Employment

The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Western Pennsylvania employs more than 100 employees. Positions include Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs), a variety of support staff positions, college students, and law students. Selections for positions in the District are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability (physical or mental), gender identity, protected genetic information, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor.  Employment for all positions is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a background investigation conducted by the Department of Justice. The investigation process includes a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use, a fingerprint check, and a thorough review of the applicant's background to determine whether there have been any significant problems with unresolved financial indebtedness, failure to file and/or pay income taxes, criminal record, illegal drug use, etc.

Attorney Positions

Applications for attorney positions are evaluated by a Hiring Committee . Candidates selected for AUSA positions are expected to make a three-year commitment. Applicants for AUSA positions must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member of at least one bar (any jurisdiction). When a vacancy for an AUSA position is announced on USAJOBS.gov, individuals who are interested should apply for the position by following the directions set forth in the job announcement.  The application must be submitted during the time frame stated in the announcement.

Support Positions

Applications for support positions are accepted by applicants who apply by following the directions set forth in the job announcement on USAJOBS.gov.  The application must be submitted during the time frame stated in the announcement.

Law Student Interns

The United States Attorney sponsors law student intern programs throughout the year. The positions are unpaid but provide law students with an opportunity to work with Assistant U.S. Attorneys on a variety of matters. During the school year, the Office welcomes students who work up to twenty hours per week. During the summer, the Office hosts students for ten weeks who work full time with many AUSAs on a variety of criminal and civil matters.

Applications for unpaid law intern positions are accepted from law students who have completed their first year of law school. Applications should be forwarded following email address: USAPAW.Recruitment@usdoj.gov.

Law students may apply for positions by sending a resume, cover letter, unofficial transcript and writing sample for summer positions. Law students must be approved through their schools for the Fall and Spring externships. Because all offers are contingent upon Department of Justice background clearance, applicants are encouraged to apply at least four months before they would like to commence work.

Deadline to apply is for a Fall 2024 Semester internship: May 16, 2024