About this role
Job SummaryThe United States Attorney's Office for the District of Maine is seeking two experienced civil litigators to serve as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in our Civil Division. The District of Maine encompasses the entire state, with a population of about 1.3 million. We are recruiting for our Portland office headquarters. Portland is a vibrant, livable small city located on gorgeous Casco Bay. For additional information regarding our office, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree and be an active member in good standing of the bar (any jurisdiction). Applicants must have a minimum of three years of post-J.D. experience and demonstrated excellence in trial advocacy and legal writing. Preferred Qualifications: Hiring for AUSA positions is highly competitive. Our ideal candidate will have: At least 5 years of post-J.D. experience; At least 3 years of federal civil litigation experience, preferably working within a U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Justice ligating component or state attorney general's office; Incisive analytical ability and the facility to accurately and precisely articulate the critical issues in a wide variety of civil cases; Superior oral and written communication skills and a strong courtroom presence; A demonstrated commitment to professionalism, ethics, civility and public service; Impeccable integrity; Outstanding organizational, time management and interpersonal skills; The ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff and client agencies; Excellent computer literacy skills and the ability to handle all aspects of electronic discovery and litigation; and A strong desire to practice in Maine. Conflicts of Interest. Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with Rule 1.7 of the Maine Rules of Professional Conduct (regarding conflicts of interest) in connection with any matters in which the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maine is involved. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you currently are representing clients or adjudicating matters in which the U.S. Attorney's Office is involved and/or whether you have family members who are representing clients or adjudicating matters in which the U.S. Attorney's Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflicts of interest or disqualification issues that may need to be resolved under those circumstances. You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
Major DutiesThe Office has two openings for experienced civil litigators to serve as AUSAs in the Civil Division in our Portland office. If interested, candidates with significant litigation and leadership experience may also be considered for the position of Chief of the Civil Division. First round consideration will be given to applications submitted by January 14, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST. Thereafter, the applicant list will be reviewed every 30 days or until filled. As needed, additional positions may be filled. Civil AUSAs litigate on behalf of the government a wide variety of civil cases including immigration-based habeas corpus claims, medical malpractice and personal injury, employment discrimination, constitutional claims against federal officials, bankruptcy, collection, foreclosure, health care fraud, procurement fraud, challenges to federal agency actions, and subpoena and summons enforcement litigation. Assigned cases will include matters pending in United States District Court in both Portland and Bangor, as well as matters in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Portland and Bangor. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. All initial attorney positions to the Department of Justice are subject to favorable adjudication of background check parameters and certified completion of a probationary/trial period.