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Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Program

Eight-Month Extendable Detail Positions
General Crimes Unit - Alexandria Division

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia has openings for an eight-month detail. The length of the detail may be extendable. The start date for the next class is September 8. Detailees will handle a wide variety of matters in federal court, including but not limited to felony narcotics trafficking, firearms, violent crimes, child exploitation, immigration and fraud cases, as well as misdemeanor and petty offenses. Detailees will play an important role in Virginia’s Homeland Security Task Force (VHSTF). Although all experience levels are welcome to apply, these positions will generally be geared towards individuals seeking to develop their litigation and writing skills. Detailees will receive extensive training on all facets of criminal litigation practice.

Detailees will routinely appear before federal magistrate and district court judges, and the grand jury. They will gain substantive experience through handling all stages of the prosecution from initial appearance through trial and sentencing. The detail will also include opportunities to work on appellate briefs, habeas corpus petitions, motion responses, and supervised release position papers.

EDVA has utilized and trained detailees from DOJ and other agencies for more than 25 years, with over 500 Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) participating.

The detail will be located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, near the King Street and Eisenhower Metro Stations (blue and yellow lines). Living accommodations and parking will not be provided.

Qualifications

Interested applicants must possess a J.D., or equivalent degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and be an active member of the bar in good standing. Applicants must be U.S. citizens already employed by the U.S. Department of Justice or the U.S. Government and must have obtained approval from their component or agency to apply to the detail. Prior to starting the detail, selected applicants must have successfully completed a background check.

Salary

This appointment is made on a non-reimbursable basis. The position and the funding for the salary and benefits will be provided by the SAUSA’s home employer or agency.

Application Process

Please submit one PDF file in accordance with the requirement below:

A resume, no longer than a single page, in a single combined PDF attachment using the filename format LastnameFirstname (e.g., SmithJane.pdf). A cover letter is optional.

Applications for the detail must be emailed to USAVAE.SAUSA@usdoj.gov. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled, but all applications should be submitted by August 4.

Updated June 16, 2025