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Employment

The hiring process of this Office is designed to give full and fair consideration to each applicant. Because of staffing and budget limitations, we are able to make hiring commitments only to a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants. Although we can offer positions to only a very small percentage of those who submit applications, every applicant is of equal importance to us, and we genuinely appreciate the interest expressed in this Office.

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 color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.

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. 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 Human Resources Office's point of contact identified on the announcement. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For a list of the current vacancies within the Western District of Louisiana, just click Vacancies.  To learn more about the requirements of the hiring process, please select from the following categories:

Assistant United States Attorneys
Non-Attorney / Support Positions
Student Volunteer Internships
Student Temporary Employment

Assistant United States Attorneys

This Office seeks attorneys who are citizens of the United States and have outstanding legal ability, high moral character, mature judgment, a keen desire for public service, and an exceptional aptitude for litigation. Selections are made of the most highly qualified attorneys who apply, without regard to race, sex, creed, color, national origin, handicap, age, or political affiliation. Although experience in the criminal justice system as either a prosecutor or defense attorney is not necessary, we do require active membership of the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction and at least one year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.  To be considered for a Civil Division vacancy it is desired that an applicant have at least two years of civil litigation experience.

AUSA Application Requirements and Hiring Process

Application Requirements
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana actively recruits for Assistant U.S. Attorneys as vacancies occur.  Each vacancy announcement is publicly advertised by placement on the Department of Justice careers website.  An application for a position with this Office should include a letter of application, resume, legal writing sample and, if requested, an official law school transcript. The writing sample selected for submission should be the applicant's exclusive work product. If the writing sample was edited, or if there were other contributors, applicants are expected to identify those portions of the writing sample not exclusively their own work product and the extent of editing done by others. Applicants may also submit letters of reference from persons recommending appointment. Applicants interested in being considered for a position with the Civil Division of this Office should so specify in the letter forwarding their application.

Possible Conflicts of Interest
Depending upon the nature of your practice, your application to this Office may create the possibility of a conflict of interest. If you handle any cases -- criminal or civil -- in which this Office represents an adverse interest, it is incumbent upon you immediately to advise your client of the fact that you are seeking employment here and obtain his consent to your continued representation. It may also be necessary for you to advise the court that you have applied for a position here. If you are handling any cases in which a conflict may exist, you will be expected to provide this Office with a written waiver of the potential conflict signed by your client before you will be interviewed. Furthermore, if you are a resident of the Western District of Louisiana and you are called for jury duty in the U.S. District Court after you have submitted your application for a position here, you must make the fact of your application known during voir dire in any case in which this Office represents a party.

Interviewing Procedures
Because we receive a very large number of applications, it is impossible to interview all who apply. Our objective, however, is to give full and fair consideration to each applicant and make hiring commitments to the most highly qualified. The first step of the hiring process is an initial review of all applications. Upon the completion of this initial review, a limited number of applicants are scheduled for interviews. The first series of interviews is conducted by two or three senior attorneys. Based upon the recommendations made by the initial panel of interviewers, an interview may be scheduled with the United States Attorney. After the completion of all interviews, final hiring decisions are made following an analysis of writing samples, consideration of letters of recommendation, and a reference check.

Employment Offers
All employment offers are made subject to successful completion of an FBI background investigation, a drug test, and the normal budgetary constraints of the Department of Justice. At the time the employment offer is made, the prospective Assistant United States Attorney will be advised of a projected starting date, generally within six to eight weeks following the date of the offer.

Background Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducts an extensive background investigation of each applicant who receives an employment offer. This is a thorough investigation that includes reference checks with current and former employers, military records and credit bureaus. The investigation also includes verification of tax filings and attendance at institutions of higher learning. Final adjudication of security clearances can take from four to six months; therefore, the Department can grant a waiver for most positions, allowing the selectee to enter on duty, while the investigation is being conducted. United States citizenship is required. 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. In addition, during the interviewing process, applicants will also be asked questions concerning their background. Any applicant who may be concerned about his or her background is encouraged to discuss the matter with the First Assistant US Attorney.

Residency Requirement
Pursuant to the requirements of 28 U.S.C. § 545, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Western District of Louisiana must reside within the District or within 25 miles thereof.

Salary & Benefits
Assistant United States Attorney positions are in the Excepted Service and entering salaries are established by the Department of Justice based upon each applicant's pre-employment qualifications and amount of legal experience. Salaries are not established within the "GS" schedule. Applicants with specific questions concerning entering salaries should contact the Human Resources Officer.   Questions concerning benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement programs may be directed to the Personnel Office within the United States Attorney's Office.

All applications and supporting documentation may be mailed to:

United States Attorney
ATTN: Human Resources Officer
300 Fannin Street, Suite 3201
Shreveport, LA 71101

or

Submitted electronically (preferred .pdf format) to the following email address:
USALAW.HRO@usdoj.gov

Security Forms
Applicants who have tentatively been selected for Assistant U.S. Attorney positions with the US Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana will find below a list of security and administrative forms required for employment.

Assistant U.S. Attorney – Pre-Employment/Security Forms
SF-86 or 86A Application Overview of the investigations process and access to the electronic SF86.   The SF86 electronic form is completed  by assessing the following link:
http://www.opm.gov/e-QIP/browser-check.asp
Completing the 2010 SF86 in eQIP A guide published by OPM to assist in completion of the SF86 investigation form.
OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment.
Please sign and date form in 17 a only, not 17 b.
Resume Resume or employment application
DOJ 555 Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act in order to pull credit report
Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification , Proof of U.S. citizenship
SF-144 Statement of Prior Federal Service
SF-256 Self-Identification of Disability
Dual Citizenship Applicant certifying dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country must submit the following:
  • Letter of explanation stating why the applicant feels s/he is a dual citizen with the U.S. and another country including a statement offering to relinquish citizenship to the non-U.S. country if so requested by Justice Management Division;
  • Loyalty Statement
  • Foreign Born Relatives or Associates Statement
DOJ-488 Tax Check Waiver - Use the same ink for signature and date with no white out or erasures. Otherwise, IRS will not accept the form. Revised form was issued 2/12. If you answer on this form that you have or have had late tax filing(s), did not file tax return(s), have numerous tax filing extensions, was or currently on a payment plan, the following will be required:
  • A detailed explanation(s), copies of all documents pertaining to the years involved, and all correspondence with IRS.
DOJ 54 – Bar Certification and Letter of Good Standing Certification of active membership in the bar and verification that the applicant is an active member in good standing of a state, U.S. Territory, or District of Columbia bar.
Residence Information  
Foreign Born Relatives Or Associates Statement Form Form required to list all foreign born relatives and associates.  Description of nature, frequency and degree of contact with the foreign national relative(s) and associate(s) identified on the SF86.
OFI-36 - Single Scope, Additional Data for Single Scope Background Investigations and Other Background Investigations. This form is only applicable under the following conditions:
  • Immediate family members are resident aliens or U.S. citizens other than by birth;
  • Current spouse is foreign born
  • Co-inhabitant(s) and any other persons to whom applicant is bound by affection or obligation who may be subject to duress by a foreign power
OARM-9 Reminder of Government Attorney Ethical Obligations to Client.
OARM-1B Memorandum of Agreement for appointment NTE 14 months while full-field background investigation is being conducted.
SF-87A - Fingerprint Cards Fingerprint cards will be mailed to you and you can be fingerprinted at any local police station. Fingerprint cards need to be completely filled out and in BLACK ink ONLY.  
Email Address Must provide email address on either resume or on a separate piece of paper.
Derogatory Information - i.e., bankruptcy, indebtedness, arrests, income tax issues, drug use, etc. Provide a letter of explanation addressing each derogatory issue.
Provide supporting documents, e.g., canceled payment checks.

Please either mail forms directly to the following address or make an appointment to have the forms hand delivered to:

United States Attorney's Office
Western District of Louisiana
ATTN: HR Office
300 Fannin Street, Ste 3210
Shreveport, LA 71101

For additional information, please contact:  HR Office, 318 676-3600 or email USALAW.HRO@usdoj.gov

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Non-Attorney / Support Positions

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana accepts applications for employment in non-attorney/support positions as posted by specific position vacancy announcements or public notices on the USAJOBs website.    The most common non-attorney positions are Legal Assistants (GS-986), Paralegal Specialists (GS-950) and administrative/technical positions.  You will need to review the list of vacancy announcements for the Western District of Louisiana and follow the instructions provided within the “How to Apply” section of the announcement.  Applications are completed on line from the USAJOBS website by submitting a resume and answering the assessment questionnaire linked to the vacancy announcement.

Background Investigation
Note that all employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation adjudicated by the Department of Justice. Applicants are also subject to drug testing and are required to pass this screening for illegal drug use prior to final appointment.

Application Guidelines
Vacancies are announced on the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov.  The vacancy announcement will provide information as to the duties of the position, qualifications required, how you will be evaluated and how to apply.  There will be an occupational questionnaire you will be required to complete.  This questionnaire will also contain assessment questions which you will need to answer to complete the application process.  Be sure to comply with all requirements of the vacancy announcement to include uploading the required documents. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete package and non-consideration.

Training Program
The United States Attorney's Office offers a substantial training program for the support staff. New employees attend Employee Orientation program. This program is followed by a series of substantive training programs in a variety of areas such as policies and procedures of the Office's Divisions, and communications skills and professionalism in interacting with public, including crime victims and witnesses.

Security Forms
Applicants who have tentatively been selected for positions with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana will find below a list of security and administrative forms required for employment.

Non-Attorney/Support - Security and Pre-Employment Forms
SF-86 or 86A Application Overview of the investigations process and access to the electronic SF86.   The SF86 electronic form is completed  by assessing the following link:
http://www.opm.gov/e-QIP/browser-check.asp
Completing the 2010 SF86 in eQIP A guide published by OPM to assist in completion of the SF86 investigation form.
OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment.
Please sign and date form in 17 a only, not 17 b.
DOJ 555 Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act in order to pull credit report
Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification , Proof of U.S. citizenship
SF-144 Statement of Prior Federal Service
SF-256 Self-Identification of Disability
Dual Citizenship Applicant certifying dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country must submit the following:
  • Letter of explanation stating why the applicant feels s/he is a dual citizen with the U.S. and another country including a statement offering to relinquish citizenship to the non-U.S. country if so requested by Justice Management Division;
  • Loyalty Statement
  • Foreign Born Relatives or Associates Statement
Foreign Born Relatives Or Associates Statement Form Form required to list all foreign born relatives and associates.  Description of nature, frequency and degree of contact with the foreign national relative(s) and associate(s) identified on the SF86.
OFI-36 - Single Scope, Additional Data for Single Scope Background Investigations and Other Background Investigations. This form is only applicable under the following conditions:
  • Immediate family members are resident aliens or U.S. citizens other than by birth;
  • Current spouse is foreign born
  • Co-inhabitant(s) and any other persons to whom applicant is bound by affection or obligation who may be subject to duress by a foreign power
SF-87A - Fingerprint Cards Fingerprint cards will be mailed to you and you can be fingerprinted at any local police station. Fingerprint cards need to be completely filled out and in BLACK ink ONLY.  
Email Address Must provide email address on either resume or on a separate piece of paper.
Derogatory Information - i.e., bankruptcy, indebtedness, arrests, income tax issues, drug use, etc. Provide a letter of explanation addressing each derogatory issue.
Provide supporting documents, e.g., canceled payment checks.

Please either mail forms directly to the following address or make an appointment to have the forms hand delivered to:

United States Attorney's Office
Western District of Louisiana
ATTN: HR Office
300 Fannin Street, Ste 3210
Shreveport, LA 71101

For additional information, please contact:  HR Office, 318 676-3600 or email USALAW.HRO@usdoj.gov

OPM About Investigations

Student Volunteer Internships

The United States Attorney's Office has several student programs for which recruiting is done each semester. The Fall Program typically runs from September through December, the Spring Program from January through May, and the Summer Program from June through August. Our Office offers volunteer and academic credit internships to undergraduates, graduate students and to law students. We accept college undergraduates, graduate students, and second and third year law students, with the permission of their school, to work in the Office. During the school year, students must be prepared to work from sixteen to twenty hours a week, or more if their schedules permit. In the summer, most students work 40 hours a week.

Program Requirements
Applicants for these programs must be United States citizens and are required to submit an application by submitting a cover letter, resume, and a school transcript to the HR Office on or before the deadlines listed in the announcements.  A student must maintain a grade point average of a 2.5 or higher. Note that every student internship is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to work in any capacity before his or her security clearance is successfully completed.

Academic Credits
Students may earn academic credit for working at our office. Information on academic credit programs can be obtained from school placement offices.

Application Guidelines
Volunteer Law Intern positions are announced on the Department of Justice Careers website. Due to the time required to process background investigations, applicants should submit all required information at least three months prior to the anticipated start date.

Anyone interested in applying for any of the above programs should contact the Human Resources Officer for the Western District of Louisiana at (318) 676-3600 or email USALAW.HRO@usdoj.gov.

Security Forms
Applicants who have tentatively been selected for positions with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Louisiana will find below a list of security and administrative forms required for employment.

Student Volunteer - Security and Pre-Employment Forms
SF-85/85P/85PS Application Overview of the investigations process and access to the electronic SF86.   The SF86 electronic form is completed  by assessing the following link:
http://www.opm.gov/e-QIP/browser-check.asp
OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment.
Please sign and date form in 17 a only, not 17 b.
DOJ 555 (if needed) Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act in order to pull credit report
Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification , Proof of U.S. citizenship
SF-144 Statement of Prior Federal Service
SF-256 Self-Identification of Disability
OARM-9 Intern Ethical Obligations Agreement
Student Volunteer Agreement Provided by HR Office.  Certifies student is enrolled, in good academic standing and understands the statement of service.
Dual Citizenship Applicant certifying dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country must submit the following:
  • Letter of explanation stating why the applicant feels s/he is a dual citizen with the U.S. and another country including a statement offering to relinquish citizenship to the non-U.S. country if so requested by Justice Management Division;
  • Loyalty Statement
  • Foreign Born Relatives or Associates Statement
Foreign Born Relatives Or Associates Statement Form Form required to list all foreign born relatives and associates.  Description of nature, frequency and degree of contact with the foreign national relative(s) and associate(s) identified on the SF86.
OFI-36 - Single Scope, Additional Data for Single Scope Background Investigations and Other Background Investigations. This form is only applicable under the following conditions:
  • Immediate family members are resident aliens or U.S. citizens other than by birth;
  • Current spouse is foreign born
  • Co-inhabitant(s) and any other persons to whom applicant is bound by affection or obligation who may be subject to duress by a foreign power
SF-87A - Fingerprint Cards Fingerprint cards will be mailed to you and you can be fingerprinted at any local police station. Fingerprint cards need to be completely filled out and in BLACK ink ONLY.  
Email Address Must provide email address on either resume or on a separate piece of paper.
Derogatory Information - i.e., bankruptcy, indebtedness, arrests, income tax issues, drug use, etc. Provide a letter of explanation addressing each derogatory issue.
Provide supporting documents, e.g., canceled payment checks.

Please either mail forms directly to the following address or make an appointment to have the forms hand delivered to:

United States Attorney's Office
Western District of Louisiana
ATTN: HR Office
300 Fannin Street, Ste 3210
Shreveport, LA 71101

For additional information, please contact:  HR Office, 318 676-3600 or email USALAW.HRO@usdoj.gov

OPM About Investigations

Student Intern (Pathways Program)

The Student Internship under the Pathways Program is for current students.  This program provides students in high schools, colleges (including 4-year colleges/universities, community and junior colleges), professional, technical, vocational and trade school; advanced degree programs or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate with paid opportunities to work and explore Federal careers while completing their education.

The Western District of Louisiana provides job opportunities under this program on a temporary basis as long as you are a student.  The student must sign a Participant Agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that sets forth the expectations for the internship.   The intern’s duties should be related to either the intern’s academic or career goals.  More information concerning this program can be found under Pathways at the Office of Personnel Management website.

Program Features

  • Year round employment
  • Flexible schedule
  • Open to all students...high school, undergraduate, graduate, and vocational/technical.

Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible under the Internship Pathways Program if you are:

  • A student enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.).
  • Taking at least half-time academic or vocational and technical course load in an accredited high school, technical or vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, graduate or professional school.
  • A U.S. citizen

Application Guidelines
Vacancies are announced on the USAJOBS website at www.usajobs.gov.  The vacancy announcement will provide information as to the duties of the position, qualifications required, how you will be evaluated and how to apply.  There will be an occupational questionnaire you will be required to complete.  This questionnaire will also contain assessment questions which you will need to answer to complete the application process.  Be sure to comply with all requirements of the vacancy announcement to include uploading the required documents. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete package and non-consideration.

Background Investigation
Please note that all employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation adjudicated by the Department of Justice. Applicants are also subject to drug testing by urinalysis.

Security Forms
Applicants who have tentatively been selected for positions with the U.S. Attorney's Office will find below a list of security and administrative forms required for employment.

Student Intern (Pathways Program)-Security and Pre-Employment Forms

SF-85/85P/85PS Application

Overview of the investigations process and access to the electronic SF86.   The SF86 electronic form is completed  by assessing the following link:
http://www.opm.gov/e-QIP/browser-check.asp
OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment.
Please sign and date form in 17 a only, not 17 b.
DOJ 555 Disclosure and Authorization Pertaining to Consumer Reports Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act in order to pull credit report
Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification , Proof of U.S. citizenship
SF-144 Statement of Prior Federal Service
SF-256 Self-Identification of Disability
Student Volunteer Agreement Provided by HR Office.  Certifies student is enrolled, in good academic standing and understands the statement of service.
Dual Citizenship Applicant certifying dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country must submit the following:
  • Letter of explanation stating why the applicant feels s/he is a dual citizen with the U.S. and another country including a statement offering to relinquish citizenship to the non-U.S. country if so requested by Justice Management Division;
  • Loyalty Statement
  • Foreign Born Relatives or Associates Statement
Foreign Born Relatives Or Associates Statement Form Form required to list all foreign born relatives and associates.  Description of nature, frequency and degree of contact with the foreign national relative(s) and associate(s) identified on the SF86.
OFI-36 - Single Scope, Additional Data for Single Scope Background Investigations and Other Background Investigations. This form is only applicable under the following conditions:
  • Immediate family members are resident aliens or U.S. citizens other than by birth;
  • Current spouse is foreign born
  • Co-inhabitant(s) and any other persons to whom applicant is bound by affection or obligation who may be subject to duress by a foreign power
SF-87A - Fingerprint Cards Fingerprint cards will be mailed to you and you can be fingerprinted at any local police station. Fingerprint cards need to be completely filled out and in BLACK ink ONLY.  
Email Address Must provide email address on either resume or on a separate piece of paper.
Derogatory Information - i.e., bankruptcy, indebtedness, arrests, income tax issues, drug use, etc. Provide a letter of explanation addressing each derogatory issue.
Provide supporting documents, e.g., canceled payment checks.

Please either mail forms directly to the following address or make an appointment to have the forms hand delivered to:

United States Attorney's Office
Western District of Louisiana
ATTN: HR Office
300 Fannin Street, Ste 3210
Shreveport, LA 71101

For additional information, please contact:  HR Office, 318 676-3600 or email USALAW.HRO@usdoj.gov

OPM About Investigations

Updated March 13, 2017