helpful.

📝To apply please send a single PDF containing your cover letter, resume, a completed signed application, writing sample, a copy of your certificate of good standing, and a copy of your transcripts to the following address:

📩 [email protected]

Click here for a copy of the AUSA Application.

◾Applicants should also send their original Certificate of Good Standing and Transcripts to the Following address:

Executive Specialist Korin Foy

Re: AUSA Application

United States Attorney’s Office

Eastern District of New York

271 Cadman Plaza East

Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201

◾All letters of recommendation and cover letters should be addressed as follows:

Executive Assistant United States Attorney Judith A. Philips

◾Applicants should note their interest in a generalist AUSA position in their cover letter.

📅Applications should be submitted by Friday August 9, 2024.

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Assistant united states attorney.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of California represents the Federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the Eastern District of California. This includes all 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.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is headquartered in Sacramento. The District includes the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains and encompasses most of the land mass of California – from the Coastal Mountain Range to the Nevada border, and from Bakersfield in the south to the Oregon border. The Bakersfield office serves Kern County and the surrounding areas within the southern part of the Eastern District of California.

Sacramento, the state capital, is located in the heart of California. The city has been on the move since it became the capital in 1854 and is now one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. Sacramento is home to professional ballet, opera, and theatre companies, including the Sacramento Music Circus, providing a wide range of cultural activities and events. Professional sports are represented by the Sacramento Kings of the NBA, the Sacramento River Cats, a Triple-A baseball team, and the Sacramento Republic FC, a professional soccer team. Bound by two rivers, water recreation tops the list for outdoor activities such as salmon fishing, river rafting, and boating. Nearby Folsom Lake and Lake Natoma offer sailing and windsurfing. Sacramento is located 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and approximately 90 miles west of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, providing numerous recreational opportunities for skiing and boating enthusiasts.

As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the 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.

The United States Attorney is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Sacramento Office.  The Assistant U.S. Attorney will be responsible for handling a variety of criminal cases with an emphasis on complex white collar and economic crimes.

Please note: This is a term position not-to-exceed September 30, 2026, subject to availability of funds.  This position may be extended, or made permanent, without further advertising. 

Following appointment, Assistant U.S. Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which they are appointed. See28 U.S.C. § 545 for district-specific information.

This position is open to any U.S. Citizen to apply.

Other Benefits:   The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; 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.

Required Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of a State, territory, or the District of Columbia, and have at least one year of post-J.D. experience. Applicants must be active members in good standing of the bar (any jurisdiction). Ideal qualifications include at least 3-4 years of experience litigating cases in federal courts, with substantial responsibility for all aspects of discovery, trial, and appeals. United States citizenship is required. Preferred Qualifications: Applicants must demonstrate a quick analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate issues in a case. Applicants must demonstrate superior oral and writing skills as well as strong research and interpersonal skills, and good judgment. Applicants must possess excellent communication and courtroom skills and exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, paralegals, support staff and client agencies. Applicants must have demonstrated capacity to function, with minimal guidance, in a highly demanding environment. Applicants will be expected to do their own legal research and writing and will be substantially self-sufficient in preparing day-to-day correspondence and pleadings. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent computer literacy skills to include experience with automated research on the internet, electronic court filing, and electronic e-mail and word processing systems. The ideal candidate will have some experience working with multi-agency task forces; will have substantial experience and familiarity with federal grand jury practice; will have experience with the use of a multitude of investigatory techniques, including electronic surveillance, tracking devices, search warrants, telephone toll record analysis and asset seizure and forfeiture; and will demonstrate the ability handle complex cases from the initial investigative stage through trial.

Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory pre-employment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, tax and credit checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.

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

Applications must be submitted with required documents online through USA Jobs at this link:  https://www.usajobs.gov/job/791282100 .

This announcement will remain opened until filled. The first cutoff is July 1, 2024, with subsequent reviews thereafter as needed.

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 at USA Jobs).
• Required - Your resume showing relevant experience and dates of employment (include day/month/year).
• Required - Cover letter.
• Required - Recent writing sample.
• 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.

Please note that if you do not provide the required information, your application may not be considered.

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 $80,217-$188,218 which includes 29.16% locality pay.

*         *         *

Department Policies

Equal Employment Opportunity :  The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.  Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor.  The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full  EEO Statement .

Reasonable Accommodations :  This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency.  Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities :  The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements.  Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority.  Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of  DPOCs .   

Suitability and Citizenship :  It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.  Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see,  https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/ ). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.

Veterans :  There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website,  www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf  for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).

USAO Residency Requirement :  Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof.  See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

This and other vacancy announcements can be found under  Attorney Vacancies  and  Volunteer Legal Internships . The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.