Rotational Opportunities


Department of Justice, United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Civil Division

LOCATION: Washington, D.C.

POSITION TITLE: Special Assistant United States Attorney

DURATION: Up to 6 months

Our Office’s Civil Division invites existing PMFs who are licensed attorneys to apply for six month rotations during which they will receive intensive civil litigation experience defending federal agencies and officials in courts in Washington, D.C.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants who are selected will serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in our Office’s Civil Division. In that capacity, they will represent federal agencies and officials at both the trial and appellate levels in civil cases filed in courts in the District of Columbia. SAUSAs handle cases arising under a variety of statutes that affect all federal agencies, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Federal Tort Claims Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the employment discrimination laws. Handling such cases involves significant motions practice and brief writing, discovery practice, and frequent interactions with agency attorneys, opposing counsel, and court personnel. There may also be opportunities for participation in alternative dispute resolution, oral argument, and civil trials. Although the work is often quite challenging, the experience enables SAUSAs to gain greater insight about legal issues of concern throughout the federal government, and to enhance their future effectiveness as government lawyers.

EXPERIENCE: SAUSA applicants must be licensed attorneys who are currently employed by a federal agency. Some previous experience in civil litigation is helpful.

POINT OF CONTACT: To apply to be an SAUSA in the Civil Division, send an email and resume to: Rudolph Contreras, Chief, Civil Division; United States Attorney’s Office; 555 Fourth Street, N.W., Room E-4226; Washington, D.C. 20530; Email: Rudolph.Contreras@usdoj.gov; Telephone: (202) 514-7151.