An Assistant U.S. Attorney is a federally employed lawyer who works under a presidentially appointed U.S. Attorney to prosecute federal crimes and represent the government in civil cases. AUSAs handle everything from drug trafficking and public corruption to immigration violations and civil rights cases. They are typically hired through a competitive merit-based process that historically required prior trial experience.
The DOJ's March 2026 decision to eliminate trial experience requirements for AUSA candidates directly changed who can be hired into these powerful prosecution roles, affecting the quality and independence of federal law enforcement.
The DOJ's March 2026 decision to eliminate trial experience requirements for AUSA candidates directly changed who can be hired into these powerful prosecution roles, affecting the quality and independence of federal law enforcement.