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Employment Opportunities

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois employs approximately 340 permanent status employees in a variety of professional, administrative, technical and clerical occupations. The office also employs about a dozen students on temporary appointments. Most of the staff is assigned to the main office located in downtown Chicago, and there is a small branch office located in Rockford.

The office is committed to equal employment opportunity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism. The office welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons.

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. You must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for employment with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Dual citizens of the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Opportunities for Attorneys

The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois periodically recruits for Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), as vacancies occur. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice maintains a current list of attorney vacancies at the Office of Attorney and Recruitment and Management.

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least two years post J.D. experience. Additionally, it is desired that successful candidates have excellent academics, significant litigation experience, criminal law experience, strong legal writing skills, and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Opportunities for Support Staff

Support position vacancies (Experienced, Recent Graduates, and Students) are listed on The Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Opportunities for Law Students

Information about Law Student opportunities is maintained centrally by the U.S. Department of Justice - Opportunities for Law Volunteer Internships. For opportunities within the Northern District of Illinois, visit the Law Student Intern Program page for more information.
Updated April 7, 2021